5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Location For Your Session!

When booking your photography session there are a lot of decisions to make! “What location do you recommend?” This is one of the most common questions that I am asked when families, couples, or seniors are looking to book a session. The Treasure Coast and Space Coast offer so many unique and stunning backdrops for photography it makes it hard to choose. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are choosing a location as well as some of my most common and favorite spots!

1. Where are you going to hang your final portraits?

This question is always the first I ask families. You want to think of the overall aesthetic of the room that you’re going to be hanging the photo in. You don’t want the colors or your outfits to clash with your home decor. Does you’re home have a coastal feel? You may consider doing portraits on the beach. If your decor is more rustic or farmhouse, you may want to consider something that has open fields and rich tones. When styling outfits this is equally important! Adding pops of color to any room could easily be done with your outfits in the portraits.

2. **What overall feel are you looking to achieve?**

Knowing the feel that you’re wanting to achieve in your portrait is a driving factor in selecting a location! For example, do you want your session to feel ethereal, modern/urban, vintage, warm, romantic, or whimsical? If you’re looking for a romantic vibe you may want to choose a location where you first met or somewhere where there is no one but the two of you can really be present in the moment. Looking for a warm session and cozy vibe? You’re going to want to choose a time and location around sunset! If you want a whimsical session, choosing a location that will allow you the kids to play and enjoy each other would be in the forefront of your decision making.

3. What color or style outfits did you have in mind?

If you have a large family or purchasing outfits just to take photos doesn’t sound like something that you’re interested in, think about the outfits that you already have in your closets! You want to make sure that your outfits are matching in the same color tones. Look up about aesthetic boards or mood boards when selecting outfits! Think of the colors of the backdrop and choose outfits that would blend well. Below is an example as well as a Pinterest board I created to help inspire you!

Click here to view the session aesthetic board on Pinterest

4. What time of day works best for your family?

Knowing the time of day that works best for your family helps when selecting a location. For families, I always recommend keeping the same nap schedules and to do it after the kids had a meal or have a snack beforehand. The time of day will also help me in assisting in the selection of location because of lighting. In Florida, the sun location is huge to the success of your session. You don’t have to have the sun directly overhead causing everyone to squint and be too bright. If you’re in a shaded area with trees overhead, knowing when the best time is so there aren’t light spots is important as well!

5. Is there a location that showcases a personal interest or a place that is meaningful?

Choosing a meaningful location enhances the images so much! When you have your artwork hanging in your house and someone comments on your beautiful family photo wouldn’t it be amazing to explain how that is the beach that your family goes to every week or that it’s one of your FAVORITE locations in the world. If you’re a family that loves hiking, choosing a very lush and green backdrop would be beautiful. Into art or coffee shops, we could shoot in downtown at your favorite places! Choosing a location is more than just a pretty spot, allow it to tell your story!

Now that your brain is turning here are some of my most requested locations to inspire you! These are not the only location I shoot at on the Treasure Coast or Space Coast! If you have a unique space please feel free to share it with me! Contact me using the form below for more information or if you have any other questions!