How to choose the perfect location for your session

A Carmel family photographer shares her top 4 tips.

Choosing the perfect location for your session is a big part of the experience I offer each client. When we talk about the vision for your session, I offer some of my favorite spots or plan to scout out a new location to make sure you have photos you will love and treasure forever.

It’s all about the light at your session location.

Light is one of the most crucial elements for your family session location. How much light is there? Where is the sun, what natural reflectors are around, what is going to filter the light, and where is the open sky? These are all things that I consider when choosing the location of your session. The time of day plays into this a lot as well. I have an app on my phone that I use every time I scout a location that tells me exactly where the sun will be at certain times of the day and year. It’s awesome!

Variety is important for your session.

Variety is important for your session location as well. I like when a location offers several backdrop options in a small area. This allows me to use them to add beauty and interest to your photos. Some elements I look for in natural locations are rows of trees, color, paths, bridges, and other structures. For an urban location, there seem to be endless possibilities. Doors, walls, alleys, fences, flower-lined streets, benches… I could go on and on.

Busyness and privacy matter at your location.

A session location that is not super busy and has some privacy matters to me. Obviously, this doesn’t really apply to an urban session because there will be cars and people regardless of where you are, but when it comes to choosing a natural location, this is something I think about. For some clients, getting pictures taken is not within their comfort zone, so having a lot of people around might add to any feelings of awkwardness. Although I definitely help you with prompts and posing to make you feel as relaxed as possible, don’t worry if you might be someone who feels awkward in front of the camera. For me, a location that is super busy could have the potential to feel stressful, so that is another reason I attempt to choose a less popular but not less beautiful location.

Accessibility is a consideration for your session location.

Accessibility is something I consider when choosing a session location. This matters because walking takes up time, it can wear little ones out, and not everyone is up for long and possibly treacherous walks to get to the perfect spot. Depending on the session you book with me, we have a set amount of time. So walking all over creation takes away from the time we could be shooting. Littles might get extra tired if we have to walk far to the “spot” we plan to shoot. There are all sorts of reasons why a long walk might not work for a client. A close parking lot on flat ground with a short walk to all the areas I love would be a dream location option.

One of the reasons you hire me!

This is one of the reasons you hired me! To help you pick the best spot for your pictures. It’s not up to you to know all of these things. How daunting, right? A good professional takes the time to scout out the best locations to fit the needs of each client.