I. Understanding What Makes a Good Background
Before you start looking, understand what you're looking *for*. A good background should:
* Complement, Not Compete: It should enhance your subject without distracting from them. Avoid anything too busy or brightly colored that pulls the eye away.
* Provide Context: The background can tell a story or add a feeling to the image. A city skyline suggests urban life, while a forest evokes nature and tranquility.
* Offer Depth and Dimension: Avoid flat, featureless backgrounds. Look for textures, layers, and leading lines that create depth.
* Be Clean and Uncluttered: Remove any obvious distractions like trash, power lines, or overly busy signage.
* Offer Good Light: Consider how the light falls on the background and interacts with your subject.
II. Scouting Locations
* Explore Your Surroundings: Take the time to wander around your local area with a photographer's eye. Parks, gardens, urban areas, fields, and even industrial locations can offer great possibilities.
* Use Online Tools:
* Google Maps/Earth: Great for identifying parks, bodies of water, and potential locations. Use Street View to get a preliminary look.
* Instagram/Pinterest: Search for photographers in your area to see where they've shot. You can search hashtags like #[your city]photographer or #[your city]portraits.
* Location Scouting Apps: Some apps are specifically designed for photographers, helping you find and save locations with details about light and access.
* Consider the Season: Autumn leaves, spring blossoms, winter snow – the season dramatically changes the landscape and the mood.
* Think About Your Subject: What kind of background would best reflect their personality or the story you're trying to tell?
III. Specific Background Ideas and Techniques
* Natural Backgrounds:
* Parks and Gardens: Look for flowering trees, interesting foliage, winding paths, benches, or water features.
* Forests and Woodlands: Use the trees to frame your subject, play with dappled light, or create a sense of mystery.
* Beaches and Lakes: The water provides a beautiful, reflective surface. Sunrise or sunset can create stunning colors.
* Fields and Meadows: Golden hour in a field of wildflowers is a classic for a reason.
* Rock Formations: Canyons, cliffs, and interesting rock formations add texture and drama.
* Urban Backgrounds:
* Brick Walls: Provide texture and can be found almost anywhere. Look for interesting colors, patterns, or graffiti.
* Alleys: Offer a gritty, urban feel. Be mindful of safety and lighting.
* Murals and Street Art: Add a pop of color and personality. Consider the artwork's message and how it complements your subject.
* Buildings and Architecture: Look for clean lines, interesting shapes, or unique details.
* Bridges and Overpasses: Can provide strong leading lines and interesting perspectives.
* Man-Made/Abstract Backgrounds:
* Fences and Gates: Can create leading lines or frame your subject.
* Doors and Windows: Add a sense of mystery or provide a frame within a frame.
* Textures (Concrete, Metal): Look for interesting textures in the environment. A close-up of a textured wall can be a great abstract background.
* Fabric Backdrops (on location): Bring your own backdrop for more control. Solid colors or simple patterns work best. You will need a stand.
* Using Depth of Field to Your Advantage:
* Wide Aperture (shallow depth of field): Blurs the background, isolating your subject and creating a smooth, bokeh effect. Great for distracting backgrounds.
* Narrow Aperture (deep depth of field): Keeps the background in focus, providing more context and detail. Use this when the background is an important part of the story.
IV. Tips for Choosing the Best Background On-Site
* Arrive Early: Allows you to scout the location in the actual lighting conditions and choose the best spots.
* Walk Around the Subject: View the background from different angles and heights. A slight shift in perspective can drastically change the composition.
* Consider the Light:
* Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offer warm, soft light that's ideal for portraits.
* Overcast Days: Provide soft, even light, but can be a bit flat.
* Harsh Sunlight: Avoid shooting in direct sunlight. Find shade or use a reflector to bounce light onto your subject. Backlighting is another option.
* Watch for Distractions: Pay attention to anything that might draw the eye away from your subject. This includes:
* Bright colors
* Distracting patterns
* Unflattering shadows
* People walking through the background
* Change Your Perspective:
* Shoot Low: Can make your subject appear taller and more powerful.
* Shoot High: Can create a sense of distance or show off the surrounding environment.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Make sure they're comfortable with the location and aware of their surroundings.
V. Post-Processing Considerations
* Color Grading: Adjust the colors of the background to complement your subject.
* Selective Focus: Further blur the background in post-processing to emphasize your subject.
* Remove Distractions: Use Photoshop or other editing software to remove any distracting elements that you couldn't eliminate on location.
* Dodge and Burn: Lighten or darken specific areas of the background to create depth and dimension.
By carefully considering these factors, you can find and use beautiful backgrounds that will enhance your outdoor portraits and create stunning images. Remember to practice and experiment – the more you shoot, the better you'll become at recognizing great background opportunities!