1. Subject Considerations:
* Personality and Style:
* Consider your subject's personality and style. Are they edgy and alternative? Then a gritty industrial area might be perfect. Are they sophisticated and classic? A well-maintained historical district could be a better fit.
* Think about their clothing. Does the backdrop complement their outfit colors and style?
* Purpose of the Portrait:
* What's the portrait for? A professional headshot? A creative art piece? A casual social media profile pic? The purpose will influence your choice.
* Skin Tone:
* Be mindful of how the backdrop colors will interact with your subject's skin tone. Avoid backdrops that create unflattering color casts (e.g., too much green can make some skin tones look sickly).
2. Visual Elements of the Landscape:
* Light and Shadow:
* Time of Day: Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides soft, warm, flattering light. Midday sun can be harsh, but can be managed with open shade or diffusion.
* Direction of Light: Consider the direction of the light and how it will fall on your subject. Backlighting can create a beautiful rim light and a soft glow. Sidelighting can add drama and depth.
* Availability of Shade: Look for areas that offer shade to avoid harsh shadows and squinting subjects, especially during the day.
* Color Palette:
* Color Harmony: Consider complementary color schemes (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) or analogous color schemes (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel).
* Color Contrast: Use color contrast to make your subject stand out. If your subject is wearing a bright color, a neutral background can be effective.
* Overall Mood: Bright, vibrant colors can create a cheerful mood, while muted, desaturated colors can create a more somber or dramatic mood.
* Lines and Shapes:
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the landscape (roads, sidewalks, buildings) to lead the viewer's eye to your subject.
* Geometric Shapes: Incorporate interesting geometric shapes (squares, triangles, circles) for visual interest.
* Repetition and Patterns: Look for repeating patterns (e.g., brick walls, rows of windows) that can create a strong visual impact.
* Texture:
* Rough vs. Smooth: Contrast the texture of your subject's clothing and skin with the texture of the background. A smooth skin tone can pop against a rough brick wall.
* Variety of Textures: Look for areas with a variety of textures (e.g., smooth glass, rough concrete, weathered wood).
* Depth and Layers:
* Background Blur (Bokeh): Use a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating your subject.
* Multiple Layers: Incorporate multiple layers in the background to create depth and dimension. For example, a subject in front of a building, with trees in the distance.
3. Specific Urban Locations to Consider:
* Brick Walls: Classic, versatile, and provide great texture. Look for different colors, weathering, and even graffiti for unique looks.
* Alleys: Can be edgy and dramatic, with interesting light and shadows.
* Staircases: Offer leading lines and interesting angles.
* Bridges: Provide architectural interest and can offer great views.
* Murals and Street Art: Add color and personality to your photos. Be mindful of copyright.
* Parks and Green Spaces: Offer a contrast to the urban environment and provide natural light and greenery.
* Train Stations/Bus Terminals: Can be dynamic and interesting, with lots of movement.
* Coffee Shops/Bookstores: Offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere (always ask for permission first).
* Construction Sites (with Caution and Permission): Can be visually striking, but always prioritize safety and obtain permission.
* Rooftops (with Caution and Permission): Provide panoramic views of the city skyline.
4. Practical Considerations:
* Safety: Choose locations that are safe and well-lit, especially if shooting at night.
* Permissions: Obtain permission before shooting in private locations or if you plan to use professional equipment.
* Crowds: Be mindful of crowds and choose locations that are not too busy, or plan your shoot during off-peak hours.
* Noise: Urban environments can be noisy, so consider how this might affect your ability to communicate with your subject.
* Accessibility: Choose locations that are easily accessible for both you and your subject.
* Legal Restrictions: Be aware of any local laws or regulations regarding photography in public places. Some areas may require permits.
5. Scouting and Planning:
* Visit the location in advance: Scout the location at different times of day to see how the light changes.
* Take test shots: Take test shots with a stand-in to see how the location looks on camera.
* Plan your poses and composition: Visualize the shots you want to take and plan your poses and composition in advance.
* Consider the weather: Check the weather forecast and be prepared for rain, wind, or extreme temperatures.
Example Scenario:
Let's say you're photographing a musician who has a cool, indie vibe.
* Possible Location: A back alley with a graffiti mural.
* Why it works: The graffiti adds color and personality, while the alley provides an edgy, urban feel.
* Lighting: Shoot during golden hour for soft, flattering light. Use a reflector to bounce light back onto the musician's face if needed.
* Composition: Use the leading lines of the alley to draw the viewer's eye to the musician. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
Key Takeaway:
Choosing urban landscapes for portrait photography is a creative process that requires careful consideration of your subject, the visual elements of the landscape, and practical considerations. By scouting locations in advance, planning your shots, and paying attention to detail, you can create stunning portraits that capture the essence of your subject and the spirit of the city. Good luck!