I. Understanding the Purpose of a Background
* Complements, Not Compete: The background should *complement* your subject, not distract from them. It should add context, mood, and depth to the portrait.
* Tells a Story: Consider what the background communicates about the subject or the overall feel you want to convey.
* Adds Visual Interest: Texture, color, and leading lines in the background can make the portrait more visually engaging.
* Separation: The background should help separate the subject, making them stand out. You achieve this using depth of field (blurring the background) and color contrast.
II. Scouting Locations
* Plan Ahead: Don't wait until the shoot to find a location. Scouting in advance lets you identify potential spots and assess the lighting at different times of day.
* Think Outside the Box: Don't limit yourself to traditional "beautiful" locations. Consider:
* Urban Environments: Brick walls, graffiti art, interesting architecture, alleys, bridges.
* Parks & Gardens: Flowers, trees, benches, pathways, water features.
* Natural Settings: Fields, forests, beaches, mountains, rocks, cliffs.
* Industrial Areas: Abandoned buildings (with permission!), train tracks, warehouses.
* Look for Variety: Identify locations with multiple potential backgrounds within a short walking distance.
* Consider the Light: The best background in the world won't look good with bad lighting. Think about how the light will fall on the subject and the background at different times of the day. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) often provides the most flattering light. Overcast days can provide soft, even light.
* Use Location Scouting Apps/Websites: Resources like Location Scout, Flickr, and Instagram (searching location tags) can help you discover hidden gems.
* Observe the Environment: Pay attention to details like textures, colors, patterns, and leading lines.
III. Key Elements of a Good Background
* Color:
* Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) can create a vibrant and dynamic look.
* Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, and green) create a harmonious and calming feel.
* Neutral Colors: Whites, blacks, grays, and browns can provide a clean and versatile backdrop, allowing the subject to be the main focus.
* Texture:
* Rough Textures: Brick, stone, wood, bark, create a rugged or industrial feel.
* Smooth Textures: Water, glass, metal, can provide a sleek and modern look.
* Organic Textures: Leaves, grass, flowers, sand, offer a natural and earthy vibe.
* Depth:
* Leading Lines: Lines that draw the viewer's eye towards the subject. These can be roads, fences, paths, or even architectural elements.
* Layering: Using elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth and visual interest.
* Negative Space: Deliberately leaving empty space around the subject to create a sense of balance and tranquility.
* Lighting:
* Backlighting: Placing the sun behind the subject to create a soft, ethereal glow or a dramatic silhouette.
* Side Lighting: Illuminating the subject from the side to highlight textures and create shadows.
* Diffused Lighting: Using shade or an overcast sky to create soft, even lighting that minimizes harsh shadows.
* Simplicity: Sometimes, the best background is a simple one. A plain wall, a clear sky, or a blurred field can be incredibly effective at drawing attention to the subject. Avoid overly cluttered or distracting backgrounds.
IV. Techniques for Using Backgrounds Effectively
* Depth of Field (Aperture):
* Shallow Depth of Field (Wide Aperture - e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8): Blurs the background, isolating the subject. Ideal for creating a dreamy and romantic feel.
* Deep Depth of Field (Narrow Aperture - e.g., f/8, f/11): Keeps both the subject and the background sharp. Useful for landscapes or when you want the background to provide context.
* Composition:
* Rule of Thirds: Place the subject along the lines or at the intersections of the lines created by dividing the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background to guide the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Framing: Use elements in the foreground (e.g., trees, arches, doorways) to frame the subject and draw attention to them.
* Camera Angle:
* Low Angle: Can make the subject appear taller and more powerful.
* High Angle: Can make the subject appear smaller and more vulnerable.
* Eye Level: Creates a more intimate and personal connection with the subject.
* Subject Placement:
* Consider the Background: Where you place the subject in relation to the background can drastically change the composition and the overall feel of the image.
* Avoid Distractions: Be careful not to place the subject in front of distracting elements, such as street signs, power lines, or bright spots.
V. Post-Processing Considerations
* Color Grading: Adjust the colors of the background to complement the subject's skin tones and clothing.
* Blurring (in post): If you didn't achieve the desired level of blur in-camera, you can add it in post-processing.
* Removing Distractions: Use Photoshop or similar software to remove any distracting elements from the background.
VI. Things to Avoid
* Distracting Elements: Anything that draws the eye away from the subject (bright lights, overly busy patterns, cluttered scenes).
* Harsh Shadows: Avoid shooting in direct sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows on the subject's face.
* Unnatural Colors: Be mindful of color casts and white balance.
* Clutter: Keep the background clean and uncluttered.
* Repeating Patterns: While patterns can be interesting, too much repetition can be overwhelming.
In Summary:
Finding great backgrounds for outdoor portraits involves a combination of planning, observation, technical skill, and creative vision. By understanding the purpose of a background, scouting locations, considering key elements like color, texture, and depth, and using effective composition and lighting techniques, you can create stunning portraits that capture the essence of your subject and tell a compelling story. Practice, experiment, and don't be afraid to try new things!