Do you ever wonder what factors you should consider when choosing a location for your next session?
Look no further! This month's blog will walk you through how to pick the perfect spot to capture your vision. Along with that, we'll chat through the photographer vs. client roles throughout the process. Who do you think should be responsible for making the final call?
Typically, the assumption is that clients will choose the location for their session, but oftentimes, the photographer will provide recommendations and even make the final decision. I don't believe it's quite that black and white. This should be a collaboration between the two of us. Because there are so many factors when it comes to location, I will typically ask if you have anything in mind along with whether or not you have any inspiration photos (like a Pinterest board). From there, I usually send over some alternative options to consider or a list of recommendations if you don't have something immediately in mind. This allows me to choose options that fit with the vision, style, and feel you want as a client. Bonus: a lot of my preferred locations are chosen because of how well they fit with my shooting and editing style. Ultimately, at that point I leave it up to you to choose which one is most intriguing!
So, what should you consider when it comes time to make a final choice?
1. time of day
First and foremost, consider the time of day you are hoping to schedule your session for. Because I capture families, I frequently offer sessions in the morning if it means the kiddos will be happier. All locations vary, and some may be better for sunrise vs. sunset depending on where the sun is pointing. Fields and open spaces might be ideal for capturing photos during golden hour to get a true sunset look, whereas scheduling a shoot in the morning could mean stronger sun and shadows, so a location with shade could be a better option. Making a decision on the time of day can have a huge influence on the final product, so make sure you and your photographer are on the same page with time of day before making the final call.
2. environment + feel
It can be difficult to do, but I strongly encourage clients to think about the look and feel they want their photos to emulate. Shifting perspective a bit and even considering a couple of words you hope will describe the final product actually goes a long way. This is why inspiration photos can be valuable, as it gives more of a visual indication of what you are hoping to see from your photos.
Consider the difference between a natural, earth filled look vs. an urban, city-like feel. Those two environments are extremely different, and the locations I suggest would support each individually, but there likely wouldn't be any overlap in those suggestions. Thinking about what you want your gallery to look like is vital! It's hard to imagine the end product, but do your best and poke around online to see what you like and dislike.
Side note: I highly recommend viewing some of my samples on my website or Instagram, because then we may even be able to choose the location based on some shots that caught your eye!
3. variety
Another factor to consider is the variety you are looking for within your gallery. Some clients prefer to explore and get several different backdrops, like a few photos that have more of a plain, nature-heavy background and then a few with rock walls for some texture or architecture. Other times, clients like their galleries to be consistent throughout, or they care more about the light and final look.
I honestly don't have a strong opinion either way - I enjoy both. However, your preference here could make a difference in the location(s) I suggest. Some places have tons of variety, all the way from creeks to fields to tree clusters to rock walls to buildings. Other places are more open and vast, like a field or in the mountains. Both can be beautiful, but consider the variety you are looking for within your gallery so we can choose a place that will give you exactly what you are dreaming of.
4. time of year
A MAJOR influence on how your photos will turn out is time of year. Given that I shoot primarily on the east coast where we fully experience all seasons, each can look vastly different from one to the next. The change in colors is clear, so it may even be good to consider a color palette that fits your vision. For example, maybe you are having a fall wedding, so you'd like your engagement photos to be in the fall to match some of the colors you plan to be in your wedding - the perfect save the date! Regardless, when you decide on the time of year you are looking to book, I can provide locations that thrive best in that season.
Here are some colors you can expect in each season:
- Winter: brown, tan, grey, blue, and potentially white
- Spring: yellow, pink, green, purple, blue (so many colors)
- Summer: LOTS of green, hints of orange, yellow, and red
- Fall: yellow, orange, brown, and hints of green
4. time of year
A MAJOR influence on how your photos will turn out is time of year. Given that I shoot primarily on the east coast where we fully experience all seasons, each can look vastly different from one to the next. The change in colors is clear, so it may even be good to consider a color palette that fits your vision. For example, maybe you are having a fall wedding, so you'd like your engagement photos to be in the fall to match some of the colors you plan to be in your wedding - the perfect save the date! Regardless, when you decide on the time of year you are looking to book, I can provide locations that thrive best in that season.
Here are some colors you can expect in each season:
- Winter: brown, tan, grey, blue, and potentially white
- Spring: yellow, pink, green, purple, blue (so many colors)
- Summer: LOTS of green, hints of orange, yellow, and red
- Fall: yellow, orange, brown, and hints of green
4. time of year
A MAJOR influence on how your photos will turn out is time of year. Given that I shoot primarily on the east coast where we fully experience all seasons, each can look vastly different from one to the next. The change in colors is clear, so it may even be good to consider a color palette that fits your vision. For example, maybe you are having a fall wedding, so you'd like your engagement photos to be in the fall to match some of the colors you plan to be in your wedding - the perfect save the date! Regardless, when you decide on the time of year you are looking to book, I can provide locations that thrive best in that season.
Here are some colors you can expect in each season:
- Winter: brown, tan, grey, blue, and potentially white and green
- Spring: yellow, pink, green, purple, blue (so many colors)
- Summer: LOTS of green, hints of orange, yellow, and red
- Fall: yellow, orange, brown, and hints of green
4. time of year
A MAJOR influence on how your photos will turn out is time of year. Given that I shoot primarily on the east coast where we fully experience all seasons, each can look vastly different from one to the next. The change in colors is clear, so it may even be good to consider a color palette that fits your vision. For example, maybe you are having a fall wedding, so you'd like your engagement photos to be in the fall to match some of the colors you plan to be in your wedding - the perfect save the date! Regardless, when you decide on the time of year you are looking to book, I can provide locations that thrive best in that season.
Here are some colors you can expect in each season:
- Winter: brown, tan, grey, blue, and potentially white
- Spring: yellow, pink, green, purple, blue (so many colors)
- Summer: LOTS of green, hints of orange, yellow, and red
- Fall: yellow, orange, brown, and hints of green
5. popularity
I can't stress enough how important it is to consider the busyness of certain locations. Although it's assumed that a more urban location could be busy with peers and cars, there are many locations in nature that are just as populated, especially on the weekends. I typically take this into consideration when I make suggestions, especially depending on the type of session I am booking. For example, if I am working with a family that is potentially bringing their dog for some photos, I'm going to suggest places that are much more quiet (limited distractions) and dog friendly. On the other hand, if I am scheduling with a senior, busyness may not be as important since it's a single person that I can position more easily away from all of the foot traffic. This is another great example of something that should be communicated between the two of us: it's a true balance between preference on the final look and what will make the session go as smoothly as possible.
it's a team effort
I may be sounding like a broken record by this point in the blog, but it's all with good intent! I truly believe deciding on a location for a session does not fall solely on the client or photographer. We should work together and communicate to decide what will be best and ultimately give you the gallery you desire. I am happy to talk through any concerns and all of the questions that pop up. I will always make thoughtful suggestions based on your vision, my experience, and all of the factors described above.
If you have thoughts, I'd love to hear them! Is there any factor you think is important that I missed? I appreciate your opinions and they are always welcome.
♡ Kylie
