How to Pick Your Photoshoot Location
![Man kisses woman's hands while both looking at each other. Photoshoot location is blurred. The sun is peeking through the background. On the woman's hands is an engagement ring.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/Lexi_Jack_Engagement_SWP-142_websize-1024x682.jpg)
Choosing a photoshoot location can seem a bit overwhelming in the beginning– there’s so many options, I know, but no worries! The location really sets the tone for the entire, so it’s good to put a bit of thought into what’s going to set the scene and tell your love story the best. If you’re really unsure, I have plenty of recommendations that I can help guide you towards, but I always love when my couples have at least some idea as to your preference.
With that, here are my best questions to ask yourself to help steer towards choosing your photoshoot location:
1. Is there a location that’s special to you and your partner?
Holding your photoshoot at a place that feels comfortable to you will automatically help you relax in front of the camera. Is there a special spot that you love to hike to or always picnic at? Perfect! Let’s shoot there. Maybe pizza and game nights are your thing, so you decide to hit up your fav pizza joint for take out (or decide to make one at home ) and we do an in-home session of you two in your love-up element. Orrr possibly you two have another super cool hobby that you love to do together and you want to incorporate? CD Record collecting, Skiing, Gardening… the possibilities are actually endless, so there’s no wrong answers.
![Man and Woman stand together on a beach. The photoshoot location is in Melbourne Florida during their engagement photographs. They are looking at each other and the sun is setting off in the distance . The ocean water behind them is very calm and pale blue.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/Chelsea_Bo_Engagement_SWP-122_websize-682x1024.jpg)
![Black & White image of a man kissing a woman on the cheek. THe photoshoot location is in the Smoky Mountains. She is closing her eyes and smiling. She is holding onto his hand.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/ChristianTaylor_Engagement_SWP-123_websize-819x1024.jpg)
![Man and Woman stand facing each other on a rocky cliff. The photoshoot location is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They are holding hands and smiling at each other. The sunrise is coming up behind them.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/TaylorGage-Engagement-Photos-161_websize-682x1024.jpg)
2. Is there a location that you’ve been wanting to explore or visit?
I am literally ALWAYS up to travel and/or adventure to a new place! Life is short and there’s a lot to experience, so why not use this opportunity for you to see a place that you’ve never been before. If there’s a place that you think would be so fun to visit or try out — that’s always a great option and can add some excitement into the photoshoot. Whether it’s close to home or in a new country even, I’ll be there!
CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL SCHEDULE TO SEE WHERE I’M HEADED THIS YEAR!
If you inquire for a photoshoot at any of the locations that I’ll already be headed to during that time, you’ll have zero travel fees.
![A vintage camper van is parked in front of foggy mountains in the Fall. The photoshoot location is Hatcher's Pass, Alaska. Large installations of Baby's Breath flowers appear to be pouring out of the van. A couple sits in the passenger seat with the door open. They both have their legs out the door and the woman is sitting in between her husband's legs.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/AlaskaWeddingPhotographer_SWP-52_websize-1024x682.jpg)
3. Is there a specific vibe that you’re going for?
I ask this in my couple’s pre-session questionnaire too, but this really helps point you in the right direction. If you have a general idea of what you’d like your session to look like or even feel like, I can help give you some options and see if there’s any you’re clicking with. For example, if you’re envisioning a care-free, wanderlust, nature-esque, intimate session… doing your photoshoot in an urban city on a rooftop might not be your vibe. But maybe if you’re looking for very chic, modern-romantic, with a bit of drama; downtown may be perfect!
4. What season will it be?
Since most all of my sessions are held outdoors, it’s good to consider the weather! Weather will affect your outfits, access to different nature points, comfort, and more. For example, If you’re wanting to do a beach swim session, but it’s winter & cold where you live, we may run into some issues. Are fall colors important to you, or do you love the snow, or the warm summer ocean breeze?
![Man hugs woman from behind. Their arms and hands are wrapped up in each others. He is whispering in her ear and making her laugh. Photoshoot location is in Utah with large red rocks behind the couple.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/UtahAdventureEngagement_ChristinaTravers-13_websize-682x1024.jpg)
![Husband and Wife are sitting on a beach. The photoshoot location is in Oahu, Hawaii. The sun is setting behind them. She is sitting in his lap and facing towards him while wrapping him up for a hug. The ocean water is calm, and laps over their legs as the sit in the water.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/PRE_Erica_Lucas_Hawaii-48_websize-682x1024.jpg)
![Husband and wife walk and laugh on the beach. The photoshoot location is in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The are dressed in formal attire. The water is extremely calm. There is snowy evergreen trees in the background with blue skies.](https://sarahwoodsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21515/2022/11/Nhan-Hannah_LakeTahoe_SWP-43_websize-819x1024.jpg)
And if you still can’t decide… ask yours truly!
I’ve got plenty of fun, creative ideas for you to do or new places we’d love to check out if you’re not sure what you want to do or maybe just don’t really care where the session is at, so long as it’s a fun experience!
At the end of the day, we’re going to create some amazing photographs of you and your lover having a great time and connecting with one another no matter where the location is. It’s going to be a blast, and I already can’t wait.
Click here so we can chat about your session location today! I can’t wait to hear all about your ideas.
With so much love,
Sarah
[…] and downtown, theres’ a bit of everything. If you’re needing help choosing a location, check out this blog post for some helpful […]
Be the first to comment