Portraits

[mattchewone]

I am looking to do a few couple shots and some family shots and would really like some help with what to do for backgrounds.

I see a lot of white infinite shots and although I do like them I do think that they are a bit plain and boring. But having little knowledge and experience and I'm not really sure what else would work, I could use black or Grey but still I think a little bland not really sure how or what else.

Any help would be great.
Matt

 

[stevewestern]

Well, what sort of pictures do you want to take of them - as you say, a plain background can be a little bland, so do you want to give them some context by showing some domestic or other sort of background ? How about outside - a shady spot under some trees, by a duck pond, at a playground as just a few examples ?
Why not ask them what they want ?
Do you have a big window that could give some lovely soft light which can be a good starting point for both families or couples ?
Given that light looses its strength very quickly a face by a window can be well lit, and the rest of the room can be fading to dark the further away from the window, so with a wide aperture any detail in the background is not going to overpower the picture.
It sounds like you ought to experiment a little to see what results you will get - if you don't like bland backgrounds then try to find out what sort of thing works for you !
Do you have any lighting or flash ?
Another thought is to try looking at portraits that you do like and working out why you like them.

 

[mattchewone]

I'd like to capture some formal shots in a studio setup but with a more interesting but not distracting background but not really sure what.

I'd also like some more natural outdoor style shots I think. I really like what the feel of being outdoors brings to a photo. Just not sure I've found the right place for inspiration for outdoor shots yet.
I also find my outside shots feel very flat and almost P&S like. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

I have two interfit studio flashes with shoot through umbrella and soft box and to speed lights and one umbrella to fit on one of the speed lights.

Thanks

 

[haggis]

Ask the client what type of outdoor location they're comfortable in and you'll get some great shots because they'll relax.

Using some fill flash can often lift your outdoor images.