I. Understanding the Principles of a Good Background
Before you start looking, it's important to understand what makes a good background for a portrait:
* Simplicity: Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that draw attention away from your subject.
* Complementary Colors: Choose backgrounds with colors that complement your subject's clothing and skin tone. Consider using a color wheel for guidance.
* Softness and Blur: A blurred background (bokeh) helps isolate your subject and creates a sense of depth. This is achieved with wide apertures (low f-numbers).
* Cleanliness: Make sure the background is free of distracting elements like trash, unsightly signs, or people walking through.
* Depth: Look for backgrounds with layers and dimension to add visual interest.
* Light Interaction: The way light interacts with the background (highlights, shadows, textures) can dramatically impact the mood and feel of your portrait.
II. Scouting Locations
* Scout in Advance: Don't wait until the day of the shoot. Scout locations beforehand to find the best spots and lighting conditions.
* Time of Day Matters: Consider the time of day and how the light will affect the scene. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides warm, soft light, while midday light can be harsh and create unflattering shadows. Overcast days can provide soft, even light.
* Explore Different Perspectives: Walk around the location and try different angles. Crouch down low, stand on a slightly elevated position, or shoot through foliage.
* Use Google Maps/Earth: Explore potential locations remotely using satellite imagery and street view. Look for parks, fields, wooded areas, or interesting architectural features.
* Social Media Inspiration: Check Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms for inspiration and to discover locations used by other photographers in your area. Be aware of any permits or restrictions that may apply.
* Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Ask locals for recommendations on scenic spots they enjoy.
* Consider the Season: The time of year greatly impacts the appearance of outdoor locations. Spring brings blossoms, summer lush greenery, fall vibrant colors, and winter can offer stark, minimalist beauty.
III. Specific Background Ideas
Here are some specific ideas for background types:
* Natural Backdrops:
* Parks and Gardens: Flowers, trees, lawns, ponds, bridges, benches.
* Forests: Trees, paths, sunlight filtering through leaves, fallen logs.
* Beaches: Sand, water, rocks, dunes, sunsets.
* Fields and Meadows: Tall grass, wildflowers, open space.
* Rivers and Lakes: Water reflections, reeds, docks.
* Mountains and Hills: Panoramic views, rocky terrain.
* Waterfalls: Soft light reflecting off the water
* Urban/Architectural Backdrops:
* Brick Walls: Provide texture and a classic look.
* Graffiti Walls: Can add a pop of color and edginess. (Be respectful and avoid locations with offensive graffiti.)
* Colorful Doors and Windows: Unique and eye-catching.
* Staircases: Offer interesting lines and shapes.
* Alleys: Can create a gritty and urban feel.
* Industrial Areas: Warehouses, loading docks, railroad tracks (exercise caution and be aware of potential dangers).
* Murals: Adds a creative, artistic touch.
* Abstract/Minimalist Backdrops:
* Solid Walls: Choose walls with interesting textures or colors.
* Skies: Use the sky as a blank canvas, especially during sunrise or sunset.
* Reflections: Use puddles, windows, or other reflective surfaces to create interesting effects.
* Fabric or Paper Backdrops: Bring your own portable backdrop for a controlled environment.
IV. Camera Settings and Techniques for Background Control
* Aperture (f-stop): Use a wide aperture (low f-number like f/1.8, f/2.8, or f/4) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. The wider the aperture, the more blurred the background will be. Be mindful that extremely wide apertures can make it harder to get your subject entirely in focus.
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses) compress the background and make it appear closer and more blurred. Wider focal lengths (wide-angle lenses) will show more of the background but won't blur it as much.
* Distance to Subject and Background: The farther your subject is from the background, the easier it will be to blur the background.
* Composition: Pay attention to the composition of your shot. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other compositional techniques to create a visually appealing image.
* Shooting Angle: Experiment with different shooting angles to see how they affect the appearance of the background.
* Manual Mode (M): Gives you complete control over your camera settings, allowing you to fine-tune the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for the desired effect.
* Aperture Priority Mode (Av or A): Allows you to set the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to achieve proper exposure.
* Focus Point: Make sure your focus point is on your subject's eyes (or the most important part of your subject).
V. Post-Processing
* Lightroom/Photoshop: You can further enhance the background in post-processing using tools like:
* Selective blurring: Increase the blur in specific areas of the background to further isolate your subject.
* Color adjustments: Adjust the colors in the background to complement your subject's skin tone and clothing.
* Dodging and burning: Lighten or darken specific areas of the background to create more depth and dimension.
VI. Key Considerations
* Permits and Permissions: Check if you need a permit to photograph in a specific location, especially for commercial shoots. Respect private property and ask for permission if needed.
* Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your subject.
* Respect the Environment: Leave the location as you found it. Don't litter or damage the environment.
* Client Consultation: Discuss your client's preferences and vision for the shoot to find backgrounds that match their style.
By following these tips, you can find great backgrounds for your outdoor portraits and create stunning images that your clients will love. Practice, experiment, and don't be afraid to try new things! Good luck!