Picking that PERFECT location

Picking a bad location can RUIN your family photos!

It all started on a beautiful late summer day. I was starting out in photography and was giving a free engagement session to my brother and his fiancé. I had picked a great time, chosen a good lens and even had my baby in the pack to tag along. As we started the session, I was so focused on the lighting, the focus, the camera that I forgot to take into account THE BACKGROUND! Instead of moving to a different location, I thought, "I'll just edit this out!"

And that's how I turned to an old woman and died in front of my computer.... THE END.

Not accounting for great composition and background is a mistake new photographers can often make, and one you may overlook as a client. However, picking a great location can take your photos to the next level, whether you're behind the camera or in front.

So... to make your life easier, I have given you five steps to picking a superb location!

1. BACKGROUND COLOR!

This background is perfect for light and airy moods or fall tones.

Are you sending the photos as Christmas cards? Are they hopefuls for making the family portrait display over the mantel? The background you choose will set the tone for the photo. If that doesn't match the purpose of the photo, then try and find a place that does. If you don't want bright green summer colors in your Christmas cards, then try to find one with rock background or even a water view.

2. LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

One of the biggest things I think of as a photographer is light placement. My favorite lighting to take photos is right before sunset, or overcast days because it saves me time in editing. I can take photos in harsh lighting, BUT getting those eye sparkles are so much easier in my preferred lighting. Consulting with your photographer on a location or choosing locations they have already used may get your photos back faster!

3. AND SOME MORE LIGHT

The next part of picking a good location is the TIMING of the lighting! Sometimes choosing a beautiful location can be RUINED by that sun setting too quickly! For instance, if you are in a canyon location, the sun will darken faster than outside of the canyon. To time the sun setting correctly I look up the sunset time and plan my calendar accordingly. Family photos are difficult enough for families. Having to reschedule due to the quick sunset is a downer!

4. CAN YOU GET THERE!?

Do you have a fussy baby in the photos this year? Hiking 10 minutes away from the car (and the diaper bag) may not be your best option. As a photographer I take into account the ages and the ability my clients have to move through the landscape I choose. There are plenty of options that are VERY easy for non-hikers to access. Saving the locations for the customers who love a hike will also make their experience memorable. If you are a new photographer, finding a variety of locations to meet the needs of differing clients is a MUST!

5. BACKGROUND

If you find yourself as a photographer saying "I'll edit that out later" in every photoshoot, you are spending too much time in processing. There are always things that you could take out and in for each photos. However, the longer I've been a photographer the LESS time I have spent in editing. If there is a car in the background, move. Put your client in front of the car so you don't have to edit it out IN EVERY PHOTO. 1 minute of changing a scene with a client can save you lot's of time on your computer. If you are client, being willing to move over a little for a photographer will make you a favorite!!!!

Go ahead an watch for a new educational blog every Friday! I will be giving tips and tricks out for client's and photographers!