Recorded On: 3/23/2011
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shooting location 101

{ Part One of a Shooting Location Series }

One of the questions I am asked frequently deals with my shooting locations: where do I find these fabulous places? I wish I could give you an easy magic bullet answer, but the truth is you’ve got to get out there and look.

Hoof it, baby!

Believe me, I know. I moved from the lush, barn-filled, tall grassy field covered land of western PA to Southern California where everything is either stucco or painted some shade of taupe. I was forced out of my photographer comfort zone (read: laziness) into the challenge of finding new locations that had the same feel and look that I loved.

After all, we find inspiration in what we love, don’t we? (Hence why so many of us pick up the photography bug after the birth of our children.)

Here are a few tips on what I look for in a good shooting location.

| Tip 1 | When choosing a new shooting location, my priorities are always safety first, lighting second. A location must be safe for a child (and others. I never place a session at a place I haven’t been to beforehand, unless it is a client’s private property.

| Tip 2 | Check the lighting at a particular site just to make sure it will work well for when the session will be conducted. A cool barn door  may have killer lighting at 11am, but at 5pm it could be a total different story. A good shooting location with bad lighting often means scrambling to find an oasis of open shade (if there is any) and conducting a session within that perimeter doesn’t leave much room for creative freedom!

| Tip 3 | How about those hip urban locations? I rarely bring a child under the age of three or four to an urban location. Think about it — all the broken glass, exposed metal, and especially the cars racing through the alleyways. Makes me nervous! When I’m nervous at a shoot (or have my “mommy vibe” going on), I am not very creative.

| Tip  4| I try to keep my eyes open during every-day tasks. Think about all the times you drive through town taking your children to various events. Phew. Instead of zoning out listening to the latest from Taylor Swift (you know you do), tune into your surroundings. Try to find a new way to your usual stops or go to the part of town you haven’t explored yet (of course, be careful).

| Tip 5 | Be aware if you are allowed to shoot there. I’m not an “ask for forgiveness later” type of shooter. I’d rather ask permission first than be embarrassed or worse yet, look unprofessional to my client because we were shoo-ed off of someone’s land.

Back in Pennsylvania I shot for years at an apple orchard that yes, I had permission to shoot at, but he wanted me to call him first beforehand. Why? He didn’t want me to show up (with children in two) the day after he just got done spraying chemicals on his orchard. Yuck. Can you imagine if I just showed up whenever?

Find out who owns the property and get permission. Believe it or not, it’s really not that scary. The worst is they can say “no”.

The image below I simply knocked on the door (usually I have my love-able husband so it), told them who I was, and asked. Some people bring cookies or wine as a thank you (bribe). As a thank you for allowing me to shoot there I sent them pictures I had taken of their farm. They were ever so grateful as they just sold the property that had been in their family for generations.

| Example Images |

Being the creative people you are, I know you’d like to see some visuals.

In the image of the tricycle below you can see my basic set up and what I had to work with.

—-> First, gorgeous backlighting (nevermind that it was over 100 degrees in like 100 percent humidity).

—-> Second, I placed the bike where I envisioned strong composition (already knowing I would be focusing on horizontal images).

—-> Interesting surroundings that added depth and did not overpower the image or subject.

All I needed was a little subject!

In the other two images below you can see my final result.

My hope was to capture the subject in a more portrait stance (face showing) and the other a more artistic attempt (not looking at the camera). For those who have purchased my Workshop Workbook, both images would qualify as an “Environmental”.

I hope this article has shed some light (I couldn’t resist the pun) on shooting locations. Of course, there is much to teach on this subject, and yet, shooting location 101 is dreadfully simple —> it all stats with finding new spots!

Stay tuned to the blog as I have many more articles on the way. Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts and what you would like to see me discuss in the future.

BTW, the vintage frame above was purchased from Florabella Collection. Click here to visit Florabella Collection.

Until then,

Skye, xoxo

—-> The above was adapted from my Workshop Workbook. To find out more, please visit: http://www.theworkshopworkbook.com

______________________________

| Copyright |

Text & Images Copyright © 2011 Skye Hardwick

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Creativity & Inspiration, Interviews & Articles, The Workshop Workbook

30 Comments Logged
  1. Michele penned:

    I love reading about what you say on locations. That’s the one thing I need to work on. I get terribly shy thinking about asking someone to use their property. Love you insights and the workbook. Best investment to date!

