Thinking about taking some photos? Excellent. Then, kinda like a painter, you want to start with a great canvas for choosing the best location.
I’m not just saying this because I’m a photographer, but where you shoot, matters. Even before In Laura’s Lens, I’ve always had SO much fun bringing a vision together of where to take photos. I know not everyone loves to think about that though. In fact, some of you may even find that stressful. It’s completely normal to feel that way!
There are a lot of factors that go into locations- light, composition, texture, colors, etc. which can sometimes make or break the overall feel of the photo.
Woah, pressure! BUT! The awesome thing is that If you have a good photographer, they can not only “make it work” but also make it look “bomb”. So feel free to pick your favorite places, friend!!! Here’s a little guide I made in order to help you combine your dream location with reality, or if you’re stressed, know your options.
P1: Pick somewhere meaningful.
I love to encourage my clients is to pick somewhere that is meaningful to you. I promise, you’ll love the photos even more because it tells a bigger story.
I’ve been to some really meaningful places for photos, and the amount of joy that I can feel in my clients is unreal. Whether you’re standing on your favorite picnic spot you used to go to with your family in the canyons, or in the house you grew up in, or where you first met, it is special. I know it can be intimidating because your location may not have an ocean or hot air balloons, but I promise you! A good photographer takes in your location, finds the best way to shoot it, and makes your vision come together with beautiful photos in your favorite place.
P2: Build a new experience.
Another way to go about picking a location is looking towards the future instead of the past. Where do you want to build a new experience?
I shoot a number of destination engagements, because building a new experience together is PRICELESS. Some of Mitch and my favorite memories since we’ve been married originated at totally new places. I love to remember us biking over the Golden Gate Bridge or playing putt putt in the mountains. We love to experience new things together!
Now is the perfect time to dream. Dream big. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go? To have a road trip with your love, family, or friends and forever have beautiful pictures to remember it by?
Try a destination shoot! It’s a total blast and you build memories together that will last forever.
P3: Trust your photographer.
Are you still stressed? Not sure what is meaningful to you or where you’ve always wanted to go? No worries. There’s a third option. You can ask your photographer!
A good photographer always has places in mind or finds spots to pull together your vision or creates a vision for you. When I am photographing a wedding (and basically when I’m just walking through life), I always come up with a ton of places that are perfect for great photos. I am always hunting for backups or fun options. Even if I’m in the middle of nowhere, I spend hours googling, calling businesses, and driving around to come up with places that fit who the couple is, works with the weather, and is beautiful.
So, what I’m trying to say, is if you know your photographer is good, DON’T STRESS over locations. Anytime you’re taking photos is a special time in life; don’t let the little stresses hurt the joy you have in the season.
Overall, thinking about locations has everyone feeling differently. Some get excited, some get stressed. I hope one of these three options helps you feel excited, or removes your stress. Ultimately, if you’ve hired someone you trust, you know that wherever you go, you’ll get amazing photos.