How Does a Photographer Choose a Location to Shoot?

Something I see being discussed constantly in photo groups and wedding groups I'm in is... how does one choose a location for a photo session?

The most important thing for every photographer is that our clients are happy! So of COURSE we are going to want to know what you envision for your pictures. Do you want a body of water included in your images? Mountains? Flowers? a Meadow? All of my clients receive a free consultation to discuss these details.

Once I know what my client wants in their pictures, the hunt for the perfect spot begins. I typically give my clients 3-4 location options to choose from, also letting them know that if they think of a better location that we can do that too!

Example 1

I had a consultation with a young man and his mother for his senior portraits. He was adamant that he wanted graffiti to be included in his pictures. Anything else he didn't care about.

​His mom just wanted to ensure that he would be able to have some nice portraits that did not include graffiti as well. Immediately, I thought of two potential locations during our consultation, which we discussed in more detail: RiNo and the graffiti wall near the Kennedy Soccer Fields.

We decided to go with the graffiti wall since there is also a bit of nature surrounding the Kennedy Soccer Fields that we were able to utilize for nice, neutral portraits. He was SO excited to be able to get portraits done in front of the graffiti wall, and after his mom saw how colorful and fun it was, she loved it too! We just had to make sure that no inappropriate language or images were included in the background.

Example 2

A couple from Michigan were visiting Colorado and wanted to do an engagement session. While we couldn't meet in person for their free consultation, we messaged back and forth on The Knot, and then in text on potential locations. Their number one request? That the photographs included mountains.

First, I asked what their travel parameters were. Since they were visiting Colorado, I wanted to clarify what area they were staying in.

They informed me they were staying in Denver, but would not mind traveling a bit to go to the right location. So, I sent them the following four options, two that were further away, and two that were closer:

1. Lookout Mountain
2. Cherry Creek State Park
3. Seven Falls
4. Chautauqua Park 

I also sent them images I had taken of the locations along with the google image pages to help them decide. They ended up selecting Chautauqua Park, and I absolutely love how the images turned out - but more importantly, they do too!

Example 3

When I was asked to take portraits of this beautiful couple I know from Minnesconsin (don't ask, just go with it), I immediately thought of their love story. They had met in elementary school, so of course we had to start there for their engagement photos!

La Crescent, Minnesota, is not a very large town, so we were able to utilize the school playgrounds, the fields on the school grounds, and then we drove up the bluff for some nature shots as well.

This moment was captured right after she almost slipped off the bars she was sitting on. He, of course, caught her, but they both burst into laughter, creating this beautiful moment. Always have to be trigger-ready as a photographer!

Consulting with a photographer is SO important to ensure you get what you want out of your photo shoot, and don't let the photographer lead you astray either! I find it to be very important to listen to what my clients want and work with it! If I truly don't feel that what they want will look right in photos, I will bring back up plans, just in case.

It also helps to speak with your photographer about potential props you want to use, or ideas you have - some of us keep props from other shoots or random items we would love to use in a future shoot, so it doesn't hurt to ask!