Location, Location, Location. There are a lot of elements that go into a photo shoot and picking a good location is probably one of the biggest (unless you are shooting in a studio of course). So here are a few things to consider when you are deciding on a good location for your shoot.
One of the coolest parts about doing a professional photo shoot is to pick a location that suites your personality (or your family’s personality). Start taking inventory of some the unique traits that you display and think of places that you would consider “fun” and that you can envision some of the shots you could take there. Think outside the box a little and start taking a look around you a couple days before you even call your photographer with ideas. Most of us don’t take the time to simply look around while we are on our way to work or to go just down the street to your favorite café. Usually there are a ton of venues right under your nose. Don’t rule out urban areas either…a classic movie theater or a tight alley way with graffiti make fore great backgrounds. Make a list of at least 3 different options and take a second to notice what time it was when you checked it out. Lastly, it is nice to find a spot that compliments you and your personality…but it can be super FUN to find a place that directly contrasts (ie. Formal shots in an industrial area, etc). San Diego is a big place…take some time to check it out a little.
Before you get too attached to any shot in particular, run them by the photographer you would like to take the photos. Often times, the photographer may know of the location you are refereeing to and any sort of hiccups associated with it like permits (Quail Gardens requires one), parking, and most importantly (from their perspective) lighting issues. They are a great resource themselves and may come up with an idea that expands on what you are looking for. Either way, it is always a good idea to communicate with the photographer as much as possible. That being said, coming to him or her with ideas of your own will simply add to the artistic synergy. Get invested in the shoot and you will be amazed by the results.
Below are a few examples of a fun shoot with a unique location (click on thumbnails to see full image)
I just recently did a fun photoshoot at the studio and it occurred to me just how fun it is to add a prop to mix. In this case I had my buddy Gonzo bring his welding goggles for a funshop I was hosting at The Light Loft. I had seen him working in his backyard with them and instantly I wanted to take a picture. The results were super fun. I think props serve a couple purposes. One is the obvious, which is that they just add that little something extra to the shot. Two is that it gives the subject something to actually use to help them go outside of their comfort zone (and Gonzo’s comfort zone is already pretty broad). Behind the goggles, Gonzo could act anyway he likes…almost like he is “in character” and what that character does is completely up to him. So the next time that you are in front of a camera or behind one, consider adding a prop to the mix and I think you will be surprised with how fun the shooting will become.
How often do we sabotage ourselves through rationalization and doubt? I recently had a photo shoot that was truly fun and creative…and as a result, some really nice shots were produced. The irony is that the shoot almost did not happen.
I had some yoga shots in mind that I have always wanted to take and for whatever reason the shoot kept getting pushed further and further away. When the day finally came that everyone was available, the weather was simply not cooperating with sudden downpours and ridiculous wind. My good friend Chris Baugh, who is an amazing yoga instructor at Yoga Tropics in Encinitas, gave me a call that morning and we talked about rescheduling. Anyone who is a photographer knows that the more times you reschedule a photo shoot, the less likely it is ever going to happen. I had all kinds of reasons and rationales as to why we should not take pictures that day and nearing the end of our conversation we had all but resigned to the fact that the photo shoot was going to get cancelled.
The conditions were not perfect for what I had envisioned…and those of you who have worked with me know that I am a bit of a perfectionist. But putting my anal retentiveness aside, if I have learned one thing as a professional photographer, it is that there are ALWAYS things you cannot control…and you can ALWAYS get a photo worth keeping regardless of circumstance. Granted, it may not be the images you envisioned, but keepers nonetheless.
Needless to say we decided to shoot and the conditions worked out amazingly well. Clouds opened and gave us sunshine one moment and then we would have light rain another…and my favorite condition of all, both sun and sprinkles. We all had a great time and we got shots that we could never have gotten on your typical Southern Californian day. The day was a total success.
The moral of this story…you’ll never know what could have been unless you give it a go. It is a life lesson I keep learning over and over again.
