The Location Guide

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Locations

Aside from choosing your outfits, choosing your LOCATION(S) is a huge part of what will determine the overall style and aesthetic of your images. It also takes a little bit of logistical planning to map out where we will shoot and the travel time between locations (if you are doing a multiple-location shoot). Overall, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking where to shoot.

Brock Environmental Center/Pleasure House Point (Summer 2022)

It’s actually not the location that matters most…it’s the light!

Yes. This is hard to understand if you’re not a photographer, but hear me out; if you have the most beautiful garden location in mind with tons of fluffy flowers and manicured walkways, but it’s in the DIRECT sunlight all day long, it’s not an ideal place to shoot. It would be better to have the session in a random field on the side of the highway with gorgeous backlighting coming through the trees because the LIGHT is what makes the biggest difference in the world! Trust me on this one!

Granby Street: Norfolk (Summer 2023)

Try to think of the overall “feel” or “vibe” for your shoot and let this guide your location choices.

While the location of your shoot matters; it may not matter quite as much as you think. The majority of the images in your gallery will be close-up…meaning you can’t see a whole lot of the background. What you CAN see is the colors, light, and overall “feel” of the location. For example, if you want a colorful feeling gallery, we probably shouldn’t photograph your session in a big open field. If you want natural, floral vibes, we don’t need to head to Town Center with all the tall buildings. The point is: don’t get so caught up and stressed over location. Choose a “vibe” that you want, and I can help you pick a spot that will make that happen!

First Landing State Park (Spring 2023)

Just one request: and please trust me on this part!

When I tell you that some of my most AMAZING images have been created in the weirdest locations and in the weirdest ways…I mean it! I’ve asked my clients to crawl into random floral bushes and sit in crazy positions to get the right angle. And they got some of the BEST work I’ve ever created because they TRUSTED ME as their photographer. I may have an idea or a suggestion that sounds crazy, but it’s because I have years of experience finding the lighting and composition that will create stellar images. So, my biggest request is that you trust me even if I sound crazy; you will be glad you did.

Location

Options

These are examples of common location types or “vibes” that my clients want for their shoots. We can achieve a wide variety of looks even in a single location. This section of the guide will give you examples, visuals, and inspiration for common styles, then you can tell me your favorites in detail in your questionnaire.