Photo Tip #124: How to Spot and Shoot Portrait Backgrounds

Background Should Complement Subjects
Your background should not outshine the subjects of your portrait. If the background draws attention away from the subjects of a portrait, then it is too strong or overpowering. Subjects should always take priority in the shot over the background. Ask yourself, "should this be a shot of the subjects, or a shot of the subjects at this specific location?" If it's just a shot of the subjects, then the background should be more out of focus and almost an afterthought when you look at the photo. If you want to include a specific background as part of the shot, like the Grand Canyon, then keep it in focus. Just understand that the background will likely be the center of attention in the photo, and your subjects might take a backseat to the object in the background.

Tones and Shapes
Portrait backgrounds should appear more as undefined tones and shapes in a portrait rather than specific images. Again, this helps the subjects pop off the photo, rather than blend into the background. Find tones that help achieve this affect. For example, if your subjects are dressed in white or pastel colors, find a darker background to help define them in the photo. They will blend into a lighter background, rather than jump out at you. Similarly, don't use objects that have complex shapes or patterns. A beautiful oak tree may seem like a great background, until you look at the photo and notice all the twisty branches and limbs that take attention away from your subjects.

Setting Up the Shot
Look for natural frames in your backgrounds. For example, two tree trunks or fence posts can create a natural framing effect with your subjects in the middle. Also, be mindful of the tones, not just to help the subjects pop in the photo, but also because of the emotions different tones create. If you are taking a warm and happy family photo, look for warm tones, like orange, yellow, or red. Colder tones, like blue, will contradict the happy emotion you are trying to capture.

Shooting
Depth of field plays a big role in how your background appears in the portrait. Ideally, you want the background to be blurry and out of focus to keep your attention on the subjects. Shorten your depth of field to get this effect. Also, if you need to make a background appear lighter or darker to better complement your subjects, you can do that by opening or closing the aperture for more or less exposure, as well as placing your subjects strategically in the photo. When you just don't have anything good for a background, or your first several shots are not turning out as you hoped, got low and shoot your subjects with the sky as the background. To read more about depth of field, exposure, and manual mode in general, read my manual mode photo tip.

Indoor Backgrounds
Not all portraits are outside. Indoor portraits are tricky, mainly because of limited lighting options. But, when it comes to the background, the key is to put as much space between the background and your subject as possible. For example, if your background is a wall in a room, try to put at least 6 feet between the wall and your subjects. 8 to 10 feet is better. The goal is to make the wall go out of focus and avoid shadows of your subjects showing up on the wall in the background.

Digi's Site Tip: Customized Photo Products
Use your photos to create custom cards, calendars, photo books, or other products. These products make excellent gifts or keepsakes, and are so much more special than the generic versions you buy in the store, because they incorporate your own photos and words. Choose from a variety of styles, themes, sizes, and color options. My advice, especially for people that have not made many custom photo products before, is to keep it simple at first. Once you create one or two products, you'll realize how easy it is, and you can add more design elements to your next project. Click the various cards, calendars, and photo books tabs in your online account to view all available custom photo products.

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