How To Choose A Photo Shoot Location
I have a list of beautiful local areas where I love to shoot because I am familiar with the lighting, the variation of backgrounds I can create within walking distance, and I know exactly how they will turn out on camera. When my family relocated to Savannah, Georgia a few years ago, I had to go around my new area and scout out all-new locations. Even though we are back in Northwest Florida, I love to spend time finding unique, new locations that I know will make beautiful backdrops for upcoming shoots.
Locations can be as different as the families I am photographing and finding the right place for a photo session might require some research ahead of time. I have put together a list of tips to help you find a great photo location.
Know Your Goals
Knowing your goals is the most important piece of the puzzle. The location must match the goal of the shoot itself and needs to reflect the people who will be in the photo. Understand what style of photo you want to receive, whether it’s a more rustic or modern look you are aiming for.
If you don’t have a vision in mind, share with your photographer about your home decor preferences or personal style. This may help spark some ideas and help you get inspired with the venue.
Make It Special
For engagement or maternity sessions, couples and families might prefer to shoot in a location that is sentimental to them. If you have a place in mind, make sure you or your photographer check it out beforehand and scope out some possible areas that you can use.
Accessibility
Climbing a mountain for a quick photo shoot isn’t realistic for a lot of people. Take into consideration the time and physical requirements that are required to get to a photo location. If you or anyone in your group are in any way living with a physical disability or mobility limitation, you will need to ensure that your venue is accessible to them as well.
Variety
When I shoot families at the beach, I know exactly where to tell them to park because there are some areas that allow us to make the most of dunes, water, and a more neutral background. Since many clients will choose to change their wardrobe and will want a variety of options, I like to make sure that the location you are in has a few walkable options around it. If you are taking rustic family photos near a barn, see if there is an option to go to a nearby field or under a unique tree. Having variation will give you more options in the photos you end up with and will allow your photographer to play with different poses and lighting.
Visit At Different Times (Of The Day And Year)
I love to shoot in the same locations because it allows me to know exactly when that golden lighting is going to happen. I am also familiar with what the same field will look like in the fall or in the spring. This allows me to be able to answer any questions that you may have and even share photos from previous shoots to give you a better idea.
Find A Quiet Place
There is nothing worse than finding a gorgeous photoshoot venue, only to find out that it is packed with families at sunset or hosts an outdoor movie night on Tuesdays. Having large crowds in the background or an outdoor workout class that distracts the kids during your session can make it difficult to get nice pictures.
Make sure that the location you have chosen offers private or quiet sections that you can use.
Get Permission
You may love a local restaurant and want to use it as your photo shoot location. While that might sound fun, but you are going to need to run it by the owner of the restaurant first. The same rule applies to large groups and other public venues. Contact the local authority in charge and make sure it’s ok to take photos. Bringing a big camera to a public place or school may not be allowed in your area.
Have A Backup Plan
Weather can be unpredictable. Of course, check the weather forecast in the days and hours before your shoot, but have a plan in case it starts to sprinkle. Even if it’s a last-minute decision to bring out fun umbrellas to make the most of the rain or move the shoot indoors somewhere, being prepared for every possibility will allow you to get flexible and have a great session.
If you are looking to book a photoshoot for you or your family, let me know! I can choose a location from my list of favorites based on the shoot, or you can let me know where you would like the photos to take place.
