On Location Sessions
Have you ever wondered the pros and cons or differences of a professional photography session on location versus in the studio? Before I became a professional photographer, I probably would have just thought one is in the studio and one is somewhere else. And that of course is correct in the most basic sense. However, the longer I am a professional photographer and the more information I have gathered, I have learned the differences are many. In case you are curious to know more, read on!
For starters the very nature of the idea of a location session means that you have to have a location where you want to be photographed. Sometimes a client may have a specific location in mind and sometimes they just know they would like it to be outside, somewhere. They may even have some idea in their mind of what they are envisioning, but still don't know where that place might exist. So logically they turn to their photographer for ideas and suggestions.
Some clients may want an indoor setting but not in the studio. Usually they will have a a place in mind, but not always. Again, they've seen a photo of someone else in a cool venue/location and they would like to replicate that.
Whether a location session will be indoors or outdoors, there are many potential things to consider such as:
- The time of day (to take advantage of the best light),
- The time of year, which in addition to affecting the temperature and the weather, also affects the direction of the sun
- Is permission needed to photograph in a specific location?
- Are fees charged by the venue for professional photography?
- Are there hours when the location is available or restricted?
- Is parking close by?
Then, for the photographer, there is a preparation list to ensure a successful photography shoot on location. Prior to the day of the session this can include the following:
- Scouting out potential locations based on the client's wish list.
- Revisiting known locations to ensure no changes or unforeseen issues (i.e. a park you've used multiple times over the years and finding out it is closed for the next 6 months for remodeling!)
- Walking the area to look for the general location with the best backgrounds and light and confirming the best time of day for this location for the session. Bright, open areas are better in the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky and is softer. Shady or covered areas work better when there is more available light that can be reflected in under the shade.
- Looking for areas that have natural seating and posing that can be utilized such as large rocks, fences, sloping terrain, or other architectural features that will add interest.
- If multiple families are being photographed such as in a generational photo shoot, get a list of each family and all the family members, names and ages to plan the session and various poses to be potentially utilized.
Now that these basics are determined, day of the session preparations can include (and these vary by session and by photographer):
- Reviewing all the session planning, especially the names of the people being photographed.
- Pack up equipment needed for the session: main camera, backup camera, charged camera batteries and memory cards, tripod, off camera lights, light stands, light modifiers, charged batteries, portable posing seating (stools, ladders, posing blocks, etc). reflector and anything else needed for the specific location.
- Wagon or similar wheeled item to haul the equipment from the car to the specific location.
Well, as you can see, there definitely is more to a photo session on location. And regardless of how much preparation is required and how much equipment is needed, there is always the cost of driving to the location and the added time to get there in advance and make sure there are no last minute surprises or challenges.
Despite the additional requirements of location sessions, I enjoy the variety of going to different locations. And if this is what my client wants, then I want to find a way to make it just as they have envisioned it!
