10 Ideal Photoshoot Locations for Breathtaking Photos (and How to Choose!)

5/13/2015Unknown

One of the biggest questions when deciding it is time to hire a professional photographer for your artistic family photos is where to actually shoot the pictures.

Many factors come into play when making a final decision and the more informed you are, the more likely you are to choose the perfect location for your needs.

I have narrowed the most ideal locations (in my humble opinion) to 10 in-no-particular-order settings.

Thanks Ashley!

The Beach is a tremendously stunning place to photograph any subject! From Maternity portraits, to pets running down the shoreline, you can create just about any type of image at the beach. But Beware: The harsh light can be a challenge. Even worse?

THE SAND.

It. Gets. Everywhere.

Try to go on a cooler, less crowded day of the week during early morning or late afternoon to get the best lighting. Avoid midday when the sun is directly overhead as the shadows will be extremely harsh on the face.

Taken at Indian Rocks Beach,Fl.

Thanks Irene!

The Park is another super popular place to shoot portraits and is also the ideal location for shooting children. There are so many genuinely fun things to do at the park that getting a big, cheesy, natural smile is no problem snapping from even the grumpiest child. The key to getting interesting shots at a park is to explore. By moving around, switching up angles and taking images from all different perspectives, it shifts the "typical park" picture into an "artistic portrait."

Landmarks are not what you would call a spur-of-the-moment photo shoot. Both client(s) and photographer(s) must schedule accordingly if travel is needed. The photos themselves can tend to read as "cliche", so there are several things to keep in mind to help you stand out from the crowds that are sure to be breathing down your neck as you pose with your family in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Any still body of water can create gorgeous reflections that when paired with your subject, turn out a fantastic image that is well beyond what any backdrop can create. Even on a bad day, when fog is present, the fog makes for an interesting shot. The worst part about shooting in such a location is the insects (trust me, I recently experienced this first hand).

Use caution when getting close to the embankment as it tends to be extremely slippery.

Taken at Hillsborough River State Park,Fl.

Thanks Noah!

If you are aiming for a grungy feel to your photographs, an old, abandoned building is the ideal location. The structural wear portrays strong emotions when utilized correctly. Typically, you will have loads of privacy to shoot whatever style tickles your fancy, but beware. You must be sure to get an okay from the property owners before you actually arrive on location.

If you have the proper equipment and both photographer and subject are skilled under water, you can take some extremely unique and intriguing photographs. Water is a great light diffuser and crowds are typically not an issue. Wildlife, depending on shooting location can either be a blessing or a curse. (Think Jaws vs. Finding Nemo)

Aerial photography is anothe niche that does require skilled participants, but guarantees striking images when taken from such a perspective. The challenge is incorporating actual subjects in to the photograph. (Unless, of coarse, you have THIS).

The last location that requires some type of skill is "Unchartered Territory." Places like Antarctica and The Sahara Desert are beautifully barren. These locations offer exclusivity and timing is relatively unimportant, but you will need to have some kind of prior training for the environment you will be heading to. Unless of coarse, you create the "feeling" of desertion, which only requires photographic skill.

Tweet: "Fake it 'til ya make it"

Open fields are the perfect location for an intimate photoshoot. They offer seclusion, but must not be taken for granted. It is easy to overpower the subject of the photograph with a large/distracting background. Paying close attention to composition and depth of field will ensure stunning results.

Street photography is such a beautiful form of artistic expression when used correctly. It allows freedom of expression, and flexibility to shoot any time of day, while moving from location to location quickly. Be respectful of bystanders who may not want their picture taken, as well as local authorities should you come in contact.