Portrait Planning Series Part 1 – Location, Location, Location

A lot of planning goes into every portrait session we do – the location, time of day, colors you want to wear and the products you want are all important factors in making sure your portrait session is something you will treasure for years to come. The first step in planning your portrait session is to choose your location – everything else revolves around the setting you choose.

Studio Portraits

Pros – Contained area so easy to keep track of the kiddos
– You can schedule anytime because the weather and available light are irrelevant
– Temperature controlled (very important in the south)
– Easy access to restroom facilities and changing area

Cons – Studio backgrounds can be a little boring
– Not as much variety for settings and lighting
– Not all photographers have a studio space

Portraits in your Home

Pros – You have EVERYTHING you could need available to you
– Easy for outfit changes and makeup touch ups
– Temperature control (again, important in hot areas)

Cons – For the best results, your house should be very nicely decorated and ALL clutter removed
– House needs to be dusted and cleaned
– Home must have ample space to set up lighting
– You must be comfortable having strangers in your home

Outdoors – Park Setting
Pros – Plenty of outdoor locations available
– Pretty backgrounds
– lots of room for kids to run around and to post large groups

Cons – No control over the weather, the sun or the temperature
– In public places, no control over other people visiting location and possibly being in your way
– May not have easy access to restrooms or changing areas

Outdoors – Architectural Setting
Pros – Sometimes have more control over the shadows
– More predictable
– setting doesn’t usually change much
– Added chairs and furniture make more sense
– Architecture can add a lot of interest to an images

Cons – Not a lot of variety in some locations
– Might be too crammed to pose and shoot a group
– May not have easy access to restrooms or places to change
– May have to pay a fee to the property owner (always check ahead of time to see if a payment or permit is needed)