6 Locations to Have Your Next Photoshoot At
Planning your next photoshoot can be overwhelming at times, where the photoshoot will take place, what you’ll be wearing, and even what props if any will be brought to the shoot.
While you might have the urge to throw your hands up in there in the air in frustration, I am here to reassure you it doesn't have to be as complicated as it seems! That’s why this blog will hopefully ease your mind as we discuss the 6 locations to have your next photoshoot.
Studio
While it is the most obvious choice, studios can range anywhere from low hundreds to upwards to thousands of dollars for just an hour. This of course is depending on what your goal is while shooting and the overall type of photoshoot you are looking at creating. Studios are great places to have a photoshoot simply because they are a great way to let your creativity fly. A variety of lights, furniture, and even props may be at your disposal allowing you to create the dream session you have in mind.
I recommend using sites like Peerspace, where you are able to find hundreds of studios in your area! You can add filters like pricing, studios with lighting equipment, elegant or rustic, to find the exact studio you are looking for.
2. Downtown
The building, the history and even the people are what make a city's downtown unique. This is a fantastic place to have a photoshoot because there is a little of everything. I mainly photograph in the Dallas area, and hardly ever struggle with finding a location downtown that isn’t good for a photoshoot. There are business buildings, restaurants, huge sculptures and artwork all throughout the bustling downtown. This diversity is what makes it a staple location for photoshoots because there is a little bit for every kind of photo session, whether it’s senior portraits, creative style shoots, or even your very own personal branding session.
3. Small Business/Cafes
A really creative and fun idea is a photo session at a local coffee shop or small business! This is not only a great way to draw attention to the small business, but ensure that your photoshoot separates you from the rest. Reach out to the owner or shop and ask them if they would be okay with you having a photoshoot there, in a respectful manner of course. It is never a good idea to assume that your photography services will be welcomed especially during the height of business hours.
Be sure to run by any ideas or plans you have in place when it comes to your photoshoot, if you plan on using some of their products or space, they would greatly appreciate you shouting them out wherever you post your photos! Who knows, maybe they will want you to come out again.
4. At a Park
There are tons and tons of parks in the Dallas area, one of my favorites being Arbor Hills. This particular location I have had multiple photoshoots and every time I find a different location in the park to take pictures! Parks can get quite busy so you may want to accommodate with planning your session early or in the evening to be able to work in the space where you will get the most efficient use of your time. Aside from this one downside, there are many pros to having a photoshoot in the park.
Try using the park in times like spring or autumn to get the most use out of the natural environment around you! Examples include having a fall photoshoot in the park when the leaves are changing color or a soft and delicate spring session when the flowers are in full bloom.
5. Modeled Homes
Similar to a studio, the possibilities are still endless in modeled homes. The kitchen, living room, bedroom, and even outside and around the home are all potential places to take some pictures. I challenge you to use as many rooms as you can for the photoshoot, there are lots of different areas that can spark creativity. Sites like Home Studio List are perfect for this because you are able to look through a variety of homes that fit the vibe and overall feel of the session you are looking to create.
Model homes are also nice for those who feel their house isn't “picture perfect”, for some they may love their home or even their own space where they create.
6.Your own space
I am a strong believer that you don’t really need an “aesthetic” looking space to take pictures in but if you feel the space in which you create already lives up to your expectations, then it’s the perfect place for your next photoshoot. Your own space can be your own studio, your place of business, or even your home office! Society has put a toll on what “looks the best” or where is the “perfect place to take photos” when really, you can create in pretty much any environment. It all comes down to comfortability, I enjoy walking spaces before my photo session because I look for areas that catch my eye.
Look around your own area and find places that catch your eye or objects you connect with, try to think of ways to include them to the vibe of the shoot you are trying to create. Walk the area, change the angles of where you would normally photograph, something creative may emerge from it!
Conclusion
Hopefully these suggestions helped in jogging your mind when it came to potential photoshoot locations! Be sure to connect with your photographer before your session with potential locations in mind, most of the time your photographer will already have some locations in mind(I know I do!)
