Does the Location of the Photo Shoot Matter?
The short answer is: yes, it does matter! While photographers can work their magic in most settings, choosing the right location can elevate your images.
What to consider when picking your photo shoot location - whether for portraits, events, or weddings:
1. Lighting and Time of Day
Lighting is arguably the most important factor for any photo shoot. The quality and direction of light can dramatically impact the look and feel of your images.
For Outdoor Locations
Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset offers soft, flattering light. Perfect for outdoor shoots in fields, beaches, or even your own backyard!
Mid-day Sun: The sun's light can be harsh and unflattering during mid-day. Choose a location that has plenty of shade from trees, or covered spaces. Or if possible, consider a completely indoor location! Avoid big fields and beaches, or areas without any shade/trees/vegetation.
Cloudy Days: Overcast skies create even, soft lighting. Ideal shooting times are typically between 10am-3pm.
For Indoor Locations
Natural Light: Opt for spaces with plenty of natural light from large windows.
2. Background and Aesthetic
What is your vibe, or the vibe you'd like to convey? Choose a location that reflects that! (And we can't emphasize enough how important it is to communicate this to your photographer so they can help capture images you love!)
Look for areas with a variety of backdrops - interesting architecture, greenery, or bodies of water - so it feels like multiple locations!
If printing your photos for home décor, ensure the location complements your home’s aesthetic/color scheme, or the vibe of the room they'll be hung in.
If indoors, avoid locations that are cluttered with "stuff", to not distract from the subject - you!
3. Weather and Backup Plans
If you have flexibility when it comes to rescheduling your shoot, you can be a bit more flexible when picking your location. However, if you do not have this flexibility, be sure to choose a location that is weather-proof! What does this mean? Essentially, a weather-proof location is either completely indoors, or is an outdoor location with covered/sheltered areas.
4. Accessibility, Versatility, and Comfort
Choose a location that is accessible, safe, and easy to get to. This is especially important if your photo shoot includes children or elderly guests.
For outdoor family portrait sessions, consider a location with bathrooms for your kiddos! This is also important if you're doing multiple outfit changes.
Additionally for outdoor locations, consider options with nearby sheltered areas in case of rain!
Look for locations that offer different opportunities for various posing, so you have have the option to sit, lean, or stand during your shoot - trust us, you may not want to be standing the entire time!
5. Sentimental Meaning
Take some time to think about any places that have significant meaning to you to use as possible locations for your images. If the location has importance to you, it will make your images all that more meaningful! (For example: the place where you and your partner first met, had your first date, got engaged, or perhaps even a city or neighborhood you used to live in.)
6. Crowd Levels
Consider if your preferred location is crowded/popular. If you're choosing a location that is typically busy or full of people, opt for a time of day that is slower or make sure there aren't any large events going on during that day/time. If a location requires reservations, this may be worth it for you, so you have the area to yourself!
7. Location Permissions and Regulations
Sometimes permits or permissions are needed for certain locations (even public parks). Make sure to research the photography policy of the location, so your photo shoot doesn't get interrupted or even canceled!
Closing Thoughts
With thoughtful planning and open communication with your photographer, your chosen location can set the stage for unforgettable photos. Keep these tips in mind to help create images you’ll cherish for years to come!