Backgrounds

Crazy as it may appear, one routine I have for attempting to improve my photography is to study the ever-changing background that appears on my laptop screen every time I turn it on. By studying the images that have passed the muster of the “background judges” I am able to monitor compositional techniques that are considered successful, subject matter that is pleasing, and overall imaging techniques that “work” for the judges.   

Then, when I go out in the field to practice what I learn, I often think “Would this work as a computer screen background?” That does not imply I might not still shoot a picture, but it does help me as I put image elements together.   

This weekend as Kristy and I were hiking a forest trail we noticed this tree that had Virginia creeper leaves in many different hues of greens and yellows. As I composed the image, I considered if it would work and how it might appear as a screen background. For this image, I do think it will work and will test it on my system (in the proper aspect ratio).

Virginia Creeper - Image 772773