Photographers spend a lot of time worrying about the background of their pictures, and where to shoot a photo in order to get that “perfect” background. But the real secret to a good portrait, says the author, is staying focused on the subject. Coordinate subjects in light clothing with light backgrounds (high key), or those in dark clothes with dark backgrounds (low key). Aim down or up at a subject to minimise surrounding distractions in the shot, and keep a lot of distance between the subject and the background in order to keep the background blurred.