Photo Background

Turn a snapshot into a stunning photograph!

When taking a photo we are concentrating on our subject, but what about the background. Looking at your photo afterwards you can often find that the background is detracting from an otherwise good photo. The first step is to be aware of the importance of the background to your photo and simply paying attention to it.

Your eye should be drawn to the subject in the final image, therefore you should deliberately include or exclude the background from your photograph.

NOTE: If you are using the photo for a card or invitation, a general rule is to keep the area behind your subject (background) light and plain.

1. Create your own background:
   If you can't find the right existing background, add your own. A simple and inexpensive backdrop is a very large white or black sheet (black velvet makes a very nice background material). Hang it over the lounge and on to the floor (see image below) or over an outdoor table and onto the grass.
   
   

   Create Your Own Background

   The sheet is draped over the lounge and onto the floor.

   The result of creating your own background

           
2. Move - step to the side:
   To avoid an object in your background might be as simple as taking a step to the side.
   
   
3. Find a different angle:
   To avoid an unpleasing background, find a different angle for your shot. Stand above your subject or get down low to use the sky as a background. You can also stand on a step ladder, chair or other stable object to get the angle you want.
   
   

   Change the Angle you Take your Photo

   In the background are people swimming and the horizon runs through the subjects

   Changing your angle slightly makes a difference in the result

   
   
   
4. Increase the distance between the subject and the background:
   The farther the subject is from the background, the more out of focus the background will be. Put lots of distance between the subject and the background. (You can switch your camera settings to Portrait).
   
   
5. Complimenting and Pleasing Colour Scheme:
   Keep in mind that the background needs to have a complementing and pleasing color scheme. Avoid clashing colours - this may mean that your subject needs to select different clothing.
   
   
6. Relative Brightness of the Background
   Be aware of the relative brightness of the background. Often it is distracting if the background is brighter than the subject. Your eye will typically be attracted to the brightest part of the picture.
   
   

   Relative Brightness of the Background

   A bright background can be distracting. Your eye is drawn to the subject in the second photo.

   Here the clothing is in tone with the background. The context of your background is also important

7. Zoom in
   Sometimes a good background is as simple as zooming in on your subjects. See examples below:
   
   

   Zoom in on your subjects

   It is unclear what the main subject of this photo is.

   By zooming in on the subjects, the focus is on them.

You will be surprised at what a difference it makes to your photo. All it takes is a little care, and awareness and you can turn a good photo into a GREAT one!

Keep the background of your photo clean !

Below are some other things that you may look out for:

• Someone walking behind your subject;
• Someone's feet in the frame;
• Your shadow!
• Does the background add to your image? e.g. a bucket and pale will most likely add to the story

Where does this rule not apply?

This rule does not apply when you are taking documentary style photos. As an example, the first time your baby is being weighed, when they have food all over their face.

Now that you have some beautiful photos, why not incorporate them in a beautiful Photo Album, Family Canvas Print, or Card. We welcome you to browse through our designs. Alternatively, contact us as we can work together to choose the perfect design.