When you point your camera at a subject, you are focused on the subject.  It might be a deer, a flower, your family, or your spouse’s crazy antics.  Now the big question – how much did you focus on the background?

A great subject photograph requires a great background. So, when we photograph, do we consider all the elements that make up the scene.  If we do not, the final result may be far from what you want – You may not have that great photo of your subject.

The background is fundamental to the composition of the image -they can not be separated – together they emphasize the subject, prevent distractions, make it pleasing to the viewer, and help tell the story of your photograph.

A pure black back ground may not distract the viewer from your subject but it may be boring and it will not help tell the story you wanted to tell about your subject.  An element properly placed in the background can contribute significantly to the balance of the image, it can interact with your subject, and tell the story you want your photograph to tell.

TGO Photo Club members – tell us what you want in our “Education” and our “Birds of a Feather” sessions this fall – if “Learning more about background”  is your want, I am sure we can find someone to educate us.

The following images are presented here – not to suggest which is the greatest background for the subject – but they are presented here to show you differences.  It is my hope that  they trigger your mind to think about backgrounds:

My photograph as taken with background lines leading your eye off the photograph.

Modified background – softened, blurred, and coiled around the flower – darker at the  bottom and lighter at the top of the photograph.

Contrast color- maybe complementing colors – background

Same color family background

Does the background window sill lead your eye to her face?   Does her friend, as a background person, tell you the situations is a happy one.  Maybe he just stopped by while she was eating alone?  Was the story told by using the background person?

Having dinner in Paris with Gloria and my twin brother – as photo was snapped – only the faces have been changed to protect the innocent.

A little cropping and an all black background – You like getting rid of the clutter?  But what is the story?

Maybe  we need a little information about the location via the  background to tell the story – What you think?

YOU MIGHT ENJOY MY NEW RAMBLING – CLICK HERE or CLICK #4 (Jim’s Ramblings) IN LEFT SIDE PANEL.

As you swing thru life, try to be the most important member of your family and community – By being their background!