Using Photography Background

Few things can ruin a great portrait photo more quickly than messing up the background. Even if the subject of the photo has the perfect look on her face, the lighting is just right, and the focus is sharp, an unwanted background can pull the attention away from the subject and steal the mood that you're trying to achieve with the photo. Use these tips to avoid miscues with the backgrounds in your photos.

• One of the most common mistakes involving beginning photographers and backgrounds occurs when the subject of the photo appears to have something sticking out of her head. As you look at the background in three dimensions, it's obvious, for example, that the light pole is 100 feet behind the subject. In the two-dimensional photo print, though, it can seem like the pole is growing out of the subject's head. If needed, change the angle at which you're aiming the camera at the subject to make sure trees, light poles, and other distracting objects are not directly behind the subject.

• Other common background problems involve colors that clash with the subject, vertical lines that clash with horizontal lines on the subject's clothing, and bright lights near the subject. Again, try moving to change the angle of the photo and avoid these problems.

• If you cannot move and still get the shot you want, you may need to ask the subject to move. Keep all of your options open when looking for the best background.

• One trick for avoiding poor backgrounds is to simply blur them. Use a zoom lens to shoot a close-up of the subject or use a wide aperture, both of which will limit the portion of the photo that is in focus. A blurry background can create a cool-looking photo, while also diminishing the impact of a distracting background.

• If you often have problems with backgrounds, consider carrying a large piece of cardstock, a tarp, or another solid-colored object that you can place behind your subject to create your own background.

• Finally, if possible, take a second before shooting the photo to double-check the background. Look for anything that could be distracting. You might only find a poor background problem once every 15 or 20 shots, but avoiding a background that can ruin a shot is worth the small amount of extra time required to take a strong look at the background.