{"id":39086,"date":"2015-08-04T00:30:39","date_gmt":"2015-08-04T07:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/?p=39086"},"modified":"2019-12-12T11:41:30","modified_gmt":"2019-12-12T19:41:30","slug":"portrait-backgrounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/portrait-backgrounds\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Find Amazing Backgrounds For Your iPhone Portrait Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Do your iPhone portrait photos end up as a\u00a0cluttered\u00a0mess rather than a beautiful masterpiece? If so, it&#8217;s likely you&#8217;re not paying attention to what&#8217;s behind your subject. In portrait photography, the background is just as important as the person you&#8217;re photographing. The perfect backdrop should add subtle interest to the scene and create just the right mood, without taking attention away from the subject. In this tutorial you&#8217;ll discover 11\u00a0tips for finding amazing backdrops that will instantly improve your iPhone\u00a0portrait photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39032 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/11992\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-18.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 18\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>1. Keep It Simple<\/h2>\n<p>A great portrait photo can be ruined by a bad background, but this is often forgotten. If there&#8217;s too much distraction in the background, the viewer&#8217;s attention will be taken away from your subject and the photo will have less impact.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39042 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/11996\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-28.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 28\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A good backdrop should complement the subject without competing for attention.\u00a0So one of the first rules in portrait photography is to keep the<a href=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/portraits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> portrait background<\/a> simple and uncluttered.<\/p>\n<p>A plain white or black background shouldn&#8217;t be underestimated. They&#8217;re great for ensuring\u00a0all of the viewer&#8217;s attention is focused on the subject.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21458 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/7649\/1120\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-4.jpg\" alt=\"Karyn Teno iPhone Photos 4\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-4.jpg 560w, https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-4-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>But a simple background doesn&#8217;t mean it has to be completely plain. It just means that the background shouldn&#8217;t take attention away from the subject. The background should always complement the main subject, rather than competing for attention.<\/p>\n<p>Train your eye to search out good backgrounds for portrait photography. Whether you\u2019re walking down the street, exploring the countryside, or wandering through a building, keep your eye out for good, simple backgrounds.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39035 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12113\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-21.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 21\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Look around and imagine how these different locations would look if you positioned a person in front of them.\u00a0A simple wall can often make the perfect background.<\/p>\n<p>Before you take the shot, check if there&#8217;s anything distracting in the background. If you can move that distraction, make sure you do so &#8211;\u00a0it will make all the difference.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39061 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12124\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-45.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 45\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The great thing about photographing people\u00a0is that you can easily move your subject, so if you\u2019re not happy with the background, simply move the person\u00a0to a different location &#8211; this may only need to be a few feet away.<\/p>\n<p>You can also use <a href=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/portrait-mode\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portrait mode<\/a> to simplify the background.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever you use for your background, always ask\u00a0yourself whether\u00a0the\u00a0main subject stands out well. If they don&#8217;t, then the photo is unlikely to be a success. Taking the time to look around for a simpler background will definitely be worth it.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Use\u00a0The Sky As Your Background<\/h2>\n<p>The sky makes an excellent clean and simple background for your portrait shots. Photographing your subject with the sky as the backdrop\u00a0ensures there are no distractions in your image.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39045 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/21859\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-31.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 31\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In addition to that, you&#8217;ll end with a lovely colored background whether you shoot against a bright blue sky or the orange of sunrise and <a href=\"\/creating-the-perfect-sunset\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sunset<\/a>. Cloud formations will\u00a0add extra interest to the image.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39029 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12291\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-15.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 15\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/low-angle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shooting from a low angle<\/a>\u00a0will allow you to get more sky behind your subject. If you shoot from a low enough angle you&#8217;ll be able to completely eliminate any\u00a0objects from the ground which might otherwise\u00a0draw attention away from your subject.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-29788 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/10353\/1120\/Motion-iPhone-Photos-28.jpg\" alt=\"Motion iPhone Photos 28\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you <a href=\"\/golden-hour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shoot during the\u00a0golden hours<\/a> of sunrise and sunset, when the sun is low in the sky, you&#8217;ll be able\u00a0to create beautiful portrait silhouette photos with amazing\u00a0colors in the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-29798 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/10071\/1120\/Motion-iPhone-Photos-38.jpg\" alt=\"Motion iPhone Photos 38\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/silhouettes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To create a silhouette photo<\/a>, simply position your subject directly in front of the sun or a bright area of the sky. <a href=\"\/focus-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tap to set focus<\/a> where you want it, then swipe down on the screen to manually reduce\u00a0the <a href=\"\/exposure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">exposure<\/a> (image brightness). The aim is to have your subject appear as a black shape against the brighter sky.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39031 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12325\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-17.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 17\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want your\u00a0subject to appear as a silhouette, you might need to increase exposure so that you can see detail in your subject. After setting focus, always manually adjust the exposure by swiping up or down on the screen until\u00a0you achieve the brightness that you want.<\/p>\n<h2>3.\u00a0Shoot From Above<\/h2>\n<p>Another approach to getting more interesting, but less distracting, backgrounds is to shoot your subject from above so that the ground becomes the backdrop for your photo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39063 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12336\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-47.