How to Choose a Location for Your Shoot
The place shapes the mood of your photos as much as the outfit. A few tips on picking the right one.
The location shapes the whole story of a shoot. The same session feels completely different in a forest, in the city or in a studio. Here are a few tips on picking the right place.
Where we've shot
For inspiration, a few places we've travelled to for a good shot. Click a pin or a place in the list and the map takes you there.
The place doesn't just set the background. It shapes the light, the mood and how relaxed you'll feel in front of the camera.
Start with the mood
Do you want something romantic and soft, or urban and bold? The mood you picture already tells you where to go. Natural tones and privacy suit forests and meadows, energy and contrast live in the city.
It matters just as much that the location fits the style and concept you're planning for the shoot. A minimalist concept needs a calm background free of distractions, while an editorial or lifestyle style can carry a bolder setting with texture and colour. Before you settle on a place, picture the finished photos and check that the style and the setting actually work together.
Studio, outdoors or your home
A studio gives a clean background and full control of light, ideal for portraits and products. Outdoors brings atmosphere and space. Home is the most personal, especially for families and babies, where you're comfortable.
Think about light and time
The most beautiful natural light is in the morning and before sunset, the golden hour. At midday the light is harsh. So when picking a location, also factor in the time of day it looks best.
Clean backgrounds and colour
The background can make or break a photo. Notice what's in the frame besides the main subject: bins, signs, cars, power poles or brightly coloured ads can all pull attention away from what matters. An ideal background is uncluttered and in colours that complement the outfit and the mood of the shoot.
A simple rule for colour: neutral, muted tones, think white, beige, grey or the green of nature, work almost every time. Bolder colours in the background need to be matched with the outfit so the two don't compete. It's worth walking the location in daylight before the shoot and checking what's in every direction of the frame.
A personal connection to the place
The strongest photos often happen where a place means something to you. The spot of a first date, a favourite cafe, grandparents' cottage. A location like that gives the photos a story.
A location isn't just a backdrop. It shapes the story of the photos as much as the outfit or the light.
The practical side
Consider access, parking, weather and privacy. A busy tourist spot can mean strangers in the frame and less calm to focus on the shoot. For some locations, such as city parks or private land, it's worth checking in advance whether photography is allowed and whether a commercial shoot needs a permit.
Also think about the season. The same place can look completely different in spring, summer, autumn and winter, a forest is green in summer, colourful in autumn, bare and light-filled in winter. If you have a specific mood in mind, check whether the season suits the setting, or plan the date around when the location looks its best.
What works when choosing a location
- Pick a place based on the mood you want to capture.
- Plan the shoot time around the light.
- Check access, parking and any required permits.
- Have a backup plan ready for weather.
What to avoid
- Choosing a place from photos online without a site visit.
- Underestimating busy spots full of strangers.
- Ignoring a colourful or distracting background.
- Leaving the shoot for midday with harsh light.
What to consider when choosing a location
- The mood and style you want to capture
- Light and the best time of day
- Clean background and colour
- Access, parking and any required permits
- Privacy and how busy the surroundings are
- Season and a backup plan for weather
- Your personal connection to the place
You don't have to solve this alone. Tell us the mood you want and we'll recommend a location or find one together. We know places that work.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I choose a location?
We recommend settling on a location at least a week before the shoot, so there's time for a site visit and any permits. For popular spots, sort it out even earlier.
What if the weather turns bad?
For outdoor shoots we always have a backup spot under a roof ready, or we move the date. It's not worth fighting the weather, a plan B is better.
Do I need a permit to shoot in a public place?
In most public spaces, no, but for city parks or private land it's worth checking in advance. Commercial shoots may need a permit.
Will you help me choose a location?
Yes, gladly. Tell us the mood you want to capture and we'll recommend a location or find one together.
Not sure where to shoot?
We'll help you choose a location that fits your style and mood. Have a look at our services, or just get in touch.
Our services Get in touchQuick recap
- Choose a location based on the mood you want in your photos.
- Studio, outdoors and home each have their strengths, pick by purpose.
- The best outdoor light comes during the golden hour.
- A place with a personal story adds depth to the photos.
- Think about access, parking and a backup plan for weather.
- Don't worry about the choice alone, we'll advise and find a location together.
