Digital Cameras Specialty Digital Cameras

Other than the subject itself, the background is the single most important element of any good photograph. Simply by choosing the right, non distracting background your work will automatically start to look much more professional.

Notice that I used the phrase "Non Distracting" not boring. If I were taking a picture of a big impressive tractor and there was a barn in the background; that barn would be like a supporting actor in a movie. If on the other hand, I was shooting a Motorcycle and there was a barn in the background, it would seem out of place. It would be distracting.

There are so many things to be aware of when taking a good picture that often it seems overwhelming. As far as the background is concerned, if you will remember one word; "PATCH" it should make things much easier.

P is for Parts. This covers parts of people, buildings, trees, etc. If you can see part of something in the background, human nature is going to be more attracted by what's not there than what is.

A is for Angle. The angle at which you take the shot determines if the background is distracting or not. If you are shooting a small girl, you can shoot looking down at her, shoot at her level, or (with a little more effort) shoot looking up at her. From the same location, each of those backgrounds would look totally different.

T is for Timing. Is there anything that would look better five seconds from now? (A kid on a bicycle, a moving car, people walking by; are all visual distractions that you could avoid by just waiting for a few more seconds.)

C is for Contrast. If your subject is standing under a covered picnic table area, and there is a big bright canyon in the background that's probably too much contrast. Not only will your viewer have an awkward time with the difference in lighting, but your exposure will suffer too.

H is for Horizon. If you are traveling and it's your first visit to the Grand Canyon, one would hope that you would get some pictures of your family with the Canyon in the background. Watch the horizon line in the background. Even if the Canyon is beautiful, a crooked horizon line will just never "Feel" right.

Of course there are times (like News Photography) where you might be able to see a distraction, but it's out of your control. Regardless if you are using digital or traditional 35mm, put your camera in Portrait Mode and your camera will automatically choose a narrow "Depth of Field."

Most people spend 90% (or more) of their efforts on getting the subject to look just right, and that is important. But considering how much the background can help or hurt the over-all image, remembering these points will greatly enhance your work.

This Article Written By: Tedric A. Garrison Cedar City, Utah

Tedric Garrison is an award winning writer and photographer with over 30 year's experience. His eBook "Your Creative Edge" (http://www.betterphototips.com/creativeedge.htm) proves that creativity can be taught. Today, he shares his wealth of knowledge with the world, at: http://www.betterphototips.com