  2. Jennifer penned:

    So great. I’ve been doing some of these things, but am just starting out and have a lot to learn. Living in Vegas has some similar challenges – lots of brown and not so much green! I’m on the hunt for great locations!

  3. Rebecca penned:

    Wow! Thank you so much for these great ideas! I am a very novice photographer – with mostly just the aim of taking great photos of my 5 growing kids, and this is so helpful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  4. Sylvia Cook penned:

    I love finding new locations too, and would squeal at finding a beautiful big grassy field that was close to me. I live in a highly urban (suburb) area that has just too much new building. And if it’s old and abandoned, it’s fenced….phooey.

  5. Maggie penned:

    Am loving the new blog and the workbook! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

  6. Kris penned:

    Thank you so much for the article. I live in rural Idaho with lots of farmland (sagebrush) and many, many cows. I’m always looking for new sights to use as my backdrops and any (really all) tips are welcomed. I look forward to reading more!

  7. Leanna penned:

    Great article. I live in busy Tampa Bay. There area a lot of back roads that I have been on that I noticed potential but then I become shy and scared to ask. The cookies or photos of property are a great idea. Didn’t think about doing that. Do you ever come across anyone that asks about liability or anything on their property. That’s one thing that worries me. I’m not in the business full sail yet and only using friends as guinea pigs so no insurance and no idea what I might be getting into. Thanks.

  8. Ivy penned:

    I am so happy you are doing blog tips! I have thought about asking people to use their property but never had the guts to knock on the door! There’s so many farms here I would love to access them, will have to try a tray of cookies:))

    There are some very cool big business lots with empty trains along some tracks that I’ve been wanting to access all summer but couldn’t find the entrance LOL. I need to do a better job of scouting. I was wondering if you ever use Universities as settings and if so do you need permission. I live near Princeton and took some photos there for fun this summer but haven’t thought of doing a shoot there because of the logistics I just mentioned.

    Anyway, thanks again. Look forward to more tips.

  9. Lisa penned:

    Love tip 5. Thanks for posting!!!!

  10. Tammy penned:

    Excellent suggestions. Thank you. Keep them coming. :)

  11. Michelle Schrieber penned:

    So many farms where I live too and I never would have thought it was ok to knock on someone’s door and ask to use their property. I guess I need to jump out of my comfort zone! Thanks for sharing! I love your locations. You inspire me to start exploring more.

  12. Skye Hardwick penned:

    Let me also say to everyone (especially the ladies) to be careful and trust your gut instincts when knocking on folks doors (I suggest bringing someone with you to knock and when you go shoot). Safety first!!

  13. jolie rodriguez penned:

    Great advice! I’ve been “hoofing it” around my rural area of Fall City, just east of Seattle. Found a great old white barn with an old red truck sitting right next to it. Perfect! Got the guts to knock on the owner’s door to see if they’d be willing to let me photograph there, and they said “yes”! Now I just need some new clients to take there. If not, it will just be my kiddos…my favorite models!

  14. Beat Mumenthaler penned:

    good tips and good pics! thanks :-)

    kind regards from switzerland!

    beat

  15. Angela penned:

    Great! I need to step outside my comfort zone a bit and start asking if I can use certain places to shoot. I have noticed so many awesome places, but so far, haven’t brought myself to do it…but, you are right! The worst that can happen is they say no. :)

  16. Kelli Taylor penned:

    Thanks Skye! Just the kick in the butt I needed to get out there and look for some new spots! :)

  17. Jean. Bolin penned:

    Ashley Cunningham Roach does great photography work. She has lots of fun with it. Please consider her for this workbook. :)

  18. Jackie gardner penned:

    Kendall Herman

  19. Beja penned:

    I totally felt empowered after reading this to just ask for permission for a shoot. I live in a rural area in Texas, and there is a Cadillac junkyard 5 minutes up the road. I sent an email, and I couldn’t believe the response I got. It was full of spunk saying how he is a drunk, he doesn’t need photography lessons, that he could make $13k from charging $50 per photography session, and it was laced with cussing. I don’t if he wanted me to say yes to be honest, but I replied that I’d be contacting him to pay him as soon as I got a check and the right client. ;D The learning process is fun. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Sarah penned:

    Thanks Skye. Now I just need to get out there and get outside of my comfort zone. It’s so hard stretch myself sometimes. Thanks for the inspiration.

