Road Map to Location Scouting
As a seasoned photographer, I’ve found that most clients don’t come equipped with a location in mind. Some do! And that’s amazing! But most come to me with a general idea at best and expect expert suggestions…
Which I’m more than happy to provide!
What’s funny is that I grew up in Southern California so you’d think I’d know all of the locations here worth shooting at by now. But this big, beautiful state just keeps surprising me! I never know what new little location jems I’m unexpectedly about to stumble upon.
The truth is that I can’t simply rely on good fortune alone to lead me to my next great location. After shooting for 10+ years, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve though. Are you ready to discover my road map to successful location scouting that includes three fun and easy stops along the way? The best part is that this road map can be used ANYWHERE. It’s not just for Southern California business owners. Let’s dive in!
Stop #1 - The Internet
While visiting the Internet, make sure to stop at Google and Pinterest. They’re my favorite! Start your search with “Most Instagrammable places in (fill in the location where you’d like to shoot).” Another popular search is Instagrammable walls. These are a great starting point to plan your next scouting adventure. Once you visit the destinations you’ve discovered, you’ll often uncover location GOLD that the Internet didn’t even mention!
Stop #2 - Get Lost
This stop is always more fun with a friend, but can definitely be enjoyed with a tripod, some road snacks, and a new podcast or e-book (my favorite authors are often my perfect riding companions). It’s simple really. Just drive around some place new and get lost. Let your intuition guide you or stop into a local shop and strike up a conversation to see what a local’s suggestions might be. Best case scenario, you discover an amazing new location. Worst case scenario, you have to ask Suri to help you find your way back home. Either way, it’s an exciting adventure!
Stop #3 - Keep an Open Mind
Location scouting doesn’t have to be something you’ve planned out in advance. Keep an open mind in your everyday life as well! That wall you’ve passed a million times but never gave much thought to might just be your next great shoot location when looked at in a different light (both figuratively and literally). Or a beautiful field you pass on the way to a new shopping center might end up being the perfect location for your next shoot! Fair warning: Once you start looking at the world through the lens of potential locations, it’s really hard to turn it off again.
Bonus stop: Make sure you’re following me on Instagram too! I always try to share my locations with my followers and if I don’t, I’m happy to answer any DMs requesting location details as well. I know there are some photographers out there that like to guard their locations with their lives, but I’m just not one of them. Feel free to ask me about any of the locations I’ve shot at!
What are you waiting for! Set a date for your next scouting adventure, get out there and explore your surroundings with a brand new mindset! And if you still need help in finding the perfect location for your business’s upcoming shoot, my brainstorming sessions are another exciting route to take. You can book yours by clicking here.