Location Scouting: Your Senior Photos

LOCATION

SCOUTING

Over the years I have shot portraits in many places, including Michigan, Illinois, Texas and soon Las Vegas. One thing that I find many of my clients struggle to tell me where they’d like their photos taken. I have a full gallery of locations and styles to inspire those who are unsure or on the fence, and pinterest is a fantastic source of inspiration as well.

When a client comes to me and says “HERE is where I want my portraits done” it tells me that they have been thinking a lot about what they want, and they’re big-time planners. I am always excited to see what they have in mind, it gives me a great idea of what they’ve been imagining for their photos and I can easily imagine it with them. I love discovering new places with them, and there is always something they will teach me that I didn’t know about these places because something about it is important to them.

When someone asks me for suggestions about a location it leaves so much more to the imagination. This is who I am writing for.

Everything from the style of the location to the clothes you wear pull your final photo together. Think about what photos you have been seeing that draw you to them. What is it about them that you are attracted to? Is it the location? Are their mountains, trees, buildings? We can mimic all of those things if you tell me thats what you are drawn to, but there is more to that image than those things. What else has your pulse raised? Is there a dress or jeans? Is it a sunset or is the sun bold in the sky? These are the things that help navigate a location, a setting. This is what builds your shoot.

I truly encourage trying to make each shoot and location unique to you. If you can, or will, make time to find spots that have meaning to you in some way. If you spend a lot of time at the library, lets shoot there. Or if you like to hang out in your hammock at the state park, why not make a shoot around that. We want to remember you the way that you are now. Tell your story, that is what is important. Be classic and truthful.

When someone is really stuck, I like to first look at their pinterest boards that they create to get an idea of the type of locations and styles that they enjoy. Once I have established their style, I will suggest some locations of where we might want to shoot. Clients will then be responsible for pairing several outfits for each location. Having multiple outfits for each spot will give them the opportunity to have more than one “look”. I always encourage them to bring extra outfits, shoes, and accessories. You really never know what you might want to change.

I haven’t really come across too many bad locations. The key is to go there at the right time, or on the right day. There ARE some that I just won’t go to, and some that I am excited to go to over and over again.