Choosing a location for a shoot - MY APPROACH
Choosing a location is a important choice for your shoot. You want the perfect spot that will work for you and the stories you want to tell but remember it is one that you don’t need to make by yourself. Choosing the right place can sometimes be a sticking point that stops you booking your shoot in the first place. Afterall you have so many options! That’s why I think it’s really helpful to think about location as something that adds to your narrative rather than just a preference or something that will look nice in the background. The background is actually a character in your story and should say something ABOUT YOU…
My first love as a young child was theatre and more recently have developed a deep love for film. As well as being married to a cinematographer, I’ve worked with a few production companies and cinemas doing behind-the-scenes photography and events like film premieres. And I think that’s why this analogy came so easily to me and something I hope brings clarity to the humans I photograph.
Its important to remember that there is no limit to location. (I have already selected some top-notch settings for my Power Portraits to make it easy for you if you’re after a 1 hour-session). But for a brand shoot we can make anything happen.
Want to shoot on a beach - no problem!
Want a cool co-woorking space or location home, no worries!
Want a specific London backdrop - okay!
Want a field of wildflowers - fabulous. I know quite a few!
Your imagination can really go wild here as you think about the story you want to tell. Don’t limit yourself. As a photographer I also step into the role of a producer and location scout for my creative projects, I can find the right place for whatever budget you have. (And we can be really creative if your budget isn’t that big!).
Tell me more Donna….
Locations are co-creators of the shot, and so are you. The landscape is a character in your story bringing both nuance and context. What does the space mean to you and your audience? It can be helpful to split your choices into three different categories - nature, urban backdrops or studios/indoor.
We interact differently with the backdrops of the locations we use. Sometimes we are close into walls and use them to relax our bodies against, other times we stand out proud on our own. Confidence is both an inside and and outer job, and I think it’s important that you surround yourself in an environment that helps you embody this. For some a quiet studio brings that quiet and privacy and for others it can feel very intense. Some clients love being on the street iwith the energising pulse of the city, for others it’s too distracting. These are important considerations too when choosing your location for a shoot.
Urban
Power Portraits are in urban locations around London or a town near you (yes I travel) and although you might imagine that you’ll feel self-conscious, I actually think the buzz and activity helps to distract and put you at ease. These are easy shots to get and once I’ve sussed the lighting (a given on locations I know well) it’s breezy and empowering. We always find a bit of nature too in the urban forest that is London.
Nature
There is a feminine flow when shooting in natural environments. And I know that I shouldn’t have a favourite place to shoot but if I did - this would be it. Mother Nature co-creates with us, unexpected things happen. Shooting at sunset is pure delight and full of nostalgic vibes and warm tones which works for many brands and personalities. This is a sacred moment and one that never disappoints…
Studio and Indoor
Studio and indoor shooting has it own mystery and magic. I think my theatre background loves the drama and thrill of creating something special in a blank space. Using lighting gives a whole new dimension and works brilliantly for fashion or beauty brands. It’s intimate and cosy to have our own space and easy to have as many outfit changes as you need. It’s easier to use props here and even create an artist’s studio to show your process. If budget allows then there are so many amazing location homes to choose from which are great for bakers and makers (and everything in between).
Some other things to think about…
Is there a location that has a special meaning to you?
Do you have any friends that have an amazing location in their home or business that you could use?
Where can give you versatility for lots of different shots that will work hard for you for a long time?
Is time of year important for the location i.e. wild flowers or autumnal tones?
What feel do you want? Will the location allow the lighting to give that feel?
What time of day is going to work best for lighting (sunrise and sunset make for those golden nostalgic vibes) and also for busyness if it’s a public place?
What backdrops are your reference images giving you? Is there a thread or theme?
Could your home have the prefect backdrop?
Where will you feel most confident?
What ideas does your photographer have?
Don’t let these questions deter you or complicate things. Let your imagination flow here so you can come up with something unique and authentic to the story you are trying to tell. Trust your gut - that never seems to fail when getting creative with your business!
So there you have it! I hope that got your juices flowing and inspired some ideas when you feel you are ready for your next photo shoot. I definitely think it’s important to collaborate with your photographer to help you find the best place to shoot based on the stories that you want to tell. Book a call here if you want to chat about your options and it will easily become clear where is the best place to shoot. You can have a look here at the differences between Power Portraits and Branding shoots.
Excited to hear from you and get planning!
Donna x
PS Check out this blog about how a personal brand shoot works from start to finish…