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 47\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Instead of taking a portrait from straight on or from a low angle, try to find an area of elevation and take your portrait photo from above.<\/p>\n<p>One fun and easy way to do this is to have the subject lay down by your feet and take the photo looking straight down on them.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39068 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12346\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-52.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 52\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Using water instead of the ground can be really effective too. Jut make sure you don&#8217;t drop your phone in the water!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-29761 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/9928\/1120\/Motion-iPhone-Photos-1.jpg\" alt=\"Motion iPhone Photos 1\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You could also try finding a high vantage point such as the top of a staircase, a balcony or a bridge. This will allow you to shoot straight down onto a subject far below you while using\u00a0the ground as your backdrop.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Think About Color<\/h2>\n<p>When shooting portraits, pay attention to the <a href=\"\/color\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">color<\/a> of your background.\u00a0Normally you want your subject to stand out against the background, and an easy way to do this is to ensure\u00a0the color of your subject&#8217;s clothing contrasts with the color of the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39064 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12360\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-48.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 48\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The bright pink dress of the subject above stands out really well against the dull, muted colors of the wall in the background. If she was wearing a\u00a0dress\u00a0of more muted tones, she wouldn&#8217;t stand out so well against that background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-30944 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/10033\/1120\/Color-Phone-Photos-11.jpg\" alt=\"Color Phone Photos 11\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Generally, if your background is dark, your subject will stand out best if they&#8217;re wearing light or bright colored clothing. If the background is light, darker clothing will work better.<\/p>\n<p>If\u00a0you&#8217;re shooting portraits out in nature, the background will often be green, so think about what colored clothing will stand out best in these situations.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32187 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/10468\/1120\/Emotion-iPhone-Photos-35.jpg\" alt=\"Emotion iPhone Photos 35\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Black or dark clothing can work well against the colors of <a href=\"\/nature\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nature<\/a>, but if you really want to make a statement, try having your subject wear something red. This will add a wonderful pop of color to your image, ensuring that your subject doesn&#8217;t get lost against the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39055 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12382\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-39.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 39\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In urban environments, you could look out for vivid colored walls that will contrast with the color of your subject&#8217;s clothing.<\/p>\n<p>For a completely different approach, try making your subject blend in with the color of the background. This creates a completely different effect where the subject appears almost camouflaged against the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39034 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12389\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-20.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 20\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Simply choose a background that&#8217;s a similar color to the subject&#8217;s clothing. Or if you&#8217;re set on using\u00a0a certain background for your portrait photo, ask the subject to wear clothing of a similar color.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Search Out Interesting Textures<\/h2>\n<p>Textured backgrounds are great for\u00a0providing\u00a0extra\u00a0visual interest to your portrait photos without taking attention away from the main subject.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39056 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12401\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-40.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 40\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/texture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Interesting textures<\/a> can be found in so many places. For example,\u00a0old buildings with aged brick facades or wood siding, tall wooden fences, overgrown bushes and ivy-covered walls, old doors with peeling paint, tree trunks with textured bark, lush green grass, fallen leaves, hay bales, an antique quilt, etc.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39057 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12411\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-41.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 41\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As well as\u00a0making your photos more visually interesting,\u00a0textured backgrounds add a tactile feel to your photos. They can make the viewer want to reach out and touch the texture, which ultimately makes your photo more engaging.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39070 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12421\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-54.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 54\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Including an interesting textured background also helps to place the subject in context with their surroundings. This adds more meaning to the photo, creating an extra\u00a0storytelling element.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39280 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12433\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-61.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with hb2 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>6. Look For Patterns<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"\/pattern-and-repetition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patterns<\/a> and <a href=\"\/lines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lines<\/a> add\u00a0a sense of energy and movement to a static portrait. They also create wonderful visual interest that can add an <a href=\"\/abstract\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">abstract quality<\/a> to\u00a0your photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28729 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/9632\/1120\/Light-Sources-iPhone-Photos-39.jpg\" alt=\"Light Sources iPhone Photos 39\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Once you start looking, you&#8217;ll find interesting patterns all around you. Brick walls, large wooden fences, patterned doors, venetian blinds, bamboo shades and woven curtains\u00a0are all great starting points for finding patterns and lines.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39052 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12450\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-36.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 36\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When you find a patterned background that you&#8217;d like to use, experiment with different compositions to make the most of the pattern.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39041 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12459\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-27.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 27\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For example, I used the striped pattern of the blinds in this photo to help lead the eye from the\u00a0front\u00a0of the image to the back. Using patterns can help add another dimension to your\u00a0portraits, creating more interesting and dynamic images.