Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject: Consider the background
Consider the background
This has happened to me quite often. I am so engrossed and focussed on my subject that I forget to look at the background of my shot. Often it is only when checking the photos on my computer that I realise there is a distraction in the background that I'd rather not have. A common distraction when photographing people is having an object in the background protruding from their head! Although I'm talking about backgrounds I'd also like to say consider the foreground. How many photos have you seen where the photographer's shadow is clearly visible stretched out on the ground in the foreground. When composing your shot take a few moments to consider the background (and foreground). If it's too distracting sometimes you can take a few steps to rectify it.
1. Move yourself. If you take the shot from a different angle or perspective will it improve the background.
2. Move the subject. Sometimes this is not always possible but if moving the subject infront of a more pleasing background will help then do it.
3. Blur the background. By adjusting aperture and focal length the background can be blurred and softened to remove the distraction. I will cover this technique in a separate workshop in a few weeks time. Below is an example where I have used focal length and aperture to blur an unwanted and distracting background.
4. Create your own background. I've done this quite often when photographing objects indoors. Use pieces of card (coloured or white), fabric or even paper to create the background you want. I recently submitted some photos to an image bank and they were rejected because of the distracting background, see first photo below. I then re-photographed using a piece of white A4 paper as a background and the photos were approved for inclusion to the database, see second photo below.
5. Move the background. Of course often the distraction in the background can be moved itself. For example an unsightly bench can be physically moved or an onlooker can be asked to take a step away so that they are excluded from the composition.
6. Post processing techniques. Using software like Photoshop the photograph can be manipulated to blur the background, remove the background or the clone tool can be used to cover up unwanted objects.
There are many ways to exclude a distracting background so next time you're composing your shot remember to look at the background before pressing the shutter and take appropriate steps to make improvements if you can.
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