Photoshoot Perfection Series Part 4: Location, Location, Location

You have picked a photographer, now you need to choose a place to shoot. Where you shoot may depend on the photographer you chose, their preferences, and what’s available in their schedule. Some photographers work either exclusively in their home studio and some only on location, but many are flexible and can work in both.

When you chose your photographer, chances are you likely did so based at least partially on how the locations they shoot at impact their style. Take a look at their portfolio again and see if you love their studio or that you really like their use of natural light in outdoor location shoots. If you haven't already chosen a location prior to booking a photographer there are many considerations to take into account.
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This post will look at pros and cons of each type of photoshoot location, how to choose, and some ideas for locations as well. Each option has it's own advantages and there are many things to take into consideration when choosing where to take photos.  

Photo of Sahina by Huong Phan. On-location at a private residence.

Studio Photography
Studios are traditional spaces often owned or rented by the photographer. They usually have a range of professional backdrops and lighting setups to choose from. In a studio, your photographer can play around with lots of different lighting and effects, change up backdrops, or get silhouette shots. You may need to coordinate studio rental if you are choosing studio shots and your photographer doesn’t own or regularly shoot in a specific studio.

Pros: 

• The photographer has more control over lighting. Professional photographers have portable lighting for location shoots but it can be a lot of gear to carry so there are often more options for lighting when in the studio.
• You don’t need to worry about weather.
• The studio provides clean backdrops if you are planning to use the photos for marketing, press, or graphic design purposes.
• There are no distractions in the studio. Location shoots are often at public places where you will likely not have control over disruptions.

Cons:

• They will likely have a less unique backdrop.

Note: If you are a dancer transitioning to the professional realm I recommend doing your first shoot in studio to get most diverse photos for promotion. 

On-Location Photography
On-location is anywhere that is not in a photography studio. It is further differentiated into outdoor and indoor locations. There are a wide range of places that fall under this category. Your lighting options would be more limited but a pro photographer would have mobile lighting setups so this can really open up your options for the background of your photos.

Pros:

• Location shoot provide a unique & interesting backdrop.
• If your photographer doesn't already have their own studio this option can save you on studio rental costs.
• If the weather cooperates for an outdoor location your photos will have beautiful natural light.
• Can provide diversity to the photos used in your portfolio or on your website.

Cons:

• Having a non-uniform background makes them less ideal for most graphic design.
• Depending on the particular location chosen you may need to request permission from the venue before shooting there.
• If you have chosen a public location there may be interuptions or distractions.
• If you are doing an outdoor shoot the weather may not cooperate.
• "You may find nature in your britches" -Hayam
  

Ideas for indoor locations:

• greenhouse
• museum or hotel
• warehouse
• art gallery
• castle
• historic house or old theater

​Ideas for indoor locations:

• a beautiful garden
• by a river or waterfall
• the beach or a fancy pool
• forest
• by beautiful street art

Note- If you are doing an on-location shoot don't try to climb up on crazy places to get a great shot if it doesn't seem safe. You might hurt yourself or damage your costume.

Photo of Sahina by Derek Goodwin.

Time to Book!
After discussing your options with your photographer and picking the location that works best for both of you and your vision for your photos now you can have everything booked. There are so many wonderful options for photoshoot locations and whether you shoot in studio or on-location you will have beautiful new photos. Now it is time to plan your look! The next post in the series will focus on that and is coming soon!

​What are some of your favorite studio and on-location photos of yourself?  What ideas do you have for on-location places?

Sahina and Felicia on-location. Photo by RT2 Photography