Choosing the Right Background in Photography
The background in a photograph is as important as the subject itself. It can enhance the subject, tell a story, and add depth, or it can distract and take focus away. Selecting the right background ensures your subject stands out and the overall composition is visually pleasing.
Why is the Background Important?
Sets the Mood:
The background contributes to the photo's tone, whether it’s calm, vibrant, dramatic, or mysterious.
Example: A cloudy sky can create a moody atmosphere, while a bright, sunny park feels cheerful.
Provides Context:
A background can give viewers information about the subject, such as location, time, or environment.
Example: A chef in a kitchen tells a story about their work.
Enhances the Subject:
A well-chosen background complements the subject without overpowering it.
Example: A plain wall might highlight a colorful outfit better than a busy market.
Controls Visual Clutter:
A clean and simple background reduces distractions, directing the viewer’s attention to the subject.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Background
1. Simplicity
Why it matters: A simple background ensures the subject remains the focal point.
How to achieve it:
Use plain walls, skies, or blurred backdrops.
Avoid cluttered or busy backgrounds that compete with the subject.
2. Complementary Colors
Why it matters: Colors in the background can either enhance or clash with the subject.
How to achieve it:
Use contrasting colors to make the subject pop (e.g., a red flower against a green field).
Use harmonious colors for a soothing composition (e.g., blue and white tones in a beach scene).
3. Depth of Field
Why it matters: A blurred background (shallow depth of field) keeps the focus on the subject.
How to achieve it:
Use a wide aperture (low f-stop, like f/2.8 or f/4).
Position your subject far from the background to increase blur.
4. Patterns and Textures
Why it matters: Repeating patterns or subtle textures can add interest without overwhelming the subject.
How to achieve it:
Use brick walls, foliage, or water ripples as a textured backdrop.
Avoid patterns that are too busy or loud.
5. Lighting
Why it matters: The quality and direction of light can dramatically affect the background’s appearance.
How to achieve it:
Ensure the background isn’t too bright or too dark compared to the subject.
Use natural light for soft tones or artificial light to create dramatic effects.
6. Negative Space
Why it matters: Negative space in the background emphasizes the subject and creates a clean, minimalist look.
How to achieve it:
Position your subject against open skies, plain walls, or wide fields.
7. Perspective and Angle
Why it matters: Changing your shooting angle can remove distractions or align the background with your subject.
How to achieve it:
Move closer to or further from the subject.
Adjust your height or camera angle to find the best background.
Types of Backgrounds
1. Natural Backgrounds
Examples: Trees, mountains, water, skies, flowers.
Benefits:
Offer context and mood.
Often naturally beautiful and dynamic.
Tips:
Ensure the subject doesn’t get lost in a busy natural scene by using shallow depth of field.
2. Urban Backgrounds
Examples: Brick walls, graffiti, streets, buildings.
Benefits:
Add texture, patterns, and a modern or gritty feel.
Tips:
Use lines or patterns in architecture to frame your subject.
3. Studio Backgrounds
Examples: Plain walls, colored backdrops, seamless paper.
Benefits:
Full control over color, light, and simplicity.
Tips:
Use lighting creatively to add depth or create shadows.
4. Abstract or Blurred Backgrounds
Examples: Bokeh (out-of-focus lights), blurred greenery, or abstract patterns.
Benefits:
Keep the viewer’s focus on the subject while adding a soft, dreamy aesthetic.
Tips:
Use wide apertures and increase distance between the subject and the background.
5. Storytelling Backgrounds
Examples: Kitchens, classrooms, workshops, or natural habitats.
Benefits:
Provide context and support the narrative of the image.
Tips:
Keep the storytelling background secondary, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the subject.
Common Background Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Cluttered Backgrounds
Problem: Distracts from the subject.
Solution:
Move to a simpler location or use a wider aperture to blur the background.
2. Merging Objects
Problem: Objects in the background (e.g., poles or trees) appear to "grow out" of the subject’s head.
Solution:
Adjust your position or angle to separate the subject from overlapping elements.
3. Overexposed or Underexposed Backgrounds
Problem: The background is too bright (overexposed) or too dark (underexposed), making it distracting.
Solution:
Use exposure compensation to balance the subject and background lighting.
4. Overpowering Patterns
Problem: Busy or bold patterns steal attention from the subject.
Solution:
Opt for subtle or neutral patterns that complement the subject.
5. Misaligned Horizon
Problem: A crooked horizon creates a sense of imbalance.
Solution:
Use your camera’s grid lines to keep the horizon level.
Tips for Choosing the Right Background
Previsualize Your Scene:
Look at the background through your camera’s viewfinder or screen to see how it interacts with the subject.
Keep It Clean:
If the scene feels busy, remove unnecessary elements or change your angle.
Use Contrast:
Ensure the subject stands out from the background by using contrasting colors, tones, or textures.
Incorporate Framing:
Use elements in the background, like windows, doors, or branches, to frame your subject.
Be Mindful of Color Theory:
Choose background colors that complement or contrast with the subject’s colors for a balanced composition.
Conclusion
Choosing the right background is essential to creating impactful photographs. Whether you’re working with natural, urban, or studio environments, a good background complements the subject, enhances the mood, and keeps the viewer’s focus. By paying attention to simplicity, depth, color, and context, you can elevate your photography and tell stronger visual stories. Practice observing backgrounds in different settings and experiment with angles, depth, and lighting to find the perfect backdrop for your subject!