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Use Symmetry<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"\/finding-symmetry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Symmetry<\/a> can be a really useful tool for getting\u00a0your iPhone portrait photos noticed. Using symmetry in your portraits creates a strong sense of balance and makes them so much more appealing to the viewer.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39060 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12470\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-44.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 44\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Symmetrical compositions are so strong that they&#8217;ll catch the viewer&#8217;s attention before they even look at the details of the photo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39017 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12481\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-3.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with c8 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Symmetry can often be found in <a href=\"\/buildings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">buildings<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"\/architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">architecture<\/a> and urban environments. Keep your eyes peeled for any background objects or structures that create a symmetrical\u00a0mirror-image.<\/p>\n<p>Bridges, building facades and archways are excellent places for finding perfect symmetry. But you&#8217;ll also find near-symmetry in nature, for example two trees of a similar shape and size on either side of a path.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39069 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12489\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-53.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with m3 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Another place to find symmetry is in shiny surfaces such as mirrors, glass and\u00a0water. The <a href=\"\/reflections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reflections<\/a> created can\u00a0provide interesting symmetrical backgrounds for your portrait photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39279 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12499\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-60.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with c8 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/composition-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Composition<\/a> is of utmost importance when <a href=\"\/shooting-symmetry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">capturing\u00a0symmetry<\/a>. Frame the shot with\u00a0the line of symmetry is perfectly central, so that one\u00a0side of the image mirrors the other.\u00a0Placing\u00a0your subject centrally in the frame\u00a0will add to the sense of symmetry and create a stronger visual impact.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Look For Interesting Light<\/h2>\n<p>An important element in iPhone portraiture is <a href=\"\/light-sources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">utilizing the right kind of lighting<\/a>.\u00a0But don\u2019t just think about how your subject is lit &#8211; look around and take notice of how\u00a0the light interacts with the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39049 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12509\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-35.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 35\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For example, there might be\u00a0flares of light coming from the sun that you could use to add\u00a0a magical element to the background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39038 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12516\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-24.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with c6 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Look out for shafts of sunlight hitting objects behind your subject, patterns of dappled light, <a href=\"\/shadows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shadows being cast<\/a>, etc. All of these elements can add extra visual interest that will enhance the\u00a0background behind your subject.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39023 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12524\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-9.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 9\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll often find shadows in bright sunlight. You can use shadows of the person or other objects in the scene\u00a0to create visual interest on the background behind them.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39021 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12533\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-7.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 7\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When shooting indoors, look for places where natural light is coming in through the windows. Notice how the light hits the walls in different ways, creating areas of light and shade.\u00a0These places often create really interesting backgrounds for your indoor portrait photos.<\/p>\n<h2>9. Use Windows &amp; Doorways<\/h2>\n<p>Interesting doorways and windows often create great backgrounds for your portrait photos, and they can be used in a\u00a0couple of really useful ways.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39022 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12541\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-8.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 8\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Positioning your subject next to a window will create\u00a0wonderful lighting that will illuminate their features in interesting ways.<\/p>\n<p>It will create areas of light and shade in your photo, and you can use this to\u00a0hide one side of your subject in the shadows. This can <a href=\"\/mystery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">create a wonderful sense of mystery and intrigue<\/a> in your portrait photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39039 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12547\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-25.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 25\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By varying the direction that you\u00a0shoot from, you&#8217;ll be able to control how much of your subject is\u00a0well-lit and how much appears in the shadows.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39067 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12555\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-51.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 51\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The other way you can use doors and windows is to position your subject within the\u00a0aperture. Framing your subject in this way is a great way of drawing more attention to them.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39053 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12563\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-37.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 37\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You could position your subject in front of the frame, just inside the frame, or even peeking out from a doorway or window.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39072 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12571\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-56.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 56\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>10. Reflect Your Backgrounds<\/h2>\n<p>A really interesting way to make your portrait backgrounds more interesting is to use reflections. Whenever you see a reflective surface such as water, glass or a mirror, check to see if there are any reflections that would make a good backdrop for a portrait photo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39028 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12579\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-14.jpg\" alt=\"Processed with VSCOcam with a1 preset\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Capturing a reflection of trees and clouds in a lake can make an\u00a0interesting background, especially if there are ripples in the water that will create an almost painterly effect.