1. Planning & Preparation:
* Understand the Subject:
* Personality: What is your subject like? Are they adventurous, romantic, edgy, or calm? The background should complement their character.
* Outfit: Consider the colors and style of the clothing. A busy background can clash with a busy outfit. A simple outfit might benefit from a more textured background.
* Purpose: What is the portrait for? (LinkedIn, graduation, family memories, art). This influences the tone and style of the background.
* Location Scouting (Critical!):
* Online Research:
* Google Maps/Earth: Explore potential areas from above. Look for parks, forests, fields, interesting architecture, or bodies of water.
* Social Media: Search hashtags related to your area (e.g., #yourcityphotography, #parksnearme). See what other photographers have captured.
* Photography Websites & Blogs: Many local photography blogs will highlight great shooting locations.
* Review Sites (Yelp, TripAdvisor): Check reviews for parks and gardens to get a sense of their beauty and accessibility.
* In-Person Scouting (Essential):
* Visit Potential Locations: Don't rely solely on online images. Lighting, accessibility, and overall feel can be very different in person.
* Consider the Time of Day: Scout at the time you plan to shoot to see how the light falls. Pay attention to shadows, reflections, and backlighting possibilities.
* Look for Variety: Even within one park, look for different textures, colors, and compositions.
* Accessibility: Consider parking, restrooms, permits, and any restrictions.
* Lighting is Key (and impacts background!):
* Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offer warm, soft light. Ideal for creating flattering portraits with beautiful backgrounds.
* Overcast Days: Provide soft, diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows. This can make colors in the background pop. You can also use open shade (shade created by a large object) to achieve a similar effect.
* Harsh Sunlight: Avoid shooting in direct, harsh sunlight if possible. If you must, look for shaded areas or use reflectors to bounce light back onto your subject. Shooting with the sun *behind* your subject (backlighting) can be stunning, but requires careful metering and possibly a reflector or fill flash.
* Pay attention to the light direction: light on a subject's face vs light creating interesting background details.
2. Key Elements of a Great Background:
* Simplicity: Often, less is more. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds. A blurred, out-of-focus (bokeh) background is a classic technique.
* Color Harmony:
* Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange) can create a vibrant and visually appealing contrast.
* Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., green and yellow) create a harmonious and calming effect.
* Neutral Colors: Grays, whites, and browns can provide a clean and versatile backdrop that doesn't compete with the subject.
* Texture:
* Natural Textures: Brick walls, weathered wood, foliage, sand, water – these add depth and interest.
* Patterns: Rows of trees, fences, or building facades can create interesting patterns. Be mindful of leading lines that draw the eye to your subject.
* Depth:
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (roads, paths, fences) to guide the viewer's eye toward your subject.
* Layers: Position your subject in front of a few layers of background elements (e.g., trees, bushes, then distant hills) to create a sense of depth.
* Distance: Vary the distance between your subject and the background to control the level of blur (bokeh). The further the background is from the subject, the easier it is to blur.
* Bokeh (Blurred Background): Achieved through wide apertures (low f-numbers like f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4) and longer focal lengths. Bokeh emphasizes the subject by blurring the background.
* Relevance: The background should connect to the subject or the story you're trying to tell. A graduation photo in front of a university building, a family portrait in their backyard, etc.
3. Techniques & Considerations During the Shoot:
* Aperture:
* Wide Aperture (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8): Creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject. Best for close-up portraits.
* Narrow Aperture (e.g., f/8, f/11): Keeps more of the background in focus. Useful for environmental portraits where you want to show the subject in their surroundings.
* Focal Length:
* Longer Focal Length (e.g., 85mm, 135mm): Compresses the background, making it appear closer and often producing a more pleasing bokeh. Good for isolating the subject.
* Shorter Focal Length (e.g., 35mm, 50mm): Shows more of the background, giving context and a wider field of view. Use carefully to avoid distortion.
* Composition:
* Rule of Thirds: Place your subject at one of the intersections of a 3x3 grid for a more dynamic composition.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background to guide the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (e.g., branches, arches) to frame your subject.
* Negative Space: Leave some empty space around your subject to create a sense of balance and allow them to "breathe."
* Camera Angle:
* Eye Level: Creates a natural and relatable perspective.
* Low Angle: Can make your subject appear more powerful or heroic.
* High Angle: Can make your subject appear smaller or more vulnerable. Use carefully.
* Subject Placement: Don't just stick your subject smack-dab in the center. Experiment with different positions in relation to the background. Move them slightly to find the best light and composition.
* Communication with Your Subject: Guide your subject on how to pose and interact with the background. Help them feel comfortable and relaxed.
* Pay Attention to the Details: Remove any distracting elements from the background (e.g., trash, unwanted signs) if possible. Be aware of power lines, traffic, and other potential disruptions.
* Move Around: Don't get stuck in one spot. Change your position, your subject's position, and your camera angle to explore different possibilities. Small movements can make a big difference.
* Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different settings, compositions, and techniques. The best way to learn is to practice and see what works.
4. Post-Processing (Optional):
* Color Correction: Adjust the colors in your image to create a consistent and pleasing look.
* Dodge and Burn: Lighten or darken specific areas of the background to draw attention to your subject or create more depth.
* Background Blur: If necessary, you can add or enhance background blur in post-processing, but it's best to get it right in-camera.
* Spot Removal: Remove any remaining distracting elements from the background.
In summary: Finding great backgrounds for outdoor portraits is a combination of planning, scouting, technical skill, and artistic vision. By understanding the elements of a good background, considering the lighting, and paying attention to composition, you can create stunning portraits that capture the essence of your subject and their surroundings. Good luck!