BACKGROUND

Here are three photos of the same subject

The shots were taken within seconds of each other in the classroom using the same camera, but against three different backgrounds and environments. The professionalism of these shots has more to do with the BACKGROUNDS than it does with the camera or subject.

Control over the BACKGROUND helps the photographer steer focus and frame your subject. There are several techniques that you have available to you. The general idea is to SIMPLIFY the background:

1. By carefully Choosing your Backdrop or Environment

2. By Using Lighting

3. By Using Depth of Field

Depth of Field

Control over DEPTH of FIELD can help simplify the "noise" in a busy environment to draw focus on the subject. With the right equipment and skill, you can do this "in-camera" - but the same effect can be achieved using Photoshop

Vignetting

A Vignette is the style where the outside edges are darkened

It helps draw focus to the subject in the center

The PURPOSE of the background is to FRAME and help steer focus on the subject

• Keep the background SIMPLE - not noisy

• Use Depth of Field