1. Before You Head Out:
* Beschouw het onderwerp: What's the personality of your subject? What's the mood you want to convey? A playful child might suit a vibrant park, while a business professional might prefer a more structured architectural setting.
* Think About Wardrobe: The background should complement the subject's clothing, not clash with it. Consider colors, patterns, and textures. If your subject is wearing a bold outfit, a simpler background might be best. A neutral outfit can work with a wider variety of backdrops.
* Scout Ahead (Virtual or Physical):
* Google Maps/Earth: Use satellite imagery and street view to get a general sense of the area. Look for interesting features like parks, alleys, buildings, or natural landscapes.
* Sociale media (Instagram, Pinterest): Search location tags or relevant keywords (e.g., "portraits [city]") to see what other photographers have used in the area. This can provide inspiration and show you popular spots. Be wary of overused locations!
* Actually Scout: Nothing beats visiting potential locations in person. This allows you to assess the light at different times of day, identify potential hazards, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere.
2. Waar moet je op letten op een geweldige achtergrond:
* eenvoud: Vaak zijn de beste achtergronden eenvoudig en overzichtelijk. A clean backdrop prevents distractions and allows the subject to stand out.
* kleur:
* Aanvullende kleuren: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) can create a visually striking contrast.
* Harmonieuze kleuren: Using colors that are close to each other on the color wheel can create a more subtle and pleasing effect.
* Neutrale kleuren: Grays, whites, browns, and blacks are versatile and won't compete with the subject.
* textuur: Brick walls, weathered wood, foliage, or even textured fabric can add depth and interest to the background.
* licht: Dit is misschien wel het meest cruciale element.
* Gouden uur: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide soft, warm, and flattering light.
* Open schaduw: Areas shaded by buildings or trees offer soft, even light without harsh shadows. Avoid dappled light (sunlight filtering through leaves), which can create uneven skin tones.
* achtergrondverlichting: Positioning the sun behind the subject can create a beautiful rim light and a soft, ethereal look.
* diepte: A background with some depth can create a sense of dimension and prevent the portrait from feeling flat. Look for leading lines (paths, fences, roads) that draw the eye into the scene.
* Interest Without Distraction: The background should enhance the portrait, not detract from it. Avoid backgrounds with:
* Busy patterns
* Bright, distracting colors
* Objects that appear to be growing out of the subject's head
3. Specifieke achtergrondideeën en locaties:
* Parken en tuinen: Offer a variety of natural backgrounds, including trees, flowers, lawns, and ponds.
* stranden: Sand, water, and sky provide a clean and expansive backdrop.
* Stedelijke omgevingen: Brick walls, graffiti art, alleys, and architectural details can add a gritty or modern edge.
* Landelijke gebieden: Fields, farms, barns, and fences offer a rustic and charming aesthetic.
* industriële gebieden: Old factories, warehouses, and train yards can create a unique and edgy look.
* Water voor water: Ponds, lakes, rivers, and fountains can add movement and reflection to the background.
* gebouwen en architectuur: Look for interesting architectural details, such as arches, columns, and doorways.
* Simple Walls: A plain wall (painted or textured) can be a surprisingly effective backdrop.
* gebladerte: Bushes, trees, and flowerbeds can add a natural and colorful element to the background.
* Open Sky: If the sky is interesting (e.g., with clouds or a colorful sunset), use it as a background by shooting from a low angle.
4. Camera Settings and Techniques to Enhance Backgrounds:
* diafragma: Gebruik een breed diafragma (laag F-nummer, zoals f/2.8 of f/4) om een ondiepe scherptediepte te creëren en de achtergrond te vervagen. Dit isoleert het onderwerp en laat ze opvallen.
* brandpuntsafstand: Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) tend to compress the background and create a more pleasing bokeh (blurred background).
* Afstand: Increasing the distance between the subject and the background will further blur the background.
* hoek: Experiment with different shooting angles to see how they affect the background. Schieten vanuit een lage hoek kan het onderwerp groter en imposanter laten lijken, terwijl het fotograferen vanuit een hoge hoek het onderwerp kleiner en kwetsbaarder kan laten lijken.
* Samenstelling: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition techniques to create a visually balanced and engaging image.
* Natuurverwerking: U kunt de achtergrond in de nabewerking verder verbeteren met behulp van tools zoals:
* Blur (to increase the blur effect)
* Color adjustments (to enhance or desaturate colors)
* Dodge and burn (to selectively lighten or darken areas)
Key Takeaways:
* Plan vooruit: Scouting and considering the subject's style are crucial.
* Houd het simpel: Minder is vaak meer.
* Let op licht: Licht is de belangrijkste factor.
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different locations, angles, and camera settings.
* Focus op het onderwerp: De achtergrond moet aanvullen, niet concurreren met het onderwerp.
By following these tips, you can find and utilize great backgrounds to create stunning outdoor portraits. Succes!