What’s Your Preference?

Ambrosia76 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2011, 02:11 PM

My backyard has lots of lovely shade in my backyard that is perfect for taking portrait shot any time of day, but the problem is no matter what angle I use the backdrop is horrible. I have chain link fence on 3 sides and a brick house on the other. I tried taking portraits of my daughter and even with the background blurred I hated them, the lighting is lovely but otherwise yuck!

Wonder if anyone has any ideas to improve it so I can use it for pics?

I am thinking that perhaps in one spot I will build a nice trellis with some type of flowering vine on it,just have to find one that will grow in the shade. Also thought about finding some nice shrubs that will grow in shade to cover the back fence.

MattG · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 03:22 AM

My cousin used to hang a sheet down behind the subject - plain white and definitely not distracting.

Also why not look at a gardening centre and get some decorative bamboo fence that you can either roll up or store away when not using?

tyasa81 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 05:26 AM

why dont you post your backyard pic and some surrounding areas to see if maybe some ppl may give their input on a suitable background...

in fact, why not do it at the front of the house? if it looks nicer... you just have to wait for the light

Ambrosia76 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 12:57 PM

I love the idea of the bamboo.

My front yard is the size of a postage stamp and has no shade ever.

autofocus · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2011, 01:38 PM

Although contrary to the general rule of getting down on the subject's level you can try some shots while shooting from an elevated position. Looking down on your subject will eliminate the less than pretty background

Ambrosia76 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2011, 12:28 AM

Here is a general snapshot of my backyard. You can see some of the problems Shed,fence,dog pen,etc.

faeriegodess612 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2011, 03:35 AM

Wow,..and no grass because theres too much shade for anything to grow. My only suggestion would be maybe get closer to those trees towards the back, and use them? Maybe even have her lean against the dog house, but get a shot from mid arm up or stand on the dog house ( depending on a lot of course ) and get a shot looking up at her, using the trees behind as background. IDK. Thats the two things that come to mind off the bat.