One of the most common mistakes when it comes to taking photos and snapshots is not paying enough attention to the background. Distracting backgrounds can make or break a photo. This photograph of my sister could have been greatly improved if I had paid attention to the background.

Notice the picture frame in the background? It makes it look like her face has a handle. The people in the background are distracting and take away from the photograph.  Finally, there is way too much wall above her head in the background. Overall, this photo is one that anyone could have taken at an event. To make it better (and more pro-like in nature), much of the background could be eliminated and thrown out of focus to make it less distracting.

How to eliminate the distracting background

1.) When you put your camera to your eye, notice everything in the frame. Do not simply pay attention to the subject. Are their columns, picture frames, or floor lamp poles in the background that could look like they are coming out of your subject’s body? If so, consider changing your angle or getting closer to your subject to eliminate this distraction.

2.) Move distracting items from the frame. Is there a bright blanket or pillow in the frame that can draw your eye? Are there distracting toys or other items that can clutter the picture. Move them before you begin shooting.

3.) Move closer to your subject.  This does two things.   First, your subject will take up more of the frame, and therefore less background will be noticed.  Second, the closer you move towards your subject, the narrower your depth of field between your subject and the background (this is true for point and shoot cameras as much as it is true for DSLRs).  Therefore, more of the background will be out of focus.

4.)  Change your aperture.  Learn how aperture works in your camera.  By lowering the f-stop, more of the background will be out of focus and less noticeable.  However, by doing this, know that you are also going to have to change the shutter speed.

5.) Realize that backgrounds are not always a bad thing.  They can give you a much needed sense of place.  Take these two picture below.  These were taken at the same time.   In the first photograph, I zoomed in to get my daughters expression as she was dancing to the music.  However, the result was a photo that could have been taken on any given day.

In the second photo, I zoomed out to include the background.  I like this photograph better.  It gives it a sense of place and time. The background is out of focus enough to not be distracting, all the while giving the photograph charm and it conjures up great memories.

Giving the background attention before you click can immediately improve your photography skills and take your photographs to a new level.