When it comes to choosing the right location for your photoshoot, it can get pretty stressful! It’s difficult trying to figure out backdrop, colors, lighting, time of day, etc. There are so many different possibilities and it all really depends on you and the vibe or feeling you’re wanting to portray through your photos so when you do finally find THE spot, everything comes into play so beautifully that all the hard work you put in seems worth it. The good news is, the client and the photographer join together to come up with and find the best one, which makes things a whole lot easier.
Get To Know Your Client
The first thing you want to do before anything is to get to know your client and find out more about them. Learning more about that unique individual or couple gives you a better idea on what they are wanting. Ask questions about their style, personality, etc, to get a clearer picture of who you’re working with. Take this information you learn and use it when scouting out potential locations. Another thing to keep note of is to also think small. Is there a special place that holds some sentimental value to them? Whether it’s their Grandparents land, a park where they walk their dogs, the parking lot where they met, etc, let’s go there! If it’s a special place that holds a memory it will make your photos that much more special and meaningful.
The momma in this maternity shoot was a former of student of mine from when I was a high school English teacher. I was in Chicago (where I was born and raised) for a visit and I was able to take photos for them! We went to a park near Navy Pier and then the beach and took some gorgeous photos.
She wanted to look glamorous and include her daughter and show her personality as well as show off the city background. She and her husband are also Disney lovers, so they changed outfits and we went down to the beach and took some additional photos there. After the session, Will (my husband) and I walked around with her and her daughter and caught up on all things life and family. It was such a fun day.
Utilize Google and Instagram Location Tags
Yes it really can be that simple! This is a great place to start before actually going out. In Google head on over to the “images” tab so that you can see places that may work! Here are some ideas to help:
“______ (your town) photoshoot locations”
“______(your town) photoshoot”
“beautiful locations in _____(your town)”
You can even get more specific by inserting words like “beach”, “mountains”, fields”. You’re able to narrow done into some top choices and then go physically scout it out!
Instagram is another great way to search for amazing locations! Use a hashtag like: “______(your town/your state) photographer”. Once you put this in, a ton of photos should pop up and now you just scroll till some catch your eye! The location is usually tagged in the photo. You can can click on the location and more photos pop up!
Ongoing List
Keeping an ongoing list that you can access at any time really helps to take the stress away when trying to find the perfect location.
I know that you will be out and about and see spots that you love but when it comes time, you’ll have a hard time remembering where exactly that was! If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen dozens of new spots this year that you want to remember, so write them down! No matter how much you think you’ll remember them, I promise it’s harder once the moment has passed. (Yes, I am definitely speaking from personal experience here.)
Another great technique is when you do see a location you love, take a photo of it and add it to an album or drive folder named “photoshoot locations” with a note of where it was! That way you have a visual of where exactly that place love and maybe why you loved it in the first place!
That’s it! These are my top tips for finding the perfect location for your next shoot. Whether it be maternity, senior, family or engagement! You’ll be prepped and know exactly what to do when it comes to finding a location.
Follow on Instagram for more tips and tricks! @kathleencurto
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