1. Before You Head Out:
* Consider the Subject: What's the personality of your subject? What's the mood you want to convey? A playful child might suit a vibrant park, while a business professional might prefer a more structured architectural setting.
* Think About Wardrobe: The background should complement the subject's clothing, not clash with it. Consider colors, patterns, and textures. If your subject is wearing a bold outfit, a simpler background might be best. A neutral outfit can work with a wider variety of backdrops.
* Scout Ahead (Virtual or Physical):
* Google Maps/Earth: Use satellite imagery and street view to get a general sense of the area. Look for interesting features like parks, alleys, buildings, or natural landscapes.
* Social Media (Instagram, Pinterest): Search location tags or relevant keywords (e.g., "portraits [city]") to see what other photographers have used in the area. This can provide inspiration and show you popular spots. Be wary of overused locations!
* Actually Scout: Nothing beats visiting potential locations in person. This allows you to assess the light at different times of day, identify potential hazards, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere.
2. What to Look For in a Great Background:
* Simplicity: Often, the best backgrounds are simple and uncluttered. A clean backdrop prevents distractions and allows the subject to stand out.
* Color:
* Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) can create a visually striking contrast.
* Harmonious Colors: Using colors that are close to each other on the color wheel can create a more subtle and pleasing effect.
* Neutral Colors: Grays, whites, browns, and blacks are versatile and won't compete with the subject.
* Texture: Brick walls, weathered wood, foliage, or even textured fabric can add depth and interest to the background.
* Light: This is arguably the most crucial element.
* Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide soft, warm, and flattering light.
* Open Shade: Areas shaded by buildings or trees offer soft, even light without harsh shadows. Avoid dappled light (sunlight filtering through leaves), which can create uneven skin tones.
* Backlighting: Positioning the sun behind the subject can create a beautiful rim light and a soft, ethereal look.
* Depth: A background with some depth can create a sense of dimension and prevent the portrait from feeling flat. Look for leading lines (paths, fences, roads) that draw the eye into the scene.
* Interest Without Distraction: The background should enhance the portrait, not detract from it. Avoid backgrounds with:
* Busy patterns
* Bright, distracting colors
* Objects that appear to be growing out of the subject's head
3. Specific Background Ideas & Locations:
* Parks and Gardens: Offer a variety of natural backgrounds, including trees, flowers, lawns, and ponds.
* Beaches: Sand, water, and sky provide a clean and expansive backdrop.
* Urban Environments: Brick walls, graffiti art, alleys, and architectural details can add a gritty or modern edge.
* Rural Areas: Fields, farms, barns, and fences offer a rustic and charming aesthetic.
* Industrial Areas: Old factories, warehouses, and train yards can create a unique and edgy look.
* Water Features: Ponds, lakes, rivers, and fountains can add movement and reflection to the background.
* Buildings and Architecture: Look for interesting architectural details, such as arches, columns, and doorways.
* Simple Walls: A plain wall (painted or textured) can be a surprisingly effective backdrop.
* Foliage: Bushes, trees, and flowerbeds can add a natural and colorful element to the background.
* Open Sky: If the sky is interesting (e.g., with clouds or a colorful sunset), use it as a background by shooting from a low angle.
4. Camera Settings and Techniques to Enhance Backgrounds:
* Aperture: Use a wide aperture (low f-number, like f/2.8 or f/4) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. This isolates the subject and makes them stand out.
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) tend to compress the background and create a more pleasing bokeh (blurred background).
* Distance: Increasing the distance between the subject and the background will further blur the background.
* Angle: Experiment with different shooting angles to see how they affect the background. Shooting from a low angle can make the subject appear taller and more imposing, while shooting from a high angle can make the subject appear smaller and more vulnerable.
* Composition: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition techniques to create a visually balanced and engaging image.
* Post-Processing: You can further enhance the background in post-processing using tools like:
* Blur (to increase the blur effect)
* Color adjustments (to enhance or desaturate colors)
* Dodge and burn (to selectively lighten or darken areas)
Key Takeaways:
* Plan Ahead: Scouting and considering the subject's style are crucial.
* Keep it Simple: Less is often more.
* Pay Attention to Light: Light is the most important factor.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different locations, angles, and camera settings.
* Focus on the Subject: The background should complement, not compete with, the subject.
By following these tips, you can find and utilize great backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits. Good luck!