Let’s talk about how to choose the best locations for photos!
But first, here’s a million dollar question: Do you need an epic background in order to take epic pictures?
After being a wedding photographer for almost 10 years, I can honestly tell you that when it comes to taking great pictures, lighting is EVERYTHING!
So when it comes to choosing a location for your sessions, the trick is to pick your location based on the quality of light!
Why? Because if the light is great, then even the most boring location can look fantastic in photos!
Here are my best tips for scouting locations:
1. Look for locations that will produce beautiful, glowy light: a building, a tree, a mountain, etc. Ideally, something that can be positioned between you and the sun. Why is this so important? Because it will act as a diffuser and filter the light to help you achieve beautiful, light and airy images.
Settings: 1/200 sec at f/2, ISO 160, 85 mm lens
(Image edited with the Bright & Clean Presets)
2. Look for light-colored surfaces like: gravel, rocks, sand, etc. They make amazing natural reflectors that will bounce light back onto your subject, which will help you achieve beautiful skin tones. For more tips and tricks on how to use natural reflectors, check out this blog post: How to Find and Use Natural Reflectors for Portraits.
Settings: 1/1600 sec at f/2.2, ISO 100, 50 mm lens
(Image edited with the Bright & Clean Presets)
So, if you’re feeling frustrated that your images don’t look the way you’d like them to, it’s probably because you haven’t been taking full advantage of the light around you when choosing your locations. Understanding how light affects your pictures is really important!
And there you have it: 2 ways to ensure that you choose the best locations for epic sessions! Which tip was your favorite?
