Posting Sixteen

“Watch Your Backgrounds” - Part One
 

Thanks to Hockomock Digital Photographer, Rick Alvarnaz, for his permission to share this with you.


How many times have you heard this at competitions or image study meetings, “Watch your background!” Just what does it mean? In truth, your background is just as important as the subject in your image.

Photography is all about communication and your message is more effectively presented with the proper background. Ask yourself. . . is a sharp detailed background what you want, or does a soft muted background better suit your subject? It’s your picture, so it’s up to you!

Even with the use of Photoshop, it is always better to fine tune your image as much as possible in the camera. The most effective way to assure a proper setting for your subject is to use a critical eye when taking the photo.

Someone once advised me to look through the viewfinder as if you were seeing a framed print already on the wall. Examine the ENTIRE frame – is everything there being included purposefully, or are there elements that are distracting and therefore taking attention away from your main subject?

Some distracting examples are unwanted bright spots, objects protruding from one’s head, or anything that does not support your subject. Did you see that beer can in the corner of your landscape shot? How about the blue Volvo just entering your capture of a red-tailed hawk? Is your main subject too close to the edge of your frame? What about the branch that appears to be sticking out of your spouse’s head? Look carefully through your image BEFORE clicking away.
 

 
This has got to hurt! If I took a few steps to the right, the flag would be in front of him adding to the overall impact of the image.

What was I thinking? Nothing like a Civil War Re-enactment to show the latest models in cars, right? What is that white triangle in the lower right corner? And, let's not forget the rope just above his head - a Confederate ploy? No easy solutions here. Delete it!