I. Understanding the Role of the Background
* Complements, Doesn't Compete: The background should enhance your subject, not distract from them. It should support the story you're trying to tell.
* Sets the Mood: A vibrant flower garden creates a different mood than a weathered brick wall. Consider the overall feeling you want to evoke.
* Provides Context: The background can hint at your subject's interests, personality, or the location where the portrait is taken.
* Offers Depth and Dimension: A well-chosen background can add depth and visual interest to a flat image.
II. Scouting Locations (Before the Shoot)
* Explore Your Surroundings: The best backgrounds are often hidden in plain sight. Take walks in your neighborhood, parks, and even industrial areas. Keep an open mind.
* Consider the Light: Different backgrounds look better under different lighting conditions. Note how the light falls on potential locations at different times of day.
* Vary Your Perspectives: Look up, down, and all around. Sometimes the most interesting background is a unique angle or detail you haven't noticed before.
* Use Online Resources:
* Google Maps/Street View: Explore areas virtually.
* Pinterest/Instagram: Search for portrait inspiration and location ideas in your area.
* Photography Forums/Groups: Ask for recommendations from local photographers.
* Look for:
* Repeating Patterns: Fences, brick walls, fields of flowers, rows of trees.
* Leading Lines: Roads, paths, rivers, fences that draw the viewer's eye to your subject.
* Colors and Textures: Complementary colors, interesting textures (wood, stone, metal).
* Natural Elements: Trees, water, foliage, flowers.
* Architectural Details: Arches, doorways, windows, interesting buildings.
* Empty Space (Negative Space): A simple, uncluttered area that puts the focus entirely on your subject.
III. Key Elements to Look For (During the Shoot)
* Simplicity: The fewer distractions, the better. A blurred background is often ideal.
* Color Harmony: Choose backgrounds with colors that complement your subject's clothing and skin tone. Avoid clashes.
* Depth of Field:
* Shallow Depth of Field (Aperture Priority Mode/Wide Aperture - e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8): Blurs the background beautifully, isolating your subject. This is often preferred for portraits.
* Deep Depth of Field (Smaller Aperture - e.g., f/8, f/11): Keeps both the subject and background in focus. Useful for environmental portraits where you want to show the context.
* Light and Shadow:
* Golden Hour (Shortly after sunrise and before sunset): Provides warm, soft light that's flattering for portraits.
* Open Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows. Look for areas of shade created by buildings, trees, or clouds.
* Backlighting: Position your subject with the light behind them for a soft, glowing effect.
* Cleanliness: Remove any distracting elements from the background if possible (trash, branches, etc.). Be mindful of your surroundings.
* Avoid Clutter: Steer clear of messy or chaotic backgrounds that will distract from your subject.
IV. Practical Tips and Techniques
* Use a Telephoto Lens: Lenses with longer focal lengths (85mm, 135mm, 200mm) compress the background and create a shallower depth of field, blurring the background more effectively.
* Positioning:
* Distance: The further away your subject is from the background, the more blurred the background will be.
* Angle: Experiment with different angles to see how the background changes.
* Adjust Camera Settings:
* Aperture: As mentioned earlier, a wider aperture (smaller f-number) will blur the background.
* ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise.
* Be Respectful: Always obtain permission before photographing on private property. Leave the location as you found it.
* Have a Backup Plan: Weather and lighting conditions can change quickly. Have alternative locations in mind.
V. Examples of Good and Bad Backgrounds
* Good Backgrounds:
* Blurred trees or foliage
* A simple, textured wall
* A field of wildflowers (with appropriate colors)
* A cityscape at twilight
* A bridge or archway
* Water (lake, river, ocean) with a blurred background
* Bad Backgrounds:
* Parking lots
* Busy streets with cars
* Construction sites
* Garbage cans or dumpsters
* Anything that is overly distracting or clashes with your subject
In Summary:
Finding great backgrounds for outdoor portraits is a combination of scouting, observation, technical skill, and artistic vision. By paying attention to the light, colors, textures, and overall composition, you can create images that are both beautiful and meaningful. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things! Good luck!