Ever taken a portrait-type photo and had it end up looking like a mugshot? Although celebrities have a special knack for making mugshots look cool, it's just not the kind of photo you would consider a "nice portrait", and it's certainly not one you would frame or give as a gift.

It's a common misconception that a blank wall or other flat surface will make a nice background - it's easy and convenient, but it's not always the right choice. Most beginner photographers tend to play it safe and shoot against a flat background as it means you're guaranteed a background free from distracting elements. But that said there are many reasons you should try to avoid shooting portraits against a blank wall at all costs...

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<div><a title="Mug shot by la Bragarde, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53297173@N00/5453824127/">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="600" height="281" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Mugshot.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Mug shot</em>
Photo by la Bragarde</p>
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Blank walls and backgrounds create:
<ol>
	<li>Harsh distinct shadows, especially when using the flash</li>
	<li>A subject that looks out of context</li>
	<li>A "posed" portrait</li>
	<li>No background = no depth</li>
</ol>
Here's a few tips on how to achieve a beautiful portrait - without making your subject look as if they've just been arrested: 
<ol>
	<li>If you only have a flat background to work with, move the subject closer to the camera and create more distance between the wall and the subject.</li>
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	<li>Add more depth in your shots with frame and composition. One way to do this is to shoot diagonally, or from an angle. As a result you may see a few objects in the background but if they are not too distracting, they may actually add context to your shot.</li>
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	<li>If the option for a more natural setting is available then take the time and effort to take your shot there. In some cases a street corner can serve as a better background than a wall in some cases. Use your creativity to develop a scene for your portrait, you'll be infinitely more pleased with your results and your subject will be relaxed and at ease in their surroundings.</li>
&nbsp;</ol>