When it comes to choosing a location for a photo shoot, there is a lot to consider. The perfect backdrop can make or break a photo shoot, and you rarely have a second chance. It takes some research and thought to find the right place.Â
We've broken it down into five sections to help you next time you are scouting around for a photoshoot location. Let's take a look.Â
Your Clients Or Models
You may be photographing friends or family for a favor, clients who are paying for your services, or have models lined up to build your portfolio.Â
First, whoever will be in front of your camera, you should consider the practical issues. If you are photographing children or elderly, a lawn or garden will be much more suitable than a mountain top. You don't want to tire your clients out before you start shooting or have them looking like a hot mess on arrival to a location, no matter how beautiful it might be.Â
Find out where your clients live and ask how far they are willing to travel for the photoshoot. If they have very young children or are relying on a taxi, they might prefer to stay much closer than a newly engaged couple who have their own car. Your thoughtfulness won't go unnoticed and will reflect in the photos when your clients look relaxed and happy.
If you have a family photoshoot for first-time clients who you don’t know well, you can ask: how fit and mobile is everyone? That covers all your bases without having to ask if anyone is pregnant, unfit, disabled or elderly.Â
Some photographers like to ask their clients if they have a place in mind for the photoshoot. There are pros and cons. They might suggest somewhere new and exciting that you haven't shot at before. But they might name a place that isn't suitable for shooting which can lead to disappointment when you say you don’t want to shoot there. Another way is to give them a choice of three locations that you are happy with, like their home, the beach, or local park, for example. Then you know whichever one they select, everyone will be happy.Â
In Your Area
If you are shooting in the town or city where you live, you likely will have a collection of places in mind for your photoshoots. You should always be building on your locations. You never know when you might have to change to plan B. You might arrive at that quiet beach and find a festival in full swing or find your favorite rooftop is closed for renovations. Always be ready with a solid backup plan, even if the weather looks perfect.Â
Devote time to scouting new places. Check out the blogs of other photographers to see where they are shooting. Ask friends and family for ideas on great shoot locations. Even if you have lived your whole life in one place, there could be a gem of a location waiting to be discovered.Â
Away From Home
If you are looking for a photo location away from home, you need to do some serious research. What did we do before the internet was invented? Spend plenty of time looking online for locations. If you have time to visit the locations you have in mind when you arrive before the day of the photo shoot, try to go at the time of day you will be shooting. Then you can see the location and lighting at the same time.
Rules And Regulations
Always check the local government rules and laws about photographing in public places. Some places don't allow commercial photography. Some allow it but require you to register and charge a fee. The banning of drones is also becoming more common.
Time Of Day
The golden hours of sunrise and sunset are usually the best times to capture beautiful imagery. Most people will choose sunset over sunrise because, once you factor in hair and make-up and travel, it makes for a very early rise.Â
If your clients insist on shooting at noon, explain to them the light might be harsh and unflattering and at least try to persuade them to do the photoshoot mid-morning or mid-afternoon.Â
Find out what time the sun sets and plan to start your shoot 1-2 hours before that. Let your clients know sunset is when the sun is moving down in the sky, not the time it hits the horizon and disappears a few minutes later. Many people will look up sunset times and ask to shoot at that time. But once you explain the beautiful light that happens in the hour before that, they will totally understand. You also should factor in some extra time for lateness, outfit changes and other delays.
Searching for photoshoot locations is fun. You should always try to find new places to shoot, so your portfolio looks fresh and inspiring. Having favorite go-to spots to shoot is also great. When you know a place well, you can concentrate on being creative and capture your clients naturally without thinking about where you are going next.Â
More Tips
Keep a list of quirky locations as well as the classic beach, park, rooftop and garden locations many people want. Street photography can be cool. Urban or industrial locations, train stations, cafes and amusement parks all offer unique backgrounds. It is always exciting when clients come to you requesting something different and they will be impressed if you have a list of ideas ready.
Remember, what might seem like an average place to you, could be special to someone else. Sometimes we get desensitized to the beauty around us, so always keep an open mind as you walk around your neighborhood.
If you see an awe-inspiring place but feel like it might be out of bounds, it never hurts to ask. Someone with a fantastic garden might be honored to have a newly engaged couple frolicking around in their backyard. Be creative and always think outside the box!
We hope this article has sparked some ideas for your next photoshoot on location. There are so many options wherever you are in the world. Sometimes the best locations are right on your doorstep!
6 thoughts on “How To Select A Photo Location”
Great advice. Thank you.
When your client needs to do the shoot around 3 in the afternoon, will full shade a reflector be ok? And should the sun be behind them or to the side?
Hi Teri! Depending on the time of the year the sun could be right above you when you shoot at 3pm. Finding open shade or using a shade reflector can be helpful. Typically the sun will be harsh on a sunny day around that time, so you will have to be picky about where you position your model. Good Luck!
Thank you
Question – Should the sun be behind me or in front of me when placing a subject in the shade on a sunny day? If either – what camera settings are better? Thanks!
Question – Should the sun be behind me or in front of me when placing a subject in the shade on a sunny day? If either – what camera settings are better? Thanks!