This or That {2 of 3}: Here or There?

Here or there? Where do you suggest we do photos? I hope this blog helps to answer this popular question. With every photo session this question needs to be answered. For some people it is very easy and for others it can be rather difficult. So here's a little guide I put together to help you in this decision-making process.

Pick somewhere meaningful. I love, love when clients tell me a story of how or where they met or what they absolutely love doing together. I love even more when we can find a location that elevates their love story and expresses a characteristic of who they are as a couple. For example, do you like golfing together? Perhaps fishing? Well then let's go to the golf course or on a dock. This concept of picking somewhere meaningful can apply to all types of sessions. Seniors, cake smash, family portraits, engagement sessions, etc...

Here's a sample of an engagement session that took place at a popular, local establishment called The Junkyard Bar. It was the perfect location for this fun couple! In planning this session we had to get permission to shoot on the grounds and pick a time of day that would offer friendly lighting. If you are ever in the Siren or Webster, WI I highly recommend visiting this hidden treasure! So many vintage collectibles to admire and a unique environment to sit back and relax.

Local Favorites. Here in the Midwest, we are blessed with fields, barns, lakes, rivers, country roads, and rustic buildings to name just a few. What's surrounds you? What's familiar to you? I encourage my clients to shoot on their property or if you have a neighbor or a neat road nearby let's use what God has provided. This will make your session more unique to you.

If you are not using your own property make sure you get permission to shoot in a private location. Think about accessibility for all family members, especially young children and elders. Sometimes choosing a quiet place is necessary to eliminate distractions.

Some local favorites:

DD Kennedy Park, Amery, WI

Railroad Station, Dresser, WI

Stillwater, MN

Lion's Park, Saint Croix Falls, WI

Interstate Park, Saint Croix Falls, WI

Lighting. Lighting plays a huge part in selecting a location and what time of the day the session will take place. Typically, morning and afternoon are popular times to shoot since the shadows cast from the sun are longer. Overhead sun can cause harsh lighting conditions. Sometimes you won't have the luxury of choosing the time of your session due to schedule conflicts but if at all possible, opt for a morning or afternoon session.

Look and Feel. What's the overall vibe you want to portray? Here are some examples:

If you want a romantic, natural look, consider a field of wildflowers or a tree-lined path.
If you want a more urban look, consider a city street or a park with interesting architecture.
If you want a more dramatic look, consider a location with dramatic lighting, like a cliffside or a forest with tall trees.
If you want a more rustic look, consider an old barn, fence, distressed building, or vehicle.

The Season: Here up North we are blessed with not just 1 or 2 but FOUR beautiful seasons. This is something you may want to consider before booking your session. The seasons can change fast around here, one day you have snow and the next, poof, it's gone. This is why being flexible with change is necessary. I've had clients request winter sessions so when that happens I tend to pencil in a few dates with them so we get the desired weather for the session. Sometimes you won't have the luxury of picking the season or rescheduling your session, in that case, we just roll with it and make some beautiful art with what we are given. I've had some beautiful sessions in the rain when rain wasn't in the forecast. We have fun and make the best of it. However, if you are a planner and do not care for surprises, you may want to book a studio or indoor, lifestyle session. Talk to your photographer and see if this would be a good fit for you based on the size of your group and available lighting at your home.

Trust your photographer. I mean this! They have a trained eye for lighting. If it's raining, windy, or super sunny plans may change. The location that was picked may need to change. Open fields or lakes are very unstable locations due to the fact they are areas that are typically wide open for sun and wind gusts. Photographers are looking for nice stable lighting and weather conditions to showcase their clients.

So if all else fails, trust your photographer. Keep an open dialogue while planning your session. Communication is key so don't be afraid to share your vision. Be flexible and open to suggestions. Some things are outside of our control and we have to make the best of it together.

So happy planning! I hope this helped you and will offer some nice guidance when planning your next photo session!

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