According to one study, 71% of people edit their selfies.
For some this means changing their face and other physical features. But for others, it means getting creative with filters and effects.
One of the most noticeable ways to upgrade a basic photo is to change the background. And you don’t have to be a pro to do it.
Read on for five tips to keep in mind if you want to change your background in photos.
- Choose a Solid, Contrasting Background to Replace
If you’re taking photos with the intention of changing the background later, try to choose a solid-colored background to start. Opt for a color that is much different from any other color in the picture. That means choosing a color that isn’t similar to your hair, skin, or clothing colors.
Then, when you’re ready to edit your photo background, it will be easy to separate yourself or the subject from the background, without accidentally cutting part of your hair off or having the background spill onto your shirt.
- Use Free Editing Tools
You don’t need to spend any money to replace your background in photos. There are free image editing tools that make it easy to play around with new backgrounds.
Start with a free tool that gives you a transparent background. From there, you can add a variety of background effects, colors, and more.
- Pay Attention to Lighting
To make a background look natural, make sure that the lighting matches that of your subjects.
If the subject in the photo is dark and shadowy, a bright, sunny background likely won’t look natural. If you choose a dark, black background, your subject shouldn’t have a white light shining on their head.
When changing your photo background, try to use photos with even lighting as much as possible. Then, select backgrounds that complement and blend in with the lighting.
- Zoom In and Crop
When changing your background to something completely new, it can be easy to get carried away, losing your subject in the process. Keep the main focus front and center by zooming and cropping.
Let’s say you’re editing a photo of yourself, adding a background of an ocean. Zoom in on your face, getting close up and cropping out the rest. Then, rather than your background showing the entire beach, it will likely just show the pretty blue water behind. This keeps the focus on you, not on the background and any other visual clutter.
- Get Creative
Not all photo editing has to look hyper-realistic. It’s okay to choose a background that is a little wacky.
Place yourself in the middle of neon-colored zoo animals, or add squiggles and shapes to your background. The options are limitless, so allow yourself to have some fun getting creative and trying new ideas!
Change Your Background to Enhance Your Selfies
If you’re tired of boring photos and average selfies, swap out your background. Use these five tips to help you change your background the right way, and get ready to proudly show off your creations online.
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