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Portrait Backgrounds

Portrait backgrounds have the power to make or break a photograph. Here are nine tips for beautiful, non-distracting portrait backdrops.

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Top Tips for Non-Distracting Portrait Backgrounds

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 1: Choose the Background Carefully

A portrait background is at least as important as the subject, so has to be chosen carefully. Usually the golden rule, as in most things, is the simpler the better. Indoors a plain colored wall works great. Outdoors it can be anything that doesn't look too busy or cluttered.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 2: Check It!

This tip may sound unneccessary, but you'll be surprised how many photographers don't check for distracting elements in the background before hitting the shutter release. Look for anything that disturbs the harmony of the image: colors that don’t fit, bright patches that might distract the eye, lines that clash, or people that don’t belong in the image.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 3: Move your Subject

The simplest way to change the background is obviously to move your subject. Even a step to the right or left can eliminate distractions or put them out of the frame.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 4: Remove Distractions

If you want to position the subject in a particular spot, consider removing elements in the background such as furniture or toys. The cleaner the look of the background, the more pleasing the end-result will be and the more professional it will look too!

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 5: Change your Shooting Angle

A creative way of dealing with distracting elements in the background is to change your shooting angle. For example, get lower than your subject and shoot upwards so that a clear, blue sky forms your backdrop. Alternatively, find a way to get higher than your subject and shoot down so that green grass forms the background.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 6: Blur the Background in Aperture Mode

Depth of field, which is the amount of the image that's in sharp focus, is fundamental to all photography. For pleasing portraits, switch to aperture-priority (AV) on your camera. Select a wider aperture (smaller f/ number) to throw your background out of focus.

In aperture mode your camera automatically sets the shutter speed to balance your exposure, but you do have to keep this aspect in mind to avoid spoiling your shot with easily avoidable camera shake.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 7: Place Subjects in front of Open Spaces

You can create beautiful portraits by placing your subject in front of wide open spaces, such as a beach or an open field. The background will be blurry in your images because it stretches off into the distance.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 8: Fill your Frame with the Subject

One of the best ways to remove background distractions is to fill the frame with your subject. Get up close to the model or use your zoom lens and you could end up with a high impact shot as well.

Portrait Backgrounds Tips # 9: Post-Processing

A last resort to clean up your portrait backdrops is to edit the shot after you've taken it. As this is such a time-consuming process, it's always better to get it right in the field.

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