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33181 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/11598\/1120\/iPhone-Photo-Reflections-17.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photo Reflections 17\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Even a small\u00a0puddle in the foreground will allow you to capture a reflection of the background behind you in the water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39286 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12593\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-62.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 62\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Glass and metallic buildings can also serve as a mirrored surface in which you can capture reflections of the scene behind you.<\/p>\n<p>Another really creative technique that you could try is to capture a reflection of the background in a window, while your subject is looking out from inside.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-33195 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/11409\/1120\/iPhone-Photo-Reflections-31.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photo Reflections 31\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To create this effect, you need to shoot through a window from outside and have your subject looking through the window from inside.\u00a0You obviously need something interesting behind you to reflect in the glass, such as trees or a pretty sky.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39019 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12602\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-5.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 5\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>11. Use Foreground Interest Instead<\/h2>\n<p>Finally, instead of searching for a great background, how about using objects in the foreground instead? This approach can add a creative streak to your portrait photos, and it&#8217;s great for locations where you don&#8217;t have a suitable background.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39047 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12607\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-33.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 33\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A really simple technique is to use a curtain. Simple position your subject in front of a window, and have them peeking out from behind the curtain.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39024 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12615\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-10.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 10\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Semi-transparent materials with textures and patterns are also great for placing in front of your subject. In the photo above I photographed my daughter through a\u00a0mesh screen, creating a wonderful textured feel. The photo looks as if a\u00a0filter has been applied to it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21460 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/3731\/1120\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-6.jpg\" alt=\"Karyn Teno iPhone Photos 6\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-6.jpg 560w, https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Karyn-Teno-iPhone-Photos-6-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Taking photos through a window can often create\u00a0create a more powerful story than if the subject was stood in front of it. You could shoot through a dirty window of an old abandoned building as shown above, or\u00a0through a misty window as shown below.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39040 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12627\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-26.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 26\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Keep your eyes peeled for anything of interest that could be used in the foreground of your portrait photos. Be as creative as you like!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39073 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12634\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-57.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 57\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>My son found a\u00a0disc of frozen water and had great fun looking at the world through the wavy surface. So I decided to use it in the foreground of this portrait photo, creating a truly unique image.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39071 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12642\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-55.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 55\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Look for foregrounds that will enhance the overall mood of the portrait such as frosted glass, sheer curtains, dirty windows, mesh screens, etc. These are all things that will make the portrait more fascinating and eye-catching.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>There are\u00a0so many different options for creating unique portrait photos with amazing backgrounds. At practically any location you should be able to use one or more of these 11 techniques to create a simple, yet highly effective backdrop.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28600 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/9627\/1120\/Light-Sources-iPhone-Photos-15.jpg\" alt=\"Light Sources iPhone Photos 15\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The first step is to remove any unwanted distractions. Then you can\u00a0utilize color, texture, pattern, reflections, symmetry and\u00a0light to create beautiful portrait photos that have a wonderful mood and storytelling element.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-32188 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/10653\/1120\/Emotion-iPhone-Photos-36.jpg\" alt=\"Emotion iPhone Photos 36\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Using windows and doors to frame a person\u00a0is a great way of drawing the viewer&#8217;s attention towards the subject.<\/p>\n<p>And if you want to get really creative, try shooting through semi-transparent foreground objects to add a unique dimension to your images.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39059 ip-cdn\" src=\"https:\/\/images.iphonephotographyschool.com\/12655\/1120\/iPhone-Photos-Portrait-Backgrounds-43.jpg\" alt=\"iPhone Photos Portrait Backgrounds 43\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" \/><\/p>\n<p>By using these highly effective techniques, you&#8217;ll\u00a0soon be creating beautiful and captivating portraits photos with your iPhone!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do your iPhone portrait photos end up as a\u00a0cluttered\u00a0mess rather than a beautiful masterpiece? If so, it&#8217;s likely you&#8217;re not paying attention to what&#8217;s behind your subject. In portrait photography, the background is just as important as the person you&#8217;re photographing. The perfect backdrop should add subtle interest to the scene and create just the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[303,298],"tags":[134,86],"class_list":{"0":"post-39086","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-taking-photos","7":"category-tutorials","8":"tag-people","9":"tag-portraits","10":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n<title>How To Find Great Backgrounds For Your iPhone Portrait Photos<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to dramatically improve your iPhone portrait photos and draw attention to your subject, simply by changing the backgrounds that you use.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/portrait-backgrounds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Find Great Backgrounds For Your iPhone Portrait Photos\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how to dramatically improve your iPhone portrait photos and draw attention to your subject, simply by changing the backgrounds that you use.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/iphonephotographyschool.com\/portrait-backgrounds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"iPhone Photography School\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/iPhonePS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-08-04T07:30:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-12-12T19:41:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Karyn Teno\" \/>\n<meta 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