Often, people talk to me and say they don’t want to have to carry a ton of equipment to a bunch of different locations and they talk about not knowing where to go shoot.
When scouting for a photography location, the key is to find areas with visually pleasing backgrounds and even lighting. Here’s what you should look for to ensure a smooth shoot:
1. Scout for Backgrounds
Choose a location with clean, simple, and non-distracting backgrounds. Look for elements that complement your subject rather than pull focus away from them. A well-composed background could be a field, a wall with texture, trees, or an urban setting, depending on the look you’re aiming for. Avoid clutter like cars, trash bins, or busy patterns that might detract from the main subject.
2. Find Even Lighting
Even lighting is crucial to prevent harsh shadows or blown-out highlights. Locations with open shade (like under a large tree, a shaded side of a building, or a cloudy day) offer beautiful, soft lighting that’s flattering for portraits. Also, pay attention to the time of day—early mornings and late afternoons (the golden hour) provide the best natural light with soft, warm tones.
3. Consider the Surroundings
Be mindful of your surroundings when setting up a shot. Take time to observe where the light is coming from and how it interacts with the environment. Avoid direct sunlight hitting your subject from overhead, as it can create unflattering shadows. Instead, look for areas where the light is diffused or softly bouncing off nearby surfaces.
4. Maximize a Location by Changing Angles
One of the most effective ways to get multiple looks from one location is to simply change the direction you’re shooting in. Walk around your subject and see how different angles reveal different backgrounds, compositions, and light. For example, shooting towards an open field may provide a clean, natural look, while turning to face a textured wall may create a more urban or artistic vibe.
5. Add Off-Camera Flash to Enhance the Scene
Once you’ve found a great location with pleasing ambient light, you can add off-camera flash to elevate your images further. The flash allows you to control the light on your subject while still keeping the natural look of the environment. For instance, if you’re shooting in a shaded area, you can use flash to brighten your subject while keeping the background soft and natural. Balance your flash with ambient light by adjusting your settings to keep the scene looking cohesive and not overly artificial.
By thinking about the backgrounds, lighting, and angles beforehand, you’ll be prepared to get the most out of your location without constantly moving around during the shoot. With practice, these techniques will become second nature, making it easier to create stunning images with minimal effort on location.