by Russell Burden Here's How To Control Your Background
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Whenever I create a photograph, I place as much emphasis on what the background will look like as I do on my subject. As meticulous as I may be in composing the perfect subject, the result will not be successful if the background is too bright, has too much in focus, or has distractions that bring the viewer’s eyes away from the key focal point.
Ways to control what the background will look like are determined by lens selection, aperture selection, angle of view, lighting, distance from the subject, among others. One of the simplest ways to control the look of the background is determined by the position of the photographer. Often, a single step to the left or right, or a change in height from standing to kneeling, can account for a completely different looking image.
In the two pictures of the marmot, the first represents what I call an insurance shot. This type of image proves I was there and I got a photograph of my subject before it scurried off. Once acquired, I begin to work the subject hoping it will cooperate. For the second shot, all I did was slowly crouch down to offset the marmot against a clear blue sky. The corresponding background is much cleaner. There’s no confusion competing with the critter making it easier for the viewer to appreciate the image of the marmot.
Prior to taking any more pictures, study the entire viewfinder. Look to see what’s behind your subject and learn to visualize how that background will be recorded based on what lens you’re using, what aperture it’s set to, and the position from where you make the photograph. Giving the background equal due to the subject and learning how to control it will improve the look of every photograph you create.
