When you think or capture an image, there is always an objective, a reason or a will to retain this image and no other. There is always a bias, there is always something subjective and conditioned by your gaze. Behind a photograph, whether you are aware of it or not, there are many decisionsOr at least there should be. Because these decisions behind the image are what differentiate you from someone who is not interested in photography at all and who only wants to document an instant. I am sure that this is not your case, that behind any of your images there are many decisions; I’m sure, because if you follow this blog it’s because you love photography 😉
Now, is the background in your thoughts when you choose a motif, an image? Nope? Well, with this article we are going to try to always, always, always have it in your thoughts before pressing the shutter.
But before continuing, I recommend you delve into the Photographic composition and learn all the essential tips and tricks through this mega guide that we have prepared for you.
Background is everything that surrounds your center of interest (animate or inanimate, animal, stone or human being), background can be large mountains, a wall, a street or a color space.
But above all, the background is the great forgotten of the photographs. Why? Because we are enthusiasts. So much so, that most of the time we are able to get excited about an object or a face, losing our oremus, the more we like what we see, the worse, the more we start shooting without thinking. It is after so much emotion, already at home, when you realize that an arm protrudes from the head of that face that made you lose your mind, or that the horizon falls away, or that there is a great sign of some fast food place that draws more attention than that cute couple you thought to portray.
To avoid such disasters, we start with the first and most important rule:
Give the same importance to the background as to your protagonist
Being aware of its existence before pressing the shutter is the best way to correct and find the best place to take your image. The background should be you ally At all times, you must highlight the center of interest, must accompany your protagonist or provide relevant information about him. In short, it should help you make your image the way you want it to be.
You control the bottom and not the other way around
Once you have become aware of the importance of the background, the next step is to learn to control it. Sometimes you will be interested in just the one behind you, sometimes you will not like it at all. Be that as it may, you must choose the fund that interests you, and never settle for it. If you don’t like what you see, change it.
When to include the background in your images?
The background can be a great ally when taking your images, it can make a flat image fill with depth, it can add drama, contrast or light.
- When the background adds interest to the image.
- When help to explain the history of your main subject.
- When the background is the objective itself (landscapes).
- when I help focus attention on the main motif.
- when i help you compositionally to improve your image.
How to include the background in your images?
Once you have decided to include the background in your photograph, you only have to decide how to do it.
Move around to get the background you want
You may not like that wall in front of you, but if you move to the side, you may get a magnificent leafy tree or a worn wooden door in the background that will satisfy you completely.
Change the shooting angle
Changing the angle of the shot is another way to search for new backgrounds through different points of view. You will be surprised how an image can vary with just a slight change in color. point of view. You can go from photographing your model with an unphotogenic street behind, to photographing it bathed in the blue of the sky.
Move to your center of interest
As long as you can do it, it’s probably the easiest option; locate a background that satisfies you and place the center of interest there.
close the diaphragm
Now that you have decided that you are going to include the background in your images, don’t forget to stop down if you want a good depth of field in your image (more area in focus behind your center of interest).
negative space
Negative space is known as all that space or background that surrounds the main motif but contains little information, so that it does not detract from the main motif, but accompanies it to highlight it.
Contrast backgrounds
Contrast is another way of using the background to highlight both the main subject and the background itself. You can use color, theme or shapes, among others.
Backgrounds in high and low key
Although it may seem that a black or white background is not a background, it is. You can get amazing and dramatic images with these techniques. You can see how to do them step by step in this article.
Create your own background
Simple card stock or a curtain can make great backgrounds if you need to create one for yourself. You can even take some large scarves or fabrics to your photo shoots so that if you can’t find a background that suits you, you can use them as a background.
a moving background
Panning and other techniques like zooming can help you create your own backgrounds by adding interest to your image through movement.
look for simplicity
Especially when you have a very photogenic center of interest, the best way to accompany it is with a simple background; less is more.
Look for backgrounds that have no more light than your main subject…
Because if so, it is very likely that they will burn when you expose your protagonist well.
When NOT to include the background in your images
There will be times when you don’t want a background in your image, you may have already moved to all possible places and angles and still can’t find a suitable background for your image, or you just don’t feel like including one for some reason. these reasons:
- when the background subtract prominence to the center of interest (for example a background with too much information where your protagonist gets lost).
- When you do not find neither for A nor for B any fund that interests you.
- When the light difference or exposure gap between your main subject and the background is too great and one of the areas of your image you anticipate will be incorrectly exposed.
- When what the background teaches harms the idea you want to convey with the choice of your protagonist. For example, if you want to convey loneliness, it may not be a good idea to see two tourists playing paddle tennis on the beach in the background of your image 😉
- Money “too” interesting, because they will detract from your main subject. If they are so interesting, you can always make them go from the background to the main subject of your image.
How NOT to include the background in your images
Close (or fill) the frame
The easiest way to remove an annoying element is to hide it or make it disappear, and to make a background disappear, the easiest way is to vary the composition and close the frame getting closer more to our center of interest.
open the diaphragm
When you use very wide apertures (f/1:4, f/1:8, etc.) in addition to having more light in your images, you will reduce the depth of field. This means, that the money they will come out of your image out of focus. The more you open the diaphragm, the more blur your images will have.
Use long focal lengths
A telephoto lens has the power not only to get closer without having to move, but also to isolate the protagonist from the background image, making him stand out above it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- That the horizon does not “fall” and that it does not “cut off” any head.
- Take into account the color, some will enhance your image and others will not.
- Don’t forget the basic composition rules.
- Be aware of possible distracting elements (a branch sticking out of the head, someone unexpectedly entering your frame…)
- Take care of the lines; they are powerful competitive elements, but misused in the background, they can make you completely lose your protagonist’s attention.
- Don’t be afraid to use the background; a well-used background can add a lot of interest to your image.
- Not practicing enough 😉
Practicing is the only way to realize how important background is. When a bad background has managed to ruin a few valuable images, you will necessarily start to notice it and give it the importance and prominence it deserves. I have no doubt that if you are reading this it is because you are one of those who persevere, and it is very likely that by now you have reached this conclusion quietly and based on errors. Even so, it never hurts to repeat it to yourself from time to time, it is very easy to fall into old habits 😉
And now you know, if you liked it and/or you think someone else might find it useful -Do you remember that photo in which you looked so good (for once!) but in which your friend didn’t see that a unknown passer-by gave you some horns or that branch that came out of your ear… and the photo went from being a great profile picture for all your favorite networks to being something you keep under various passwords on your hard drive… ? – Share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, or all three at the same time 😉 And as always… Thank you very much!