I. Understanding the Goal: What Makes a Good Background?
* Complement, Not Compete: The background should enhance your subject, not distract from them. Simplicity is often key.
* Create Separation: You want to separate your subject from the background to make them "pop." Depth of field (blurring the background) is a primary tool for this.
* Tell a Story: The background can add context and tell a story about your subject or the overall mood of the portrait.
* Provide Texture/Visual Interest: While simplicity is good, a completely blank background can be boring. Look for textures, patterns, or subtle variations.
* Control Light: Pay attention to how the light falls on the background. Avoid overly bright or distracting highlights.
II. Before You Start: Planning & Preparation
* Know Your Subject: Consider your subject's personality, style, and the story you want to tell. This will influence your background choices.
* Define Your Vision: What mood or feeling are you trying to evoke? Romantic? Energetic? Serious?
* Location Scouting: This is crucial! Use online tools (Google Maps, Instagram location tags) to explore potential locations before your shoot. Consider:
* Time of day: The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most flattering light.
* Accessibility: Is it easy to get to with your equipment and subject?
* Permits/Restrictions: Some locations require permits or have photography restrictions.
* Crowds: Anticipate the number of people who might be there at your chosen time.
* Consider Wardrobe: Think about how your subject's clothing will interact with the background. Avoid clashing colors or patterns.
III. Background Elements to Look For:
* Nature:
* Trees: Offer dappled light, textures, and can frame your subject. Look for interesting bark or branch patterns.
* Fields/Meadows: Provide a soft, blurred backdrop with natural colors.
* Flowers/Plants: Add pops of color and visual interest. Be mindful of pollen allergies.
* Water: Reflections can create beautiful effects. Consider lakes, rivers, streams, or even puddles.
* Mountains/Hills: Offer a sense of grandeur and distance.
* Sky: A dramatic sky with clouds can be a stunning backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset.
* Architecture:
* Walls: Brick, stone, or painted walls can provide texture and color. Look for interesting patterns or textures.
* Doors/Windows: Create a sense of mystery and can be used to frame your subject.
* Staircases: Add visual interest and lead the eye.
* Arches: Naturally frame the subject.
* Bridges: Can provide interesting lines and perspectives.
* Urban Elements:
* Street Art/Murals: Add a pop of color and personality. Make sure the art doesn't overshadow the subject.
* Fences: Can be used to create a sense of separation or add texture.
* Alleys: Often have interesting light and shadows.
* Industrial Settings: Factories, warehouses, or abandoned buildings can create a unique and edgy look. (Consider safety and permission).
* Abstract:
* Shadows: Use shadows to create patterns and define shapes.
* Bokeh: Beautiful out-of-focus highlights can create a dreamy effect.
* Reflections: Use mirrors, glass, or water to create interesting reflections.
IV. Techniques for Finding and Utilizing Backgrounds:
* Change Your Perspective:
* Shoot Low: Shooting from a low angle can make your subject appear taller and more imposing, and change the background entirely.
* Shoot High: Shooting from a high angle can provide a different perspective and simplify the background.
* Use Depth of Field (Aperture Control):
* Wide Aperture (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8): Creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating your subject. This is often the preferred method for portraits.
* Narrow Aperture (e.g., f/8, f/11): Keeps more of the background in focus, which can be useful if the background is an important part of the story.
* Pay Attention to Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (roads, fences, rivers) to draw the viewer's eye towards your subject.
* Frame Your Subject: Use elements in the foreground (trees, branches, doorways) to frame your subject and draw attention to them.
* Look for Negative Space: Leave empty space around your subject to create a sense of calm and balance.
* Move Around! Don't settle for the first background you see. Experiment with different angles, positions, and focal lengths. Even a small shift can make a big difference.
* Consider the Color Palette: Think about the colors in the background and how they complement or contrast with your subject's skin tone and clothing.
* Utilize the Sun's Position: Backlighting (sun behind the subject) can create a soft, dreamy effect. Use a reflector to bounce light back onto your subject's face. Sidelighting can emphasize texture and create dramatic shadows.
V. Common Mistakes to Avoid:
* Distracting Elements: Avoid backgrounds with bright, distracting objects, signs, or people.
* Cluttered Backgrounds: Too much going on in the background will draw attention away from your subject.
* Telephone Poles/Wires: These can be very distracting. Try to position yourself so they are not visible, or use Photoshop to remove them later.
* Bright Sunlight Directly on the Subject's Face: This can cause harsh shadows and squinting.
* Forgetting About Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially when shooting in urban or natural environments.
VI. Post-Processing Considerations:
* Color Correction: Adjust the colors in your photo to create a cohesive look.
* Dodging and Burning: Use these techniques to lighten or darken specific areas of the image and draw attention to your subject.
* Background Blurring (in Photoshop): If you didn't get enough background blur in camera, you can add it in Photoshop using various techniques.
* Remove Distractions: Use Photoshop to remove any distracting elements from the background.
VII. Practice and Experimentation:
The best way to find great backgrounds is to practice and experiment. Take lots of photos in different locations and with different settings. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and you'll gradually develop an eye for finding the perfect background for your portraits.
By carefully considering these factors, you can find backgrounds that elevate your outdoor portraits from good to great. Good luck!