One of the biggest elements of your senior pictures photo session is (say it with me):
Location, Location, Location!
There's nothing that beats that late afternoon warm golden light. Nothing can match it. I love the feeling that you get when the sun starts to soften, the shadows lengthen, and the evening makes you feel young and free. I want you to feel that way about your specific location.
Over and over my clients know the best spots for photo sessions. So don't be afraid to share all your ideas with me. However, if you are feeling a little lost on ideas, here are my 5 tips on how to pick a great location that will showcase your personality, style, and stage in life while also allowing us to get some amazing pictures.
1. Landscape or Urban?
This is always the first question I ask. Think with the end goal in mind: when you hang "the picture" on your wall in your home how do you want it to look? Do you want to play up the farmhouse vibe or more of an urban feel?
When you hold your gorgeous album in your hands, what do you imagine? Exposed brick or fresh flowers? Waterscapes or a speciality location? Or are you a mixture of multiple? Do you prefer Sundance Square or the Fort Worth Botanic Garden? Do you like Magnolia or The Foundry District?
Think of how you or your parents a) decorate your home and b) your personality. What location is a better fit?
2. Favorite places
Do you have a location where, when anyone asks you, you always are? Do you have a favorite place you always go to on the weekend? A favorite coffee shop? A family cabin? A place you've always wanted to visit but haven't yet gotten to go?
3. Personality
Are you a homebody? Let's showcase you in your home as you study or have a game night with your family. Are you a coffee lover? Find a coffee shop that has tall windows. Are you an outdoor adventure junkie? Let's rent a campsite and put up your tent and have a campfire!
3. Versatility
Pick a location that allows for a couple of different looks. For instance, one of my favorite parks is one that has a wooded area, a lake, an area that I like to call the desert, and a huge field that plays up the big Fort Worth sky and sunsets. With this location, you get multiple looks all in one park.
The versatility of the location is especially useful if you want your photoshoot to be a mixture of both landscapes and urban views,
4. Quiet Location
I often try to choose a location that is off the beaten path, not because I want something unique (even though I do), but because it is so much nicer for you as a model and me as a photographer to have privacy. Having an audience or getting distracted and interrupted by passersby makes it really hard for us to get into a groove. You'll be self conscious of those watching you and might not be as willing to show your true personality. I'll be constantly worried that someone else would like to utilize our spot (I hate being in someone's way!).
Busy locations make your photograph look busy. We'll probably have a Wandering Welise in the background giving a look of confusion. A cute row of shops may be packed on the weekend causing a lot of waiting when trying to shoot during a peak busy season.
Now, we don't have to forgo a busy location altogether: consider a sunrise session!!
5. Consider Permits & Rental Fees
Several locations charge photography fees to photograph at their venue. However, if that location absolutely speaks to who you are, then that rental fee is worth the investment. As of right now, Sundance Square requires a permit and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden charges a fee to shoot in the park.
Still struggling with picking the perfect location for your photo session? Send me a message! I'd LOVE to help you pick a perfect location that will speak to your personality and identity.
