1. Start with the Purpose & Subject:
* The Subject's Personality: Consider who you're photographing. Are they adventurous, romantic, edgy, classic? Their personality should influence the background you choose. A vibrant, graffiti-covered wall might be perfect for a street-style shoot, but not for a classic senior portrait.
* The Portrait's Purpose: What is the portrait for? A professional headshot requires a clean and simple background. A family portrait might call for a scenic, natural setting.
* Wardrobe: Factor in the colors and style of your subject's clothing. You want a background that complements, not clashes with, their outfit. Avoid backgrounds with similar colors that might make the subject blend in.
2. Location Scouting is Key:
* Scout in Advance: Don't wait until the day of the shoot to find a location. Visit potential spots at different times of day to see how the light changes.
* Online Research:
* Google Maps/Google Earth: Use these to get a bird's-eye view of potential locations and identify interesting landmarks or areas.
* Instagram/Flickr: Search for hashtags related to your area (e.g., #parkname, #cityphotospots) to see what other photographers have captured.
* Photography Forums/Groups: Ask for recommendations in online photography communities.
* Look for the Unexpected: Don't just focus on obvious landmarks. A simple brick wall, a textured wooden fence, or a field of wildflowers can make a stunning backdrop.
3. Understanding Light and Composition:
* Golden Hour Magic: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offer the most flattering light for portraits: soft, warm, and directional.
* Overcast Days: Don't dismiss overcast days! They provide soft, even light that minimizes harsh shadows.
* Backlighting: Position your subject with the sun behind them (backlighting) for a soft, ethereal look. Use a reflector to bounce light back onto their face.
* Rule of Thirds: Mentally divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Place your subject or key elements along these lines or at their intersections.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (roads, fences, paths) to draw the viewer's eye towards the subject.
* Depth of Field: Use a wide aperture (low f-number like f/2.8 or f/4) to blur the background and make your subject stand out (shallow depth of field). Use a narrower aperture (higher f-number like f/8 or f/11) to keep more of the background in focus.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (trees, archways, doorways) to frame your subject and add depth to the image.
4. Types of Backgrounds to Consider:
* Natural Settings:
* Parks and Gardens: Offer variety with trees, flowers, paths, and water features.
* Beaches: Provide a clean, open backdrop with the sea, sand, and sky.
* Forests: Create a moody and atmospheric feel with trees, leaves, and dappled light.
* Fields: Offer a simple and natural backdrop, especially during golden hour.
* Mountains: Provide a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop.
* Urban Settings:
* Brick Walls: Offer texture and character, especially with vines or graffiti.
* Street Art: Provides a colorful and edgy backdrop. Be respectful of the artists and their work.
* Architecture: Look for interesting buildings, archways, or staircases.
* Industrial Areas: Warehouses, train tracks, and abandoned buildings can create a gritty and unique aesthetic.
* Man-Made but Natural-Looking Settings:
* Farms: Barns, fields of crops, and farm animals can create a rustic and charming backdrop.
* Vineyards: Rows of vines offer interesting lines and textures.
* Botanical Gardens: Provide a controlled environment with a wide variety of plants and flowers.
5. Key Considerations:
* Simplicity is Often Best: Avoid backgrounds that are too busy or distracting. A clean, uncluttered backdrop will help your subject stand out.
* Color Harmony: Consider the color palette of the background and how it complements your subject's skin tone and clothing.
* Perspective: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to see how the background changes.
* Seasonality: The time of year can significantly impact the look of a location. A park in the fall will look very different from a park in the spring.
* Legality and Permissions: Always check if you need permits or permission to photograph in a particular location, especially on private property.
* Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and choose locations that are safe for you and your subject.
In Summary:
Finding great backgrounds is a process of:
* Planning & Scouting: Research, visit locations beforehand, and consider different times of day.
* Understanding Light & Composition: Use light to your advantage and apply basic compositional principles.
* Connecting with the Subject: Tailor the background to the subject's personality and the purpose of the portrait.
* Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new things and think outside the box.
Happy shooting!