  21. cherie penned:

    Thanks so much for all you share. Your work is beautiful and such a inspiration !

  22. Elizabeth penned:

    I love love love finding new locations. Especially ones that fit my style perfectly. Thanks for these awesome tips though, it’s always good to hear how someone else goes about it. Next time I knock on someone’s door I’ll have a bottle of wine in hand!

  23. gina d. penned:

    great post. love the idea to give the owners a photo(s) as a bribe.

  24. Cate Scaglione penned:

    Skye, So glad you covered this topic…I haven’t seen a lot out there on scouting! I’ve been evolving into an environmental portrait photographer lately.

    SO Funny you mentioned….I have been in one of those situations where I didn’t have permission to shoot. The local public park near me is gorgeous…beautiful grounds, an old Victorian mansion, corn fields, a duck pond! The park ranger drove past me 3 or 4 times before approaching me, then told me I need a permit to shoot there. Luckily, my clients were old family friends so it wasn’t totally tragic.
    Later, when I inquired about getting a permit, it was like $150 for 3 shoots per season/with advance notice permission & a 2 hr time limit. Oh, and when I said I was a student that would charge me $75/3 shoots. I’m not so familiar with scouting yet — but doesn’t that seem rather extreme?

  25. Cate Scaglione penned:

    Another thought… this is part of the locations topic, or maybe even a whole separate topic!

    I find now and then that even though certain parents hire me because they like my style and composition, they sometimes still try to “art direct” the shoot. What I mean is, they want the picture taken in THIS spot, in FRONT of that chair, with THIS teddy bear on it wearing THIS hat. I try to explain, “things don’t always appear through the camera as one envisions them in real life. Ugly can turn beautiful and beautiful can turn ugly”.

    Don’t get me wrong…I usually have the discussions to get to know my clients’ personal style and their needs before the shoot. But I think sometimes people can’t help themselves…refuse to “let go” a bit.
    As an artist, its insulting getting art directed. Does anyone else ever experience this? Any advice on that?

  26. Melissa Spencer penned:

    Great as always Skye! Readers: If you liked this article, get the workbook! The stories and experiences Skye shares, as well as her tips and tid-bits are to die for! I have read my workbook over and over again. If it wasn’t digital, it would be worn out and tattered by now. Skye’s workbook took me to the next level that I was looking to head with my photography! Peace!

  27. Summer penned:

    Wow! Thank you so much for doing this article:) It has helped me a lot:) Being new to photography I have so many questions. This has been one of the big ones. One thing I would like to hear more about is lighting and what is good and what is bad. Also shooting at sunset and taking full advantage of it:) Thank you so much. You are an inspiration and getting advice from you makes me one lucky photographer

  28. Damaris Mia penned:

    This is great! What wonderful advice. Sometimes it’s just so hard finding new locations so thank you for sharing these tips! Where in So.Cal are you? I’m from there too :)

  29. Erin Danielle penned:

    I LOVE the note about pre~composing the shot by placing the bicycle {vessel} in the shot first. Also a great idea to visit your locations at the actual session time prior to taking your clients there. You just added another level to my professionalism! thank you kindly! I am a bit timid to ask for permission to shoot at different locations…I hate being told no. But, I’m working on that! Thanks again. Great info as always! I would LOVE to hear more about your process ~ taking me from initial client contact to the pre~session discussions to the session itself, editing and product delivery and beyond! Thanks again for sharing your gift with us. You are wonderful!!

  30. Celia penned:

    A photographer friend hounded me to try photography as it would blend right in with my creativity and love of instant designing. That was a year ago and joined a group called Women in Photography which she started many years ago. We have a fun hunt each month with 6 words to describe through photos. At first I felt intimidated as at least half the group are professionals. After being cheered on by them, I find it is lots of fun! So I have been on a learning curve and was introduced to your sight through another photographer. I just want to thank you for sharing your expertise…
    Take care and happy shooting!

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