Choose Natural Backgrounds
Professional photos are often natural backgrounds that build the aesthetic of the photo on their own. Backgrounds such as forests, mountains or parks allow you to create harmonious compositions that do not distract from the main subject of the photo.
Natural backgrounds are textures and colours that can enhance the message of a photo. It’s simple – arrange a photo shoot in your nearest park, where green leaves and blooming flowers create a beautiful natural backdrop.
It’s also worth noting the seasonality of natural backgrounds and taking advantage of this. In autumn, for example, the leaves turn warm shades of red, orange and yellow, which will create a pleasant tonality in your professional photos.
In portrait photography, natural backgrounds can also help to create a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Photos taken against a backdrop often appear less formal and more authentic.
When choosing natural backgrounds, it is also worth paying attention to the lighting. it is usually softer and more diffuse, which can help to produce more attractive images. What’s more – working with soft lighting is usually easier than controlling harsh light.
Avoid Distractions
When choosing a background for a photo, avoid elements that can distract from the main subject. Distractors in the background can make a photo chaotic and difficult to understand, but this does not mean it is incorrect.
An example of a distractor could be a random person in the frame or bright, mismatched colours in the background. It is worth paying attention to details such as rubbish on the ground or unsightly pieces of architecture.
Try to choose backgrounds that aresolid or with minimal elements that will not compete with the main subject. For product photography, the background should be neutral enough not to distract from the product being shown.
For portrait photography, it is a good idea to avoid crowded locations where many people and objects may be in the frame. Instead, it is better to choose quiet locations like dirt roads, abandoned buildings or even a quiet beach.
Removing distractions from the background can also be achieved by proper framing and depth of field settings. By using a low aperture, the background can be blurred, allowing the focus to be on the main subject of the photo.
Use Textures and Colours
Textures and colours are key elements that can add depth and interest to a photograph. Using a variety of textures, such as the rough bark of a tree or the smooth surface of water, can create interesting contrasts.
It is worth experimenting with different materials to look for a good combination of textures and colours.
The colours will influence the mood of the photo and draw the viewer’s eye. Warm colours, such as beige or orange, can add energy and dynamism, while cool colours, such as blue and green, can bring calm and harmony.
Textures can also serve as a backdrop that enhances the composition without distracting from the main subject. In portrait photography, for example, a brick wall or wooden board can add character and depth to a photograph.
Coloured backgrounds can be used to highlight or contrast with the main subject. A light background can make a dark subject more prominent and vice versa.
It is also worth noting the natural colours and textures that are available in the surroundings. Sand on the beach, leaves in the forest or stones in the mountains can provide the perfect background for different types of photography.
The use of textures and colours can also help to tell a story with photographs. A photo taken against an old, dilapidated wall can be suitable for building an idyllic atmosphere or nostalgia.
Experimenting with different textures and colours can also lead to the discovery of unique photographic styles and techniques. Photographs that combine a variety of elements often stand out and capture the viewer’s attention.
Blur the Background
Blurring the background is a technique that allows you to focus attention on the main subject of a photo while eliminating distractions. This effect can be achieved by using a low aperture, resulting in a shallow depth of field.
A popular example of this technique is the so-called bokeh effect, where the background is blurred in an artistic way, creating soft, blurred light. This effect is often used in portrait and product photography to make the main subject stand out.
It is worth remembering that blurring the background does not always have to be intense. A soft blur can be enough to separate the main subject from the background, while maintaining the context of the surroundings.
This technique is particularly useful in street photography, where the background can be full of distracting elements. Blurring helps to focus attention on key details, such as faces or objects of interest.
In macro photography, blurring the background is almost essential to highlight the fine details of the main subject. A shallow depth of field allows the texture and structure of small subjects to show clearly.
It is worth experimenting with different apertures to find the optimum setting for a particular scene. Sometimes small changes can make a significant difference to the final result of a photograph.
In addition to aperture, other factors such as the focal length of the lens and the distance from the subject also affect the degree of background blur. Long focal lengths and close approaches to the subject can increase the blurring effect.
It is also worth paying attention to lighting, which can affect the quality of the blur. Soft, natural light often produces a more uniform and attractive blur in the background.
Use the Golden Ratio
The golden ratio is a compositional principle that allows for harmonious placement of elements in the frame. It is based on an aspect ratio of 1:1.618, which is considered aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The use of the golden division can help to create more balanced and attractive images. Placing the main subject on one of the dividing lines draws the viewer’s eye to that location.
The golden division can be applied not only to the main subject, but also in the context of the background and other elements. For example, the horizon line can be placed on one of the dividing lines, which adds dynamism to the photo.
It is worth experimenting with different settings to find the best compositions.
In landscape photography, the golden division can be used to position key elements such as trees, mountains or buildings. This makes the professional photos more interesting and draws attention.
It is also worth remembering that the golden division is not a rigid rule, but rather a guideline. Sometimes deviations from this rule can lead to unique and original compositions.
Using the golden division grid in-camera can make composing professional photos easier. Most modern cameras and smartphones offer this feature, making it quick and easy to apply this principle.
The golden ratio is also useful in portrait photography. Placing the eyes on one of the dividing lines can make a portrait more expressive and eye-catching.
Incorporating natural backgrounds and embracing the golden ratio in your composition, can elevate the visual appeal of your professional photos.
The textures and colors found in nature not only offer a unique backdrop but also help in telling a compelling visual story. Understanding and utilizing the depth of field effectively is crucial for achieving the desired level of background blur in your professional photos.
This technique draws the viewer’s focus onto the main subject, whether it’s a product or a portrait, ensuring that your photos convey the intended message with clarity.
Emphasizing key elements within your frame through strategic placement allows the golden ratio to guide the viewers’ attention seamlessly throughout your professional photos. This age-old compositional rule helps in creating images that are harmonious and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Capturing professional photos requires a dance between creativity and technical skill.
By skillfully managing composition, light, and color, each photograph becomes an expressive work of art, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the visual story laid out before them.
