1. Consider the Subject and Their Story:
* What's the vibe you're going for? Romantic, edgy, fun, serious, professional? The background should complement the mood and the subject's personality.
* What do they do? A painter in front of a colorful mural, a musician in a park bandstand, a nature lover in a forest – connect the background to their passions.
* What are they wearing? The colors and style of the outfit should work harmoniously with the background. Avoid clashes.
2. Scouting and Observation:
* Scout in advance: Don't wait until the day of the shoot to find locations. Explore potential spots beforehand.
* Look for different textures: Brick walls, wooden fences, fields of wildflowers, rocky terrain – textures add visual interest.
* Vary your angles: What looks ordinary from one angle might be stunning from another. Get low, get high, move around.
* Time of day is crucial: The same location can look completely different at sunrise, midday, and sunset. (See #6 for more on light).
* Notice the light: Observe how the light falls on different areas at different times. Is there open shade? Areas with dappled light? Backlighting opportunities?
* Consider the season: Autumn foliage, blooming spring flowers, snowy landscapes – each season offers unique possibilities.
3. Qualities of a Good Background:
* Simplicity: A cluttered background can distract from the subject. Look for clean lines and uncluttered spaces.
* Depth: Leading lines, vanishing points, and layering (foreground, midground, background) create depth and draw the eye into the image.
* Color Harmony or Contrast: Choose backgrounds that either complement or contrast with the subject's attire and skin tone. Know your color theory!
* Minimal Distractions: Avoid things like trash cans, parked cars, construction sites, or overly prominent signs. If you can't avoid them, try to blur them with a shallow depth of field (see #5).
* Soft and Blurry (Bokeh): Using a wide aperture (low f-number) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making the subject stand out.
4. Specific Background Ideas and Locations:
* Parks: Classic choice! Look for interesting trees, benches, ponds, pathways, and flower beds.
* Gardens: Botanical gardens, rose gardens, even well-maintained home gardens can be stunning.
* Urban Environments: Brick walls, murals, graffiti art, staircases, alleyways, cafes (with permission) can provide an edgy or modern vibe.
* Natural Landscapes: Beaches, forests, fields, mountains, deserts – the possibilities are endless, but require more travel and scouting.
* Rural Settings: Barns, fences, hay bales, fields of crops, dirt roads can offer a rustic or country feel.
* Architectural Details: Interesting doorways, arches, windows, bridges can add structure and visual appeal.
* Water: Lakes, rivers, oceans, fountains provide beautiful reflections and a sense of calm.
* Even Simple Walls: A plain brick wall, a painted wall, even a blank wall can work if the lighting is good and the pose is strong.
5. Camera Settings and Techniques:
* Aperture: Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. This is crucial for isolating the subject.
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) compress the background and create more bokeh.
* Distance: Increase the distance between the subject and the background to further blur it.
* Composition: Use the "rule of thirds" to position the subject within the frame.
* Leading Lines: Utilize lines in the background to draw the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Backlighting: Position the sun behind the subject for a soft, ethereal glow. Use a reflector to bounce light back onto the subject's face.
6. Light is Key!
* Golden Hour (Sunrise/Sunset): The soft, warm light of golden hour is ideal for portraits.
* Overcast Days: Provide soft, even light, eliminating harsh shadows.
* Open Shade: Find shade provided by a building or tree, which provides diffused light.
* Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows and squinting.
* Use a Reflector: A reflector can bounce light back onto the subject's face, filling in shadows and adding a pop of light in their eyes.
* Consider Light Direction:
* Front Lighting: Even illumination, but can be flat.
* Side Lighting: Creates shadows and dimension, highlighting texture.
* Backlighting: Silhouettes or a soft, glowing effect.
7. Final Tips:
* Obtain Permissions: If shooting on private property, get permission from the owner.
* Be Respectful: Leave the location as you found it.
* Safety First: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
* Experiment and Have Fun! Don't be afraid to try new things and break the rules. The best way to find great backgrounds is to practice and learn from your experiences.
* Post-Processing: Minor adjustments in post-processing (lightroom, photoshop, etc) can enhance the background.
By carefully considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding and utilizing amazing backgrounds for your outdoor portraits. Good luck!