I. Understanding What Makes a Good Background
Before we dive into locations, let's clarify the qualities of a good background:
* Complementary, Not Competing: The background should enhance the subject, not distract from them. It should complement their colors, style, and mood.
* Clean & Uncluttered: Avoid distracting elements like trash, busy streets, power lines, or overly bright/contrasting objects.
* Appropriate for the Subject: Consider the subject's personality, clothing, and the overall message you want to convey. A playful child might suit a park, while a professional headshot might need something more sophisticated.
* Depth & Dimension: A good background can create depth in the image, separating the subject from the background and making them "pop."
* Good Lighting: The background lighting should work in harmony with the lighting on your subject. Avoid having a subject in shade with a blindingly bright background.
* Color Harmony: Think about color palettes. Complementary colors (like blue and orange) can be visually appealing, while analogous colors (like greens and blues) create a calmer feel.
II. Scouting and Location Ideas
* Parks & Gardens:
* Pros: Variety of textures, colors, and natural elements. Often well-maintained.
* Tips: Look for interesting trees, flowerbeds, pathways, benches, or water features. Be mindful of crowds and time of day.
* Example: A weeping willow tree with soft, diffused light filtering through its branches.
* Urban Environments:
* Pros: Modern, edgy, and unique backdrops.
* Tips: Use brick walls, textured concrete, colorful murals, architectural details, or interesting doorways. Look for clean lines and simple shapes. Be aware of traffic and pedestrian safety.
* Example: A vibrant graffiti wall for a portrait of a street artist or a minimalist concrete wall for a fashion shoot.
* Nature Trails & Forests:
* Pros: Immersive and natural feel.
* Tips: Look for interesting rock formations, moss-covered logs, winding paths, or patches of sunlight. Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential bugs.
* Example: A subject standing amidst tall trees with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
* Beaches & Coastlines:
* Pros: Open space, beautiful light, and natural textures.
* Tips: Use the ocean, sand dunes, rocks, piers, or boats as backdrops. Consider the time of day for dramatic sunsets or sunrises. Watch out for strong winds and blowing sand.
* Example: A subject silhouetted against a vibrant sunset over the ocean.
* Fields & Meadows:
* Pros: Simple, rustic, and open feel.
* Tips: Look for fields with wildflowers, tall grass, or rolling hills. Golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset) is ideal for soft, warm light. Be mindful of potential allergies and ticks.
* Example: A subject standing in a field of wildflowers with the setting sun casting a golden glow.
* Your Own Backyard (or a Friend's):
* Pros: Convenient and familiar.
* Tips: Use fences, trees, shrubs, or even outdoor furniture as backdrops. Get creative with angles and perspectives.
* Example: A subject sitting on a porch swing with flowering vines in the background.
* Industrial Locations (Abandoned buildings, factories):
* Pros: Edgy, raw, and unique.
* Tips: Requires caution and permission. Look for interesting textures, patterns, and lines. Consider the safety of the location.
* Example: A subject posing against a rusted metal door with peeling paint.
III. Techniques for Using Backgrounds Effectively
* Aperture (f-stop):
* Wide Aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8): Creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject. This is great for minimizing distracting elements.
* Narrow Aperture (e.g., f/8, f/11): Creates a greater depth of field, keeping more of the background in focus. Use this when you want the background to be a more prominent part of the image or when photographing groups.
* Focal Length:
* Longer Focal Length (e.g., 85mm, 135mm): Compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject. Also helps to create a shallower depth of field. Good for portraits where you want a blurred background.
* Shorter Focal Length (e.g., 35mm, 50mm): Captures more of the background, providing context and a wider perspective. Good for environmental portraits.
* Composition:
* Rule of Thirds: Place the subject off-center to create a more dynamic composition.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (e.g., paths, fences) to guide the viewer's eye towards the subject.
* Framing: Use elements in the background (e.g., branches, doorways) to frame the subject and draw attention to them.
* Symmetry & Patterns: Look for symmetrical or repeating patterns in the background to create visual interest.
* Lighting:
* Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offers the best natural light – soft, warm, and flattering.
* Overcast Days: Provide even, diffused light, which can be ideal for portraits.
* Avoid Direct Sunlight: Harsh sunlight can create unflattering shadows and squinting. If you must shoot in direct sunlight, try to find shade or use a reflector to bounce light onto the subject. Diffusers can also soften harsh light.
* Backlighting: Position the subject with the sun behind them, creating a soft glow and rim light around their hair. You may need to use a reflector or fill flash to brighten the subject's face.
* Angle and Perspective:
* Shoot from a Low Angle: Can make the subject appear taller and more powerful. Can also help to simplify the background.
* Shoot from a High Angle: Can make the subject appear smaller and more vulnerable. Can also provide a unique perspective on the scene.
* Move Around: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering composition.
* Subject Placement:
* Consider the background behind the subject's head: Make sure there aren't distracting objects appearing to grow out of their head (like a tree branch).
* Watch for tangents: Avoid placing the subject where lines in the background intersect with their body in awkward ways.
IV. Preparation & Planning
* Scout Locations Ahead of Time: Don't wait until the day of the shoot to find a location. Scout potential locations in advance to assess the lighting, crowds, and overall suitability.
* Consider the Time of Day: Lighting changes dramatically throughout the day. Plan your shoot around the time of day when the light is most favorable.
* Communicate with the Subject: Discuss the location and desired look with the subject beforehand to ensure they are comfortable and prepared. Share inspiration photos.
* Bring the Right Equipment: Bring your camera, lenses, tripod (if needed), reflectors, diffusers, and any other equipment that you think you might need.
* Check the Weather Forecast: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Have a backup plan in case of rain.
* Get Permission (If Needed): If you are shooting on private property, make sure to get permission from the owner.
V. Post-Processing
* Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Fine-tune the exposure and contrast to create the desired mood.
* Color Correction: Correct any color casts and adjust the color balance to create a more pleasing image.
* Selective Focus: Use post-processing techniques to further blur the background and emphasize the subject.
* Remove Distractions: Use cloning or healing tools to remove any distracting elements in the background.
* Subtle Enhancements: Use gradients or radial filters to subtly adjust the brightness or contrast of the background.
Key Takeaways:
* Practice: The more you shoot, the better you'll become at finding and using great backgrounds.
* Be Observant: Pay attention to the light, colors, and textures around you.
* Get Creative: Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
* Prioritize Your Subject: Always remember that the background should complement, not compete with, the subject. The focus should always be on the person you're photographing.
By following these tips, you can consistently find and use great backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits that capture the essence of your subjects and tell a compelling story. Good luck!