I. Understanding the Qualities of a Good Background
Before you start searching, know what makes a background "good" for a portrait:
* Doesn't Distract: The primary focus should be on the subject. Avoid backgrounds that are overly busy, bright, or have distracting elements.
* Complements the Subject: The colors, textures, and overall feel of the background should harmonize with the subject's clothing, personality, and the mood you're trying to convey.
* Provides Depth: Backgrounds that offer depth (leading lines, layers, varying distances) can create a more dynamic and visually interesting image.
* Good Lighting: The lighting on the background should complement the lighting on your subject. Avoid backgrounds that are blown out (overexposed) or heavily shadowed.
* Appropriate for the Mood: Consider the emotional tone you want to evoke. A park with wildflowers is different from a gritty urban alley.
II. Location Scouting & Considerations
* Scout Ahead of Time: Don't wait until the day of the shoot. Visit potential locations at the time of day you plan to shoot to see how the light looks.
* Pay Attention to the Light: The time of day dramatically affects light. The "golden hour" (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides warm, soft light that is ideal for portraits. Overcast days can also be great because they diffuse the light evenly. Avoid shooting in direct midday sun if possible.
* Think Seasonally: The background will change with the seasons. Spring offers blooming flowers, summer has lush greenery, autumn boasts vibrant foliage, and winter can provide a stark, minimalist look.
III. Specific Background Ideas and Techniques
Here's a list of background ideas, along with tips on how to use them effectively:
* Nature:
* Parks & Gardens: Classic and versatile. Look for interesting trees, flower beds, pathways, benches, or water features. Use a wide aperture (low f-number, like f/2.8 or f/4) to blur the background and create a pleasing bokeh (soft, blurry background).
* Fields: Wheat fields, wildflower meadows, grassy fields – these offer a sense of openness and can be beautiful, especially at golden hour.
* Forests/Woods: Provides a sense of depth and mystery. Be mindful of dappled light filtering through the trees, which can create distracting patterns on your subject.
* Beaches: The ocean, sand dunes, and sunsets offer stunning backdrops. Watch out for harsh sunlight and reflections.
* Mountains: Majestic and dramatic, great for epic portraits.
* Waterfalls/Rivers/Lakes: The movement of water adds visual interest. Use a tripod for longer exposures to blur the water.
* Individual Trees: A single, interesting tree can be a great focal point.
* Urban:
* Brick Walls: A classic urban backdrop. Look for walls with interesting textures, colors, or patterns.
* Murals/Street Art: Can add a splash of color and personality. Make sure the mural complements the subject's style.
* Buildings: Look for interesting architecture, repeating patterns, or unique architectural details.
* Alleys: Offers a gritty, edgy vibe. Be mindful of safety when shooting in alleys.
* Stairs/Steps: Create leading lines and visual interest.
* Bridges: Offer interesting perspectives and can frame the subject.
* Fences: Can be used to create a sense of enclosure or separation.
* Architectural/Man-Made:
* Old Barns/Farms: Rustic and charming.
* Doors/Gates: Can be used to frame the subject and create a sense of mystery.
* Fences (Wooden, Iron, Chain-Link): Offer texture and can create leading lines.
* Abandoned Buildings: Can add a sense of history and decay (exercise caution and safety when exploring these).
* Creative & Abstract:
* Bokeh: Use a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a blurry background. Experiment with different light sources and colors in the background to create interesting bokeh patterns.
* Reflections: Use puddles, mirrors, windows, or other reflective surfaces to create unique and surreal images.
* Silhouettes: Position your subject against a bright background (like a sunset) to create a silhouette.
IV. Techniques for Utilizing Backgrounds
* Depth of Field (Aperture):
* Shallow Depth of Field (Wide Aperture): Blurs the background, making the subject stand out. Use for a dreamy, artistic look. (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4)
* Deep Depth of Field (Narrow Aperture): Keeps both the subject and the background in focus. Use when you want to show the context of the environment. (e.g., f/8, f/11, f/16)
* Composition:
* Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your subject at one of the intersections of these lines.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background (roads, fences, rivers) to draw the viewer's eye towards the subject.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (trees, arches, doorways) to frame the subject and draw attention to them.
* Negative Space: Leave empty space around your subject to create a sense of calm and balance.
* Posing:
* Consider the Background: Pose your subject in a way that complements the background. For example, if you're shooting against a brick wall, have your subject lean against it.
* Create Separation: Avoid posing your subject so that they blend in with the background. Use depth of field or different angles to create separation.
V. Tips and Tricks
* Get to Know Your Gear: Understanding your camera's settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) is crucial for controlling the background.
* Experiment with Different Angles: Don't be afraid to try shooting from different angles (high, low, side) to see how the background changes.
* Pay Attention to Details: Look for small details in the background that can add interest to your photos (e.g., a bird flying by, a ray of sunlight).
* Don't Be Afraid to Move Things: If possible and appropriate, move small objects in the background to improve the composition (e.g., a stray piece of trash). Never damage or alter a location significantly.
* Edit Your Photos: Post-processing can help you enhance the colors and tones of the background, remove distractions, and fine-tune the overall look of your photos.
* Practice, Practice, Practice! The more you shoot, the better you'll become at finding and utilizing great backgrounds.
By following these guidelines and practicing your skills, you'll be well on your way to finding and using great backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits. Remember to be creative, have fun, and let your imagination guide you!