Are there backgrounds one can download

[msvirick]

While taking protraits, I often crop the subject from the busy background, and then paste on a colored screen. Are there sites one could download some interesting backdrops that one could paste the cropped potrait image on. Im,ages would then look more interesting.

[SoCal69]

I believe there are sites where you can buy hi-res digital backdrops. I have actually taken to photographing my own and saving them expressly for that purpose. I don't do it a lot, but sometimes having a few on my hard disk comes in handy.

[stopbath]

Why not create some background elements yourself. This is the area where digitial photography is king.

No longer do we need to compose the shot in camera,
we now can take elements (forground, background, subject) seperately, and composite them later.

Everytime you see an interesting element (can be anything) just take a few shots. These are then stored for later use on pictures needing a boost (new sky, background, props...)

I have used the busy background in the photo itself to great effect by tossing an effect onto it (blur or mute it, or turn it into art effect.) Bonus here is the photo is still intact, but the subject almost pops out of the background.

[msvirick]

Thank you guys, this is excellent advice

[nycks1]

I use digital BGs

[Vegas Poboy]

If you're using photoshop 7 there is a command called pattern making that helps you sample an area of one photo and you can create a background to use anyway you want.