Traveling the world by replacing the background

Without any discussion, there is not a cheaper way to go around the world than replacing the background of your pictures. 

I know, you may think that I'm cheating, but I'm clearly explaining every time I post one of these altered pictures, that the background has been replaced to avoid any confusion. 

I'm getting old, and the odds of me taking our grandsons to all these places are getting lower with each passing day. So I decided to dream a little bit and pretend that we are doing that.

 I have experimented with two different ways to do it. One is very simple: taking the picture I want to modify, uploading it to Google Gemini or ChatGPT, and asking them to replace the background. The results using this method are good, but from time to time, these AI tools change the faces to match the lighting from the background, and I'm not that pleased with that.

The second method is to create the background using these two AI tools or to use a picture you have taken of a place to replace the background. In this second method, I have been using Luminar Neo, a tool that is very simple to use and allows you to remove the background of any picture. Then you use a new layer behind the subject layer to introduce the new background. The most difficult part in this second method is that you need to match the light and mood of the layer that contains the subject with the one in the background layer. I'm not that good at that part, but I feel that I'm getting better with every new picture that I edit.

Another difficult part of this second method is creating shadows under the subject. This is the main reason why, in some of these edited pictures, you’ll notice that I cropped out the subjects’ feet. Here’s a little bonus trick.

Besides having a lot of fun doing this, altering these pictures allows me to improve my editing skills. Replacing the background is a skill often used by photographers in newborn photos and weddings.

 

 If you have any ideas for a new place where I can take our grandsons, please let me know, and I'll do my best to create this new scenario.

Battery Grip for the Canon R6/R5

I recently bought a battery grip for my Canon R6. While I was taking wildlife pictures, I was never shooting more than a few hundred pictures in a session, so I never felt the need to have more battery power in my camera. Now shooting sports, I end up with 1000 to 2000 pictures by the end of the day and have to change the battery in the middle of the session. A battery grip extends the battery life to cover a full day of shooting. Another reason I got the grip is that I have been shooting more in portrait orientation, and the grip helps in this case by providing a better hold and a set of buttons in that position that feel more comfortable.

One important point is that I bought a 3rd party made grip, Canon price for these grips is from 400 to 500 dollars while the 3rd party is from $70 to $100! Years ago, a Chinese product lacked the quality that you see nowadays. I have tested the grip in my last wildlife photoshoot, and I'm pleased. Here is a picture of the one I got.

This is the replacement for the BG-R20 which is the latest version of the grip compatible with all versions of R6/R5 and the one adding support to the new batteries LP-E6P. This same company sells the old version BG-R10. Something to consider if you decide to buy their grip, go for the R20 instead of the R10. 

Here is a video review of the BG-R10 that may help you in your decision taken process. 

 

Do not be afraid to crop

Cropping a portrait is a valid option. I remember sending my Mom (RIP) a picture that I took of one of our grandsons, where I cropped part of the top of his head. She emailed me asking if that photo had a second file that included the top of his head. I asked her, when you watch TV, have you not noticed that most scenes show the faces of the actors, and the top of their heads is often cropped?

Here are two pictures that help clearly explain the concept.

 In this picture, the message is all about the picaresque character of the boy. The way he is looking at me and smiling is what is important. The rest of this head does not add any value to the scene. 

Let's discuss why cropping works so well in this second picture.

 It strengthens eye contact
The crop brings the viewer very close to the subject’s eyes. The eyes are sharp, well lit, and positioned near the upper third of the frame. This immediately pulls attention to the expression, which is calm and focused. By removing extra space around the subject, the emotional connection becomes stronger.

 It removes visual distractions
The background is a solid red mat. While it is clean, a wider frame would show more of it without adding information. The tight crop limits the background to just enough color to create contrast with the white gi and the skin tones. This keeps the viewer focused on the face instead of the environment.

It emphasizes facial detail
The crop allows freckles, skin texture, and eye color to be clearly visible. These details add realism and personality to the portrait. If the image were looser, these subtle features would be less noticeable and less impactful.

 It improves composition and balance
The subject’s head is slightly tilted, and the crop follows that angle naturally. This creates a dynamic composition rather than a static one. The framing feels intentional and balanced, with no wasted space pulling the eye away from the subject.

 It supports the story of the image
The karate uniform is still visible enough to communicate context, but it does not dominate the frame. The crop prioritizes the person over the activity, which works well for a portrait focused on character and presence rather than action.

Summarizing. Cropping out part of the head is a valid and widely used compositional choice when done intentionally to strengthen an image. It helps direct attention to the eyes and facial expression, removes unnecessary or distracting space, and creates a more intimate connection between the subject and the viewer. This approach often improves balance by placing key features more effectively within the frame and can result in a cleaner, more impactful composition. This technique is commonly used by professional photographers and is considered a creative decision rather than a technical mistake when it clearly enhances focus, emotion, and visual clarity. 

This is exactly why editing matters

The following image is the original wedding photo.

A distracting object was touching the bride’s dress. It was real. It was there. It pulled attention away from the moment.

Here is the edited version.

The object is removed. The dress looks clean. The focus is back where it belongs, on the bride and the emotion of the day.

Editing is not about changing reality. Editing is about protecting the memory.

Weddings do not get a second chance. Moments happen once. Photos are what remain.

If a small distraction breaks the story, it is my responsibility to fix it with care and accuracy.

This is the difference between taking a picture and delivering a finished photograph. 

I enhanced this image by shifting the green tones of the leaves for an artistic purpose, guiding the eye toward the bride and the emotion of the moment.

This type of editing is valid in photography when it is used intentionally to support the story, not to change the truth of the scene.

Photography is not only about recording what was there, but about expressing how it felt.

Background Replacement

Sometimes replacing the background is not about changing reality. It is about removing distractions so the subject can finally speak.

A busy background can pull the eye away from the story. A cleaner background can guide attention, improve contrast, and strengthen the emotional impact of the image. This is especially useful when the original background adds nothing to the moment or when it distracts from the light, the gesture, or the expression.

Background replacement is a tool, not a shortcut. When done carefully and honestly, it helps the viewer focus on what mattered when the shutter was pressed. The subject. The light. The feeling.

Editing is part of the creative process. The goal is not to fake the scene, but to present the photograph in the strongest and clearest way possible.

Here are some examples I have prepared using Luminar Neo, which does a wonderful job in these cases.  

Original

Edited

Original

Edited

Original

Edited