MomShots

I was introduced to a new photographer today.  OK, not actually introduced.  She has no idea who I am, but I’m her new stalker.  Just kidding, of course!  She is a mom and a professional photographer, plus she has the good sense to also be named Jessica!  Again with the bad jokes…

Her name is Jessica Kettle and she is located in the Salt Lake City area.  She has one little boy name Max and has been working as a professional photographer for just over a year.  She has graciously answered a whole bunch of photography related questions on her blog that her readers have asked.  She has also recently been featured on a local news station where she spoke about the backgrounds she chooses to use when taking interesting portrait photographs.  Watch the video below and hear what she has to say about backgrounds.

 She talks about how we have to be on the lookout for cool back grounds as we go through our day.  When we start thinking about backgrounds, we might be surprised by the types of places we find.  She suggests to look for places that have color and textural elements that our eyes are drawn to.  She has some great examples in her interview.

I know that since I have started this love affair with photography, I have really noticed all kinds of strange places that would make for interesting backgrounds.  Every time we drive around, I notice places that would make a great background.  I need to start writing them down so I don’t forget! 

There is a warehouse on my way to Kristina’s house that has old, rusty teal painted exterior walls.  Many local photographers, including Kristina, who took the adorable photo below at this location, have used that site for some amazing photos.  I have only driven by it, but each time I do, I can’t help but imagine a little photo shoot.  I have also noticed people’s stairs, old brick walls, antique trucks, empty fields, big solid trees; the list goes on and on.  I find that locations kind of pop out at me now.  I think it is part of this obsession!

I have posted this photo before, but I will again since it fits so nicely with this post.  This is a photo I took of Uly in front of a covered baseball bleachers wall.  I love the rich red color and the vertical slats that add texture.  I also love that Uly’s shirt has some of that same shades of red in the horizontal stripes.

That is what we are looking for here, texture and color.  You can find that in so many ways.  It doesn’t have to be a wall.  It doesn’t have to be brightly colored or highly textured - just enough that it adds visual interest.  You don’t want to over power your subject.  You want to use the background as a compositional element that adds interest and complements your subject.  

I would love to see some photos that you have taken with surprising backgrounds.  Do you have any favorite spots to shoot?  Any good places in your neighborhood?  Any good suggestions or ideas?