I. Understanding the Elements of a Good Background:
Before you go hunting, know what you're looking for. A good background should:
* Complement, Not Compete: The background should enhance the subject, not distract from them. It should be secondary and not have more detail or visual interest than the subject.
* Be Clean and Uncluttered: Avoid backgrounds with distracting elements like power lines, trash cans, or random objects. Simplicity is often key.
* Provide Depth: Create a sense of distance and dimension to separate the subject from the background.
* Offer Interesting Light: Look for backgrounds that interact with light in a pleasing way, creating shadows, highlights, or a soft glow.
* Have Complementary Colors: Consider color theory. Colors that harmonize with the subject's clothing and skin tones will be more pleasing. Avoid clashing colors.
* Tell a Story (Optional): Depending on the desired mood, the background can subtly reinforce the subject's personality or the overall theme of the portrait.
II. Observation and Scouting:
* Scout Locations in Advance: Don't wait until the day of the shoot to find a location. Visit potential spots at different times of day to see how the light changes.
* Look at Eye Level: Squat down to the subject's eye level to see what the background will look like in the photo.
* Pay Attention to the Seasons: Seasons dramatically alter landscapes. Consider what the background will look like during different times of the year.
* Take Test Shots: Use your phone or camera to take some quick test shots to assess the background from different angles and perspectives.
* Get Inspired: Look at the work of other portrait photographers and analyze their use of backgrounds. Note what you like and what works well.
* Embrace Imperfection: Don't be afraid to work with what you have. Even seemingly uninteresting locations can yield great results with the right angle and lighting.
III. Specific Types of Backgrounds and How to Find Them:
* Natural Backgrounds:
* Parks and Gardens: These offer a variety of options, from manicured lawns to wooded areas, flower beds, and interesting trees. Look for benches, bridges, or water features.
* Finding Them: Google Maps, local parks department websites, recommendations from friends.
* Tips: Check for opening hours and permit requirements. Be mindful of other park users.
* Forests and Woods: Provide a natural, secluded feel. Look for interesting tree formations, trails, and areas with dappled light.
* Finding Them: Hiking trails, nature reserves, national forests.
* Tips: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Be aware of wildlife.
* Beaches and Lakeshores: Offer open space, water reflections, and beautiful skies.
* Finding Them: Coastal areas, lake regions, Google Maps.
* Tips: Check tide times and weather conditions. Be mindful of sand and salt spray.
* Fields and Meadows: Create a sense of openness and freedom. Look for fields of wildflowers, golden grasses, or rolling hills.
* Finding Them: Rural areas, farmland, agricultural parks.
* Tips: Get permission from landowners if necessary. Watch out for insects.
* Mountains and Hills: Provide dramatic and scenic backdrops.
* Finding Them: Mountain ranges, hiking trails, scenic overlooks.
* Tips: Check weather conditions and trail difficulty. Be prepared for changing temperatures.
* Urban Backgrounds:
* Brick Walls: Add texture and a vintage feel. Look for interesting colors, patterns, and architectural details.
* Finding Them: Older buildings, alleyways, industrial areas.
* Tips: Consider the color of the brick and how it complements the subject's clothing.
* Murals and Street Art: Offer unique and colorful backdrops.
* Finding Them: Urban areas known for street art, art districts.
* Tips: Choose a mural that complements the subject's style and personality.
* Interesting Architecture: Look for buildings with unique shapes, lines, and textures.
* Finding Them: Downtown areas, historical districts, university campuses.
* Tips: Consider the scale of the building and how it relates to the subject.
* Staircases and Steps: Create interesting compositions and add depth.
* Finding Them: Parks, public buildings, subway entrances.
* Tips: Use the lines of the staircase to lead the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Graffiti: A bit more edgy, but can provide an interesting backdrop if it's not too busy.
* Abstract/Simple Backgrounds:
* Sky: Use the open sky as a clean and minimalist background, especially during sunrise or sunset for beautiful colors.
* Finding Them: Open fields, parks, beaches.
* Tips: Use a wide aperture to blur the background and focus on the subject.
* Solid-Colored Walls: A simple wall, painted or textured, can be a great backdrop.
* Finding Them: Exterior walls of buildings, fences.
* Tips: Pay attention to the color and texture of the wall.
* Foliage: Use a wall of leaves or bushes as a natural backdrop.
* Finding Them: Parks, gardens, wooded areas.
* Tips: Make sure the foliage is dense and evenly lit.
IV. Techniques to Enhance the Background:
* Aperture: Using a wide aperture (low f-number like f/1.8 or f/2.8) will blur the background, creating a shallow depth of field and isolating the subject.
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (telephoto lenses) compress the background, making it appear closer and more prominent. Shorter focal lengths (wide-angle lenses) can exaggerate the distance between the subject and the background.
* Angle of View: Changing your shooting angle can dramatically alter the appearance of 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.
* Compositional Techniques: Use techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to draw attention to the subject and create a visually appealing composition.
* Lighting: Use natural light to your advantage. Golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset) provides warm, soft light that is ideal for portraits. Overcast days offer soft, even light that can be very flattering. Use reflectors to bounce light onto the subject's face.
* Post-Processing: Use editing software to adjust the colors, contrast, and brightness of the background. You can also use tools like selective focus to further blur the background and draw attention to the subject.
V. Asking for Permission:
* Private Property: Always get permission before shooting on private property. This includes businesses, residences, and farmland.
* Restricted Areas: Be aware of any restrictions on photography in certain areas, such as national parks or historical sites.
* Commercial Use: If you plan to use the photos for commercial purposes, you may need to obtain a property release from the owner of the property.
By combining careful observation, an understanding of the elements of a good background, and thoughtful composition, you can find and utilize amazing backgrounds that will significantly enhance your outdoor portraits. Remember to prioritize your subject and use the background to support, not overshadow, them. Good luck!