By shooting on a solid backdrop, a photographer creates a mystery box for the viewer. By this I mean, the location or time the photograph was taken is never given. Was it natural light, or strobe? Was it a full production, or just a one on one session?

I love "on white" portraits because I love mystery. I love not being given all the information, and just letting things be.

The above portrait was taken in Cary Norton's studio a few weeks ago.

This portrait below was taken outdoors in Apalachicola, FL, almost two years ago:

Why do I bring this up? Well, I've been thinking about environments, and how to create/use them.

A friend has asked me to take his portrait. He wants it to be very classic, and possibly shot on a solid grey. I told him that I would like to find a field somewhere to set up, or perhaps in the middle of a wooded area.

Why?

Because even though he'll be completely on grey, in a suit and bow tie, he loves hunting and the outdoors. So even if the environment is not seen in the background, it may show up in his face, or how he holds his hands. His shoulders may be more relaxed. His dog may be out of frame and he may react in a way that you could never achieve in a studio.

Or maybe I'm just bored and want to go outside....