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Create Photo Backgrounds in Photoshop
If you search the internet for the topic, "how to create a photo background in photoshop", invariably you'll come across quite a few websites with an array of tutorials. So what makes my article any different? The simple fact is that this tutorial was used in an actual photo which I had taken for a client.
It was several months ago when I was on my way to a photoshoot when one of my clients called me and needed a quick head shot photographed for some of his marketing materials. My response was, "I'd love to, but I'm on my way to a shoot." nevertheless, this client was insistent as he needed the photo immediately for his business cards to start and then additional marketing material. Needeless to say, I detoured to his home and set up shop in a matter of minutes using my Nikon flashes. Literally, I was in and out in 20 minutes. But my work was not complete. The following is a simple tutorial on how I created a photographic background in Photoshop.
Simple steps to creating a photo background in photoshop:
1 
Launch Photoshop and create a new document: FILE>NEW (on both a MAC and a PC). I typically set my document size to 8x10. If you are going to use the background on a larger image, then you may want to set up your document to reflect that size, i.e. 11x14. For resolution, set the image resolution to 300 dpi; this will allow you to reprint the image with excellent quality at a photo lab or for offset printing.
2 
Select both your foreground and background colors. I use the swatch pallet (See example) to select my colors. However, you can click on the foreground and background color boxes located under the tools pallet to select colors as well.For this example, I'm using warm tones for my background. I recommend using both a darker and lighter version of the colors, however, your color choice is entirely up to you and your imagination. Set both your foreground color and background color.
Tip: To set your Foreground/Background color pallet (A) to its default colors, use your "D" key on your keyboard (B). To switch the foreground for the background and vice versa, use your "X" key.
3
Next, you are going to add the colors you selected for your forground and background to your canvas. You'll do this by boing to FILE>RENDER>CLOUDS. What you should now be seeing is a blotchy looking image with a mixture of both the foreground and background. If you flipped your foreground and background colors, you would get a different looking "blotchy" image, with the same colors. You may wnat to try this out and see if you like the result.
Once you are happy with your colors, then you are ready for the next step.
4
You are now going to blur the background you created in step 3. This process blends the "rigid" colors together into a smoother background. To blur the background, go to your top menu in Photoshop and select FILTER>BLUR>GAUSSIAN BLUR. You will see a dialog box where you can input the following information: Radius = 30 pixels. However, you can explore different radius versions and see what works best for your style and design taste.
5
I personally like a darker background, so I chose to darken my backdrop a bit. To do this, go to IMAGE>ADJUSTMENTS>LEVELS. Using the left slider at the bottom, adjust the darkness. If you want to lightent your background, use the lever to the right. Make adjustments until you are happy with yor background. remember, there is no rigth or wrong solution to your design. It's based on your taste and style.
6
The final step in this process is to add your clipped image to the background. And viola! you have an instant background for your portrait photo. keep in mind that you may need to clean the edges of your clipped image so that it appears as though it's part of the photo.
Your background may vary from the one shown. It all depends on your color choice and personal "blur" taste. remember, you are only limited by your own creativity and imiganition. Experienment with different background styles, colors, and textures. You'll be amazed at what you come up with.
Bonus Step
7
This is a bonus step to the photo backdrop tutorial - Adding a background light to your backdrop.
When setting up a portrait photoshoot in a studio with a real backdrop, photographers often use a spot light behind the subject to seperate the background from the subject. Here, we are foing to simulate a 6" dish studio light to do just that; seperate the background from the subject.
First, go to FILTER>RENDER>LIGHTING EFFECTS. You'll get a dialog box like the one to the right. Set your light type to "Omni" You will find this to the right side of the light box in the dialouge box. Set your "Intensity" slider to 43 and select "ok". This will create a small, "dish" like light spot. You can play with the intensity as well as the location of the light spot until you have reached a desirable solution for your final image.
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