[BraveMan]

After reviewing my materials, I'll admit I was wrong.

Assuming the illustrations are showing a distance of 10 Schwarzschild radii or more from a stellar BH with low or no spin you would see some stars outside the ring. They would be concentrated in a circular area directly behind you, due to the spacetime dilation. Theoretically, of course.

The effect would become more pronounced as you ventured closer. The circle of stars behind you would become smaller and brighter, ultimately shrinking to a dot as you entered the photosphere radius. Theoretically, of course.

[Moonman62]

Thanks for the reply. You’re a gentleman and a scholar.

The image by SWX is actually a snapshot from a simulation done by scientists. It’s not an artist’s impression.