Portraits and backgrounds

In portraiture, I usually start with the background. Even where space is limited, or where the location is unattractive, photographs can be improved greatly by taking the time to make the best of what's available.

Generally, I like backgrounds to be interesting, relevant, or neutral.

A neutral background is one which does not distract from the subject. The general idea is to simplify a picture, making it easier to read. So the background might be out of focus, as in this portrait of a Balinese man. A shallow depth of field ensures only the subject of the picture is sharp; there is nothing for the eye to latch onto in a blurry background, and therefore nothing to distract:

Or it might be simply unobtrusive or plain. The cat here, looking out from a windowsill, is also framed by the wall:

In most situations, it is usually possible to eliminate unwanted elements. It is always worth taking the time to organise and clear up a location to improve a background - I often reorganise furniture and move clutter. But also by changing position, or using a longer lens, one can reduce or hide distractions. The ground and the sky are useful backdrops to consider using, too: 

 Relevant backgrounds are ones which inform. They might include the person at their home or workplace (known as environmental portraits). As for rearranging things, I should mention that the Jack Vettriano picture, used on the wall in the photograph on the left, did not belong there.

 

 Finally, there are the 'interesting' backgrounds, which might use a quirky, colourful or patterned backdrop:

Some would argue that the actual background itself is irrelevant - as long as it works photographically. The examples given here of relevant or interesting backgrounds are, in the end, simply using lines, shapes or colours.