Picture Perfect Places: Location Scouting for Photographers

One of the key ingredients for any shoot—whether you’re working your magic for a client or perfecting your portfolio—is a killer location that serves as your canvas. Consider this your easy, no-fuss guide to effortless and effective location scouting for photographers—so you can ace the assignment every single time.

Understand the vision

Before you set out to find the perfect location, it’s essential to lay some groundwork by clarifying the overall vision for your shoot. Are you aiming for a light and airy vibe for a family session, or is your client looking for an edgy, modern aesthetic for their brand shoot? The overall tone of the session should serve as the compass that guides location selection—so locking down these details beforehand is a crucial first step. 

A fun and simple way to do this is by giving your client a brief homework assignment in the form of a questionnaire. Be sure to include prompts like: What theme or mood are you envisioning? Do you prefer shooting indoors or outdoors? What time of day are you hoping to shoot?  By channeling your inner investigator to gather these insights, you’ll not only gain a clear sense of the picture-perfect scene your client dreams of but also bring you one step closer to finding a spot that perfectly aligns with their goals.

Make it visual

Once you’ve gathered written inspiration, it’s time to bring it full circle with visual references. There are plenty of ways to pull inspo, but a crowd favorite—and likely the most convenient—is curating a Pinterest mood board. When asking your client to create theirs, encourage them to include not just straightforward references like poses and lighting styles (though those are definitely important!) but also abstract visuals like textures, artwork, and even color palettes. This creative exercise will help them lean more specifically into the feeling they want their images to evoke, which (you guessed it!) makes for golden intel when location scouting.

#ShootProofPro-tip:  To make the process of sourcing inspo more collaborative, consider a shared Pinterest board where both you and your client can pin ideas! This is a fun way to share additional suggestions based on their pins and also reinforces that you’re on the same page with their vision—talk about a win-win!

Research, research, research

So you’ve laid the groundwork and are crystal clear on the creative direction of your shoot—fabulous job! *hands you a virtual cookie* Now it’s time to do some internet sleuthing to find venue options that align with your client’s vision, all while keeping logistics and practical considerations top of mind.

To kick things off, brainstorm (or Google!) spots that naturally fit the vibe of the shoot. For example, an expansive, verdant park might be ideal for bright and airy shots, while a sleek city rooftop could be the perfect setup for a more modern and edgy feel. Once you’ve got these “safer” options covered, think outside the box—those hidden gems or neighborhood hangs that might not have initially come to mind may just serve as the perfect canvas for creativity.

Another great tip to lean on here is to leverage technology to streamline your search. Everything from Instagram location tags and Google Maps to local Facebook photography groups can be goldmines for ideas and inspiration. The caveat? Many of the spots that will pop up on these forums tend to be a tad overused, so try to balance these finds with lesser-known locales that you find along the way.

And finally, you’ll want to think beyond aesthetics and consider logistical elements like the accessibility of a given venue, whether or not you’ll need a permit, and any foot traffic you might encounter while shooting. Getting ahead of these details is key for ensuring no surprises pop up on shoot day and demonstrating a level of professionalism and preparedness that’s sure to wow your clients.

Plan a pre-shoot visit (even if it’s virtual!)

With your vetted list of location options in hand, it’s wise to plan an in-person visit before shoot day arrives. While this isn’t a necessary step, there’s nothing like the boots-on-the-ground experience of exploring every nook and cranny to get your creative juices flowing with angles and photo opps. When you go, be sure to snap a quick reference image with your phone and take notes on what specific areas will be optimal to shoot in, even thinking as far as what lenses and lighting you should employ to get the shot.

If an in-person visit becomes impossible due to time or logistical restrictions, fret not—you can totally do your scouting virtually! To do this, rely on tools like Google Earth and even standard photos posted on the venue’s website and social pages. The more visuals you soak in to give you a sense of the space, the better prepared you’ll be for shoot day.

#ShootProofPro-tip: If you come across any photographers during your search who’ve shot at any of your chosen venues, consider sending a kind note asking them about their experience and recommendations. Most fellow photographers will be more than happy to help, and you may just gain a new industry friend in the process!

Prepare (and prepare to pivot if needed!)

Speaking of being prepared, your ability to pivot gracefully when things unexpectedly shift is often the secret sauce that takes a shoot from good to great! Even the most flawless plans can encounter a few twists along the way—whether it’s a sudden downpour or discovering that your dream backdrop is temporarily off-limits due to construction. Annoying? Totally.  But these last-minute curveballs don’t have to completely derail your vision; instead, they can serve as an opportunity to stretch your creativity, rethink your approach, and maybe even reimagine a new direction for the shoot!

So, how do you prove you’re a pro and still deliver amazing results when the unexpected happens? Here are a few tips to keep in your back pocket on a rainy day (pun entirely intended!):

Pack Smart: Be sure to include backup gear in your camera bag—everything from reflectors and portable lighting to extra SD cards and battery packs. You’ll be grateful you did if you end up needing them!

Have a Plan-B Location Ready: Remember that list you made with your top venue options? Keep it close by, just in case your first choice becomes unavailable and you need to pivot.

Communicate with Your Client: If last-minute changes come up, be sure to keep your client in the loop with a cool, collected approach. Clear communication is key to managing expectations and ensuring everyone stays on the same page—even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

#ShootProofPro-tip: Consider creating a “shoot day survival kit” with essentials like weatherproofing supplies (aesthetic clear umbrellas for rain that double as props, anyone?), extra props that can tie into various concepts, and some easy-to-munch-on snacks to keep the energy up. It’s a fun way to boost morale if things go awry, and it shows your client that you’re ultra-prepared—no matter the circumstance!

Ready, set, scout!

Finding the ideal location for a shoot can feel like a treasure hunt, but with the right prep work, a dash of creativity, and a can-do attitude, you can streamline the process and achieve dreamy results every time. By getting clear on your vision, leaning on the right tools, and staying flexible, you’ll not only wow your clients but elevate your photography game every time.

Now it’s time to hit the ground (or the internet!) running and start scouting your way to your next stunning shot!

Written by Lauren Alexis | Photos by Wild Heart Weddings