Background

Definition

In photography, background refers to the part of the image that lies behind the main subject, influencing how the viewer perceives the scene. The background can enhance or distract from the main subject and plays a crucial role in framing and perspective, affecting overall composition and storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A well-chosen background can significantly enhance a photo by providing context or adding emotional depth to the subject.
2. When photographing people, backgrounds that are too busy can take attention away from the subject, so it's essential to choose backgrounds wisely.
3. Lighting in the background can affect the overall mood of an image; for instance, a brightly lit background can create a cheerful feel, while a dark one may evoke mystery.
4. Different lenses and focal lengths can alter how backgrounds appear, allowing photographers to control how much of the background is visible and its impact on the subject.
5. Adjusting your angle or position can drastically change how the background interacts with your subject, affecting both framing and perspective.

Review Questions

• How does background selection impact the storytelling aspect of a photograph?
  • Selecting the right background can greatly influence how a story is told in a photograph. A well-chosen background complements the main subject, adds context, and helps convey emotions or themes. For instance, if you're photographing someone in an urban environment, having buildings in the background enhances the narrative of city life, while a nature setting can evoke feelings of tranquility. The interaction between subject and background thus enriches the viewer's understanding of the image's story.
• In what ways can depth of field be utilized to manipulate the viewer's perception of background elements in a photo?
  • Depth of field allows photographers to control what appears in focus versus out-of-focus in a photograph, which directly affects how the background is perceived. By using a shallow depth of field, photographers can blur out distracting elements in the background, making the main subject stand out more prominently. Conversely, a deep depth of field keeps both subject and background sharp, which is useful for landscape photography where both aspects are essential for storytelling. This manipulation creates a stronger visual impact based on how backgrounds interact with subjects.
• Evaluate the role of background in framing and perspective when capturing dynamic images.
  • The role of background in framing and perspective is vital for creating dynamic images that engage viewers. Effective framing includes considering how background elements lead the viewer's eye toward the subject or enhance its presence within the scene. Additionally, altering perspective by changing camera angles can transform how backgrounds relate to subjects; for example, shooting from below may make a subject appear more imposing against a dramatic sky backdrop. By thoughtfully integrating backgrounds into their composition, photographers can elevate their work and create powerful narratives.

Related terms

Depth of Field:

The range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp, which can be manipulated to emphasize the subject against a blurred background.

Composition:

The arrangement of visual elements within a photograph, including how the background interacts with the subject to create balance and focus.

Foreground:

The part of a scene that is closest to the viewer, often used in conjunction with background elements to create depth and context in an image.