How to choose an outside photoshoot location for your brand photo shoot.
Shooting outdoors for your brand photo shoot can be a great option. It’s not going to incur location fees, you can get some great natural light, lots of space, and the options are endless when it comes to finding the perfect spot with just the right vibe for your business. But there are also some limitations and potential problems that can occur when shooting outside.
So today, I want to share 5 key things you need to consider when choosing an outside location for your personal brand photo shoot.
To help explain my points, I’m going to use Barbican as a location example as I talk through the key things to consider. Keep in mind though, that I’m not saying this is necessarily the right location for you, because every business has different needs.
Now, let’s get in to it!
Variety.
An ideal outside shoot location should have lots of variety within a small distance. This is so that we can get a range of image backgrounds without having to travel for ages between each spot. Trust me, you don’t want to have to lug all your outfits and props around the place and take up valuable shoot time walking.
Barbican is one of my favourite locations because of it’s variety. It has brutalist architecture, grey concrete backdrops, brown brick backgrounds, lots of leafy areas, and even water backgrounds. I shot all the below images with Julie in less than half an hour!
2. The right vibe.
When choosing your location you also need to consider if it will give off the right vibe for your brand. If you’re a business that works with children for example, you might want a colourful, fun location. If you’re a high end brand you're going to want a location that communicates luxury.
Because of the variety I mentioned in point 1, Barbican can offer an edgy vibe, a professional look, or a nature feel, so it can work for a range of businesses.
I always discuss the desired vibe with my clients during the planning stage to ensure we choose a suitable location for your specific business needs!
3. Shelter.
Outside locations can offer many things that inside shoots don’t, but there can also be some challenges that come with working in the great outdoors. One thing to consider is whether your outside location offers any shelter for weather emergencies. Shelter can help block strong winds or harsh sunlight that could otherwise make your images less flattering. And if it starts to rain, having some potential shoot spots under shelter is a really great back up option. I recently did a shoot where we were presented with a spontaneous thunder storm and the available shelter literally saved the shoot and meant all was not lost!
4. Facilities.
When shooting outside it can be really helpful if there are some public toilets near by. Of course, in case we need the loo, but also so you have somewhere you can change your outfit when it’s time for a different look! Another reason Barbican is great is because there are near by toilets as well as a cafe and plug sockets, which can all come in handy on a shoot!
5. Quiet areas.
My last tip for today is to look out for quiet areas. When you shoot outside in public spaces there are usually going to be other people about. If you’re shooting in a busy area it’s going to be really hard to get images without people in the background. Having people about can also make you feel a bit self conscious because people are nosy and love to watch a photo shoot! So have a think about how busy the area will be at the time you are shooting and try to make sure there are some quiet options available.
So to summarise, when thinking about your outside photo shoot location, ask yourself if there is enough variety? Will it give off the right vibe for your brand? Is there any shelter? Are there quiet areas? And are there any near by loos?
But remember, one of the benefits of booking a professional photographer is because they should offer you advice on things like your shoot location. So if you're stuck choosing a location for your brand shoot, don't worry! I've got lots of ideas and will always discuss options with you ahead of your shoot and make sure we use the perfect location for you and your business!
Want to learn more about how I can help your business stand out with personal brand photography?
As your personal brand photographer, I’ll aim to show off your unique personality & your specific offerings in a creative way through the beautiful brand images we create together.
I also want to give you more confidence to show up for the people who need your help, so you can build a strong and recognisable personal brand.
Personal brand photography can really help you stand out, make an impact, and get seen!