Finding the Perfect Location for Your Shoot

If there is one thing that can make or break a photo shoot, it’s the location. Finding the perfect location to fit in with your photo concept, your engagement shoot, or even your elopement is an absolute necessity. After all, you don’t want to look back on your photos and wish you had gone somewhere else! Plus, having the right location can enhance your photos tenfold. You wouldn’t want to take photos in a city or urban setting if you’re going for a more ethereal and whimsical look, would you? Probably not.

So how do you actually go about finding the right location? There are a few tips to keep in mind depending on what type of session you’re doing. Here is a quick guide on how to find the perfect location for your session.

Location Scouting

Location scouting can be a lifesaver—especially if you have a very specific idea for your shoot. You definitely want the location to match the vibe, right? I help my clients find ideal places by location scouting for them (plus I’ve got a few secret spots up my sleeve). But there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to go out and scout locations yourself. If you’re planning on traveling for your shoot, it could be fun to take a little mini-vacation to find the perfect spot. Even if your session is in an area you’re familiar with, you have to consider things like lighting, time of day, crowds, and so much more. Hiring a photographer who can help with this step is a major game-changer.

A Place Meaningful to You

When your session has a specific focus, such as documenting a relationship or engagement, then consider having your location be a place that’s meaningful to you. Maybe you want your location to be at the spot you first met your partner. Or maybe you want it to be in the home you purchased together. No matter the reason behind it, choosing a meaningful place can make your photos that much more beautiful. When you are in a place that is significant to your relationship, it shows on your faces, in your movements, and through your photos that much more. 

Somewhere You’ve Never Been

Another option for your location is opting to go somewhere you’ve never been before. If you’re an adventurous couple, this is perfect for you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Glacier National Park and drive through Going-to-the-Sun road, finding beautiful spots to stop along the way—do it! After all, your relationship is an adventure itself, so making an adventure out of your photos can be a sweet way to document your love. Plus, you get a little vacation out of it, too!

Things to Keep in Mind

When it comes to choosing the right location for your session, you’ll have to consider more than just whether or not it looks pretty. Here are a few other things to keep in mind when finding the perfect spot:

• What time of day is your shoot? Lighting is a major factor in photography and sometimes a location might be more ideal at certain times of the day. If you want a sunrise session, make sure your spot looks good during that time. If your session is in your home, what time of day get’s the best natural lighting?

• Your location is more than just about a pretty spot, it’s about the look and feel you want your photos to have. If you want a natural, effortless feeling to your photos, you won’t want to shoot downtown in a major city. And if you want it to feel super authentic to you, don’t choose a location that doesn’t fit your personality or style.

• Last, always, always, always have a backup location. Even if you don’t need to use it, you could always incorporate multiple spots into your session to add variety in your photos.

The location of your session has the ability to bring your whole photo concept together cohesively. This is one part of planning you definitely want to make sure you get right. If you need a little help finding the right location for your session, contact me today and let’s get planning!