I. Understanding What Makes a Good Background
* Complements the Subject: The background should enhance, not distract from, the subject. Consider color palettes, textures, and overall mood.
* Simplicity: Less is often more. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds. Look for areas of clean color, texture, or gentle gradients.
* Depth: A background with depth can add dimension and visual interest. Think about how the distance from the subject affects the background's blur.
* Bokeh Potential: Bokeh (the blurry, out-of-focus areas of the background) can create a soft and dreamy effect. Look for backgrounds with points of light (e.g., sunlight filtering through leaves) that can be rendered as beautiful bokeh.
* Color Harmony (or Intentional Contrast): The colors in the background should either complement or create a deliberate contrast with the subject's clothing and skin tone. Color theory can be helpful here.
* Relates to the Subject: If possible, choose a background that subtly reflects the subject's personality, interests, or the purpose of the portrait.
* Avoid Distractions: Watch out for things like cars, power lines, construction sites, and people unintentionally photobombing.
II. Scouting and Finding Locations
* Timing is Key (Golden Hour & Blue Hour):
* Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset offer the best light. The light is soft, warm, and directional, which is flattering for portraits.
* Blue Hour: The hour after sunset and the hour before sunrise provide a cool, soft, and dreamy light.
* Utilize Google Maps and Street View: Scout potential locations online before visiting them in person. Look for parks, gardens, architectural features, alleys, and fields. Check for shade and the direction of sunlight at different times of day.
* Explore Your Local Area: Take walks or drives around your neighborhood and nearby towns. Pay attention to:
* Parks and Gardens: These often offer a variety of natural backgrounds, such as trees, flowers, water features, and well-maintained lawns.
* Urban Environments: Brick walls, graffiti art (if appropriate), interesting doorways, and alleys can provide unique and edgy backgrounds.
* Fields and Open Spaces: Open fields, beaches, and hillsides can create a sense of vastness and tranquility. Watch out for wind and harsh sunlight.
* Architectural Details: Arches, staircases, columns, and textured walls can add visual interest and structure to your portraits.
* Consider the Season: The appearance of a location can change dramatically with the seasons. Think about the colors and textures of foliage, flowers, and snow.
* Don't Overlook the Mundane: Sometimes, the most unexpected locations can provide the most striking backgrounds. A simple wall, a weathered fence, or even a pile of rocks can work if the light is right and the composition is well-executed.
* Get Permission: If you're shooting on private property, always obtain permission from the owner or manager. Some public parks may also require permits for commercial photography.
* Safety First: Prioritize your safety and the safety of your subject. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban or remote locations.
* Use Photography Apps: Apps like Sun Surveyor or PhotoPills can help you predict the position of the sun at different times of day and locations.
III. Choosing the Right Background On-Site
* Observe the Light: Pay close attention to the direction, intensity, and quality of the light. Look for soft, diffused light or dappled light filtering through trees. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows.
* Consider the Subject's Wardrobe: Choose a background that complements the subject's clothing. If the subject is wearing bright colors, a neutral background may be best. If the subject is wearing neutral colors, a more colorful background can add interest.
* Frame the Subject: Use natural elements like trees, branches, or arches to frame the subject and draw the viewer's eye.
* Look for Leading Lines: Roads, fences, or pathways can create leading lines that draw the viewer's eye into the scene and towards the subject.
* Vary Your Perspective: Experiment with different shooting angles. Try shooting from a low angle to make the subject appear taller and more powerful, or from a high angle to create a more intimate and vulnerable feel.
* Check for Distractions: Before taking the photo, carefully scan the background for any distractions, such as garbage cans, signs, or people.
* Consider Depth of Field:
* Shallow Depth of Field (Wide Aperture): Blurs the background, isolating the subject. Ideal for creating a soft and dreamy look.
* Deep Depth of Field (Narrow Aperture): Keeps both the subject and the background in focus. Useful for showcasing the environment.
* Communicate with Your Subject: Guide your subject to pose in a way that complements the background. Consider their posture, expression, and body language.
* Move Around: Don't be afraid to reposition yourself and your subject. A small shift in position can make a big difference in the final image.
IV. Utilizing Backgrounds Effectively in Your Portraits
* Aperture Choice: Control depth of field with your aperture. A wider aperture (smaller f-number like f/2.8 or f/4) will create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating your subject. A narrower aperture (larger f-number like f/8 or f/11) will create a greater depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.
* Distance from Subject to Background: The further your subject is from the background, the blurrier the background will become at a given aperture.
* Focal Length: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) compress the background and create more bokeh, while shorter focal lengths (e.g., 35mm, 50mm) show more of the environment and can be useful for environmental portraits.
* Compositional Techniques:
* Rule of Thirds: Place the subject along one of the lines or at one of the intersections of the rule of thirds grid for a more balanced composition.
* Leading Lines: Use lines in the background to guide the viewer's eye towards the subject.
* Symmetry and Patterns: Look for symmetrical elements or repeating patterns in the background to create a visually appealing composition.
* Negative Space: Use empty space in the background to create a sense of balance and draw attention to the subject.
* Post-Processing: Use photo editing software to further refine the background. You can adjust the color, contrast, and brightness to make the background more or less prominent. You can also use tools like selective sharpening or blurring to further isolate the subject. (Be careful not to over-edit!)
In Summary:
Finding great backgrounds for outdoor portraits requires a combination of scouting, observation, and creative vision. By understanding what makes a good background, exploring your local area, and utilizing the principles of composition and lighting, you can create stunning portraits that showcase both the subject and the environment. Experiment, practice, and have fun!