This is one of the first things I get asked when talking to a potential client. Well, that and "do I need to know how to pose?!". Which is, definitely not, but here is a free guide that will help you warm up before the shoot!
When it comes to picking locations for a brand photoshoot there are a few things to consider:
How do you want your brand to be visually portrayed? (ex. bright, moody, earthy, vibrant, etc)
How do you want your clients to feel when working with you? How do you want your audience to feel when viewing your marketing? (ex. calm, peaceful, zen, excited, fierce, empowered, confident, pumped up, taken care of, light, free, fun, etc)
What do you do for your business? (ex. real estate agent, hair stylist, business coach, photographer, yoga instructor, etc)
What do you love to do outside of your business? Where do you spend your free time?
What kind of content do you plan on creating? (ex. for a launch, showing services and/or products, home lifestyle, office setting, how to's, morning routine, etc)
Understanding all of this is a great starting point when choosing a photoshoot location. Or multiple depending on which package you choose!
Then it comes to picking the spots! Here are some photoshoot locations I always share with my clients when booking a brand photoshoot.
Your own workspace
Whether you have your own office space, studio, or even work from home this can always be an option. It's always a great option to show the space that you typically work in, especially if you see clients there. This will give them a feel for what the experience would be like working with you by actually seeing the space.
However, if you don't see clients in person or have a location/home that's "on brand" there's plenty of other options. Let's get to those now!
Rented Studios
This is my favorite option! Why is that? Because photography studios are literally set up and meant for photoshoots. Now when I say studios, I mean lifestyle studios since I am a lifestyle photographer. Rather than just having backdrops and studio lightings, these have furniture and aesthetics that work for lifestyle photography.
That means the furniture has been thought out (and moveable), lighting is perfect (if you use the right space), and the setting works for everyone. Lighting and furniture is key when it comes to bringing a picture together.
Another reason why photography studios are amazing is because you don't have to worry about cleaning up your space and removing clutter before your photoshoot. I always find myself reorganizing my clients space to work best for their photoshoot which takes up valuable photoshoot time. When it comes to using a studio, it's already clean, tidy, and everything is easy to move!
One of my favorite local photography studios is The Apiary located in Hartford, CT. Not only does the studio go along with my photography style so well but the neutral furniture and TO DIE FOR natural light makes it perfect.
Rented homes
For those who are looking for even more "home" details such as a kitchen, bedroom (some studios have blow up mattresses), or bathroom there is an option of renting homes.
This usually works out perfectly for real estate agents, dietitians, nutritionists, or anyone who wants the full home look.
These rented home are usually beautifully decorated, clean, tidied, and ready to go for a photoshoot. It gives you the same affect as renting a studio where you don't have to worry about preparing your own space. Easing your mind before a big photoshoot is one of the best ideas, in my opinion.
My favorite website to use to rent homes in Connecticut is Home Studio List. These homes are always so beautifully decorated and the host is used to photographers renting it for photoshoots. They usually have great natural light which is always helpful as well.
Usually renting homes will be more expensive since you are literally renting a full home but it can be the perfect option to represent your brand in the best way possible. If you're investing in your brand, you might as well invest fully to truly show up as your best self.
Friends or family members spaces
Just because you might not have the "perfect" space for your brand photoshoot doesn't mean you don't know someone who does. I have had clients in the past ask their family members and friends if they could use their house or studio for their photoshoots before and they were nothing but open to the idea. Sometimes it helps by giving them a little incentive but it depends on your relationship with them ;).
It doesn't hurt to rack your brain and see if you have anyone that would be willing to let you use their home, studio, yard, or any sort of space for your brand photoshoot. Especially it it represents your brand!
Public Spaces
This is another great option when it comes to picking a brand photoshoot location. One of the first places some of my clients think of are cafes. Everyone has seen those cute cafe photos but I will say, it's not always easy doing. Some public spaces, like certain cafes, don't always let you take photos inside without permission or even a permit. But some will! So it doesn't hurt to ask. But outdoor public spaces are always a great option!
Typically we will end photoshoots outside when the sun is nice is low and has a beautiful golden look. Some of my favorite outdoor locations are the beach, park, nearby city, garden, fields, winery, and really anywhere else outdoors.
In conclusion
There are plenty of options when it comes to picking a photoshoot location for your brand photoshoot. Just make sure to ask yourself the questions above before thinking about locations to make sure they make the most sense for your brand and the content you plan on putting out there. That's the most important part. Your brand photoshoot is literally a representation of your brand so you want to be mindful when it comes to the locations that's going to help share your brand message with the world.
Want to see some more examples on some photoshoot locations? Make sure to check out some of my latest photoshoot blogs to see where we did theirs!