On Location Photography Tips

Photography Tips

When I first started shooting photography strictly on location a couple years back, finding a location for photo sessions seemed to be such an obstacle for me. “Where can I shoot that’s really interesting and eye-catching?” I asked myself. A few years later—and much more knowledgeable—I can definitely say the background is not as important as you may think. It’s all about drawing the eye to the subject(s) with minimal distractions. Now I don’t mean to take some of the fun out of it, finding a suitable location and adding a personal touch is really a great thing.

Aside from the obvious (parks, clients’ homes, etc.) here are some really great places to shoot.

Photo by Tony Lee

Downtown

Live near a city or a trendy spot where people like to hang out? Just take a walk downtown and find the many cool places you can capture in one thirty minute to an hour long session! (Parking garages, brick buildings, funky doorways/window frames, benches, capture your subject walking down the sidewalk…the list goes on!)

Junkyard

Want to add a bit of grit or contrast to your image? Visit your local junkyard and ask for permission to use the location for a shoot (make sure they sign a release!). This can add contrast. For example, a female wearing a formal cocktail dress or a bathing suit in a junkyard really adds a bit of grit to your images.

Field

Again it’s all about your client. The fewer distractions the better. One of my favorite places to go is this field nearby with tall grass (in the autumn everything is golden and adds a nice warm touch) and wide open space with not much around to distract the eye. Now you can step it up a notch and play with this a little or a lot. If you place a couch, chair, or trunk in the photo, you will find it easily adds a rustic elegance and provides your client with a prop to sit or lean on; trust me they will absolutely LOVE it!

Nature Trail

Forget about parks; they’re so overpopulated and, well, expected! Surprise your client and take them on a short hike through a nature trail. Nature trails are so great because you’ll usually stumble upon a lot of interesting parts of nature to play with in your photos. You may see a riverbed, maybe a lake, a beautiful part of the forest… Maybe you will find a fallen tree and use it as a bench. Steer away from the norm you usually find at parks and surprise your client.

Photo by Max Ilienerwise

These are just a few places I have had success with and definitely a great starting point for on location photography. After shooting more sessions you will feel comfortable with exploring on your own and finding other favorite places to take your clients and impress them with your photography skills!

About the Author:
Amanda Glisson is known as one of the best wedding photographers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her unique photojournalistic style has been applauded by her clients, who praise her ability to capture real moments and bring them to life.