Jul 11 2010
The Photography Background – The Biggest Difference Between Pro And Novice!
If you happen to be focused on photography - and want to get your photos to a whole new, higher level - the important thing to success is the photography background!
On the list of vital differences between beginner and pro photography is the pro has learned to control and manipulate the photography background - where the beginner focuses all their attention on the subject and typically just lets the background come about on its own.
Ever been so caught up in your subject and lighting and so on that (when you look at the completed photo) you discover an enormous trash can - right behind your subject - spilling trash all over the ground? In each photograph? Plus you didn't even see it in the course of the photo sitting!
Or, maybe you have been guilty of having tree branches appearing to erupt from the subject's head, like antlers?
They are ridiculous mistakes which can be effortlessly handled and will rapidly increase your photography's effectiveness.
The unpleasant news is we don't really notice how much better our images are! Let us face it; if you do not have trash or antlers and so on, you never stop to consider how much better your photograph is…you simply don't notice. Our attention only comes to bear if we forget and screw up (we all do on occasion).
If you'd like respect for your creative endeavors, you can't allow these problems into your photos. It really is a simple repair…only remember to check out the background and all four corners inside the viewfinder before you click on the shutter button - then you modify accordingly.
For those who have a tough time remembering, get a strip of masking tape and mark - in large black letters - "CHECK THE BACKDROP". Next attach the masking tape on the backside of your camera. This will help jog your memory you until it turns into a habit.
You will never be aware of how many images you've rescued, however it's definitely worth the effort.
The following most straightforward photography background technique - to make your subject "explode" from our shot - would be to isolate them.
I am certain you've seen photos where the subject is in clear, sharp focus - but the background is completely out of focus and is only a wash of color.
This is done with manipulating the depth of field.
Depth of field establishes just how much of your photo is in focus. You'll find whole courses written regarding this area (heck, I wrote one myself!) but the easiest ways to do this "wash of color" technique are to:
1. Utilize the greatest focal length lens possible.
2. Open it up towards the widest aperture possible - this is the lowest f-stop numeral.
3. Place the background as far to the rear of the subject as is sensible. Or else put the subject as far in front of the background as you are able to.
Without a doubt each one of the 3 tips has numerous variables. Through adjusting the options offered to you, you can make your photography background as focused or de-focused as you would like. There isn't any right or wrong.
Entirely out of focus, partly in focus, sharp as a tack…this is now the point where your imaginative eye comes into the picture.
When you've mastered the "in camera" strategies of manipulating your backdrops, then it's time to consider getting a few cloth backdrops. This will give your work an expert "photo studio" appearance.
A good quality background can literally cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Consequently, instead of dishing out the big bucks, I recommend creating your own. Happily a photography background is simple to make and can be made for pennies on the dollar.
Pay attention to your photography background and you will be capturing pro level photos almost immediately.