Backgrounds

I often look for backgrounds with a backlight, ensuring it’s not too bright. I love natural backgrounds, like foliage. While shooting wide open and defocused, the sunlight peeks through leaves to create a bokeh effect. I also make sure there are no distracting colours or elements in the background. Remember, the background is there to complement your subject, not compete with it.

Left: Both the rustic nature of this wooden violin and its warm tones pair perfectly with the autumnal backdrop.

Below: Both of these images contain very similar subjects, but different uses of lighting, colour and composition have all combined to create totally different narratives.

objects you feel you can tell a story through and that speak to you. Think more about what your subjects symbolize. I personally like to use unexpected subjects, like teacups, to evoke the viewer’s curiosity. I also tend to use objects that are timeless. This means no matter where you place them, they will still be there as a familiar object. In every single object, there is a sense of human presence, emotion and stories that are invisible but very clear. So think about what kind of story and emotions you want to express and try to be creative with them.

BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUNDS

You could have the most beautiful subject, but without a good background it will simply be an object. It’s easy to ignore the background and focus all of your attention on the subject. But a nice