1. Understand the Basics
* Contrast is Key: Look for backgrounds that contrast with your subject in terms of color, tone, and texture. This helps them stand out.
* Avoid Distractions: Cluttered, busy backgrounds can pull attention away from the subject. Simplify!
* Depth of Field: Understand how your aperture affects background blur (bokeh). A shallow depth of field (wider aperture like f/2.8 or f/4) blurs the background, emphasizing the subject. A deeper depth of field (narrower aperture like f/8 or f/11) keeps more of the background in focus, useful when the background is essential to the story.
* Lighting is Everything: The light hitting the background is just as important as the light on your subject. Pay attention to direction, intensity, and color of the light.
2. Location Scouting & Planning
* Online Resources:
* Google Maps & Google Street View: Explore potential locations from your computer.
* Instagram & Pinterest: Search location-specific hashtags (e.g., #parkname, #localcity, #springphotoshoot) to see examples of photos taken there.
* Flickr: Often has location information embedded in the photo metadata.
* Local Photography Groups (Facebook, Forums): Ask for recommendations and share ideas.
* Physical Scouting:
* Visit potential locations at different times of day: See how the light changes and what the crowds are like.
* Look for interesting textures, colors, and shapes: Walls, fences, foliage, water, etc.
* Consider the season: Fall foliage, spring blossoms, winter snow – each season offers unique opportunities.
* Timing is Crucial:
* Golden Hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset): Offers warm, soft, and flattering light. The angle of the sun creates beautiful shadows and highlights.
* Blue Hour (shortly before sunrise and after sunset): Provides soft, cool, and even lighting.
* Overcast Days: Can provide soft, diffused light, eliminating harsh shadows.
* Midday Sun (avoid if possible): Creates harsh shadows and can be unflattering. If you must shoot during midday, find shade.
3. Types of Backgrounds and How to Use Them
* Natural Backgrounds:
* Parks & Gardens: Offer a variety of options – trees, flowers, benches, pathways.
* Forests & Woods: Create a sense of depth and mystery. Use light filtering through the trees to your advantage.
* Beaches & Lakes: Provide a sense of calm and openness. Reflections on the water can add interest. Be mindful of harsh sunlight.
* Fields & Meadows: Offer a soft, dreamy look, especially during golden hour.
* Mountains & Hills: Provide a dramatic and expansive backdrop.
* Urban Backgrounds:
* Brick Walls: Offer texture and a vintage feel.
* Murals & Street Art: Add color and personality.
* Alleys & Passageways: Create a sense of depth and mystery.
* Stairways & Architectural Details: Provide interesting lines and shapes.
* Bridges & Overpasses: Offer unique perspectives and geometric elements.
* Simple/Minimalist Backgrounds:
* Plain Walls: Can be effective if you want to focus solely on the subject. Look for interesting colors or textures.
* Sky: Use a wide aperture to blur the sky or shoot against a colorful sunset or sunrise.
* Foliage (Out of Focus): Create a soft, blurry background with out-of-focus leaves or flowers.
4. Composition Techniques
* Rule of Thirds: Place your subject at one of the intersections of the rule of thirds grid for a more balanced and visually appealing composition.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (roads, fences, pathways) to lead the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (trees, archways, doorways) to frame your subject.
* Symmetry: Look for symmetrical elements in the background (buildings, reflections) to create a sense of balance and order.
* Negative Space: Use empty space around your subject to create a sense of calm and draw attention to them.
5. Working with the Background
* Adjust Your Position: Move yourself (or ask your subject to move) slightly to change the relationship between the subject and the background. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
* Change Your Angle: Shooting from a low angle can make your subject appear taller and more powerful, while shooting from a high angle can make them appear smaller and more vulnerable.
* Use a Reflector: Bounce light onto your subject to even out the lighting and reduce shadows.
* Use a Fill Flash: A subtle fill flash can help to brighten up shadows on your subject's face, especially in bright sunlight.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Help them feel comfortable and relaxed so that their personality shines through.
6. Post-Processing
* Color Correction: Adjust the colors in the background to create the desired mood.
* Dodging & Burning: Lighten or darken specific areas of the background to draw attention to the subject.
* Blurring (Selective Focus): Further blur the background to emphasize the subject.
* Removing Distractions: Use cloning or healing tools to remove any distracting elements in the background.
Important Considerations:
* Permits & Permissions: Check if you need permits to photograph in certain locations, especially public parks or private property.
* Respect the Environment: Leave the location as you found it. Don't damage plants or disturb wildlife.
* Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe, especially in urban areas or near bodies of water.
By combining careful planning, creative composition, and an understanding of light, you can find and utilize amazing backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things – the best backgrounds are often found in unexpected places.