If you want to dramatically improve your macro shots, focus on the background. I don’t mean that you should literally focus your lens on the background. I mean that you, the photographer, should focus your attention on the background. The background in a macro image is critical to the success of that image.
A soft ,mottled green background enhances the beauty of dew-glittered fairy trumpets.
Usually when we’re shooting, we tend to focus our attention on the subject. Our biggest concern is that it is in focus, that the composition is good and in a close-up that it doesn’t move. All are very important issues for tight close-ups. We can also get caught up in the magnification of the subject. When the lens magnifies the image, we can see things through the camera that we didn’t notice with the naked eye. It’s easy to get so caught up in the excitement of what we’re seeing and forget to pay attention to what the camera sees. Unlike our eyes, the camera sees the subject and the background equally.
Make sure that the subject is where the viewer’s eye is drawn without any background distractions. We can do this by minimizing the background. Creating a simple, uncluttered background will make your subject stand out and make the background, well, fade into the background. That’s not always as easy as it sounds. An out of focus background is relatively easy to achieve, but that doesn’t ensure a suitable background. An out of focus background that enhances the subject requires a bit more effort. Many macro images are disappointing because the background, even though it’s out of focus, is a cacophonous riot of color. Our eyes are drawn to bright areas and to brightly colored areas even if they are fuzzy and lack detail. Color variations in the background should be soft and subtle. Ideally, keep the background, regardless of color, darker than the subject.
Soft variations in light and shadow highlight grasses at Ridgway State Park, CO.
Many times light and shadow provide a background that is mostly shades of gray. This is good, except when the light and shadow create a distracting pattern. As with a colored background, try to achieve a soft, subtle background lacking distinct patterns that is generally darker than the subject.
A change of focus when you spot a suitable macro subject may help your shot. Before you pull your camera out, move around the subject and look at the background. Look for a simple background. Sometimes squinting will help you envision what an out-of-focus background might look like. Spend at least as much time looking for a suitable background as you spend looking for a good subject. Then pull out your camera and start composing. If your camera has a preview button, use it to see how the background will look at the selected aperture.
A good background is just as important to your shot as the subject. Focus on the background to nail that macro shot.
Good shooting.
Frank
