You hear about it in real estate all the time: location, location, location. But it matters in photography too! And it’s a relatively new idea. Just a few decades ago, people would go to Sears or some other photography studio in the mall. The photographer would pull down a series of backgrounds for you to choose from, and you and your family would sit in front of it and pose for several photos.
Yep. Seriously.
Go into any home with people over the age of 50, and you’re likely to find these photos hanging on the walls in places of honor. And look, they were beautiful photos.
But we’re capable of so much more now!
Why Location Matters
Why does it matter? Why shouldn’t you just stop in at Sears for a photo shoot in your Sunday best?
Because the location of your photo shoot reflects parts of your personality, as an individual or as a family. The location can become a background character in your story.
It’s more than just what you wear, how you pose, and how you gaze longingly into each other’s eyes. Though those elements matter too!
It’s where you are and why.
These are the things you’ll remember.
I’ve taken photos of people in their kitchens and yards, walking by the creek that runs behind their house, in their gardens, and at many locations around the Rogue Valley.
And in each one I can tell you without a doubt that the location meant something to the people I was capturing.
So years from now, when you’ve got those photos hanging on your wall, you’ll remember the feeling of being in that place at that time with those people.
How do you choose a location?
Locations that Mean Something to You
I always like to start with a location that means something to you. If you’re a mom and you spend most of your time in the kitchen, around a table doing schoolwork with kids, in your office, or in your garden, I’d like to capture you there.
Some of my favorite photos are lifestyle photos, candid shots of you living the life you normally live.
You’ll look back on these photos not as a day you took pictures with a photographer but as memories of those specific times in those specific places.
You’ll be able to more clearly recall those fights over homework, the seasons when your garden came in beautifully, and the cookies you made with your kids.
Likewise, if you’re a hiker, a bicyclist, a hairstylist, a writer, or any other profession or hobby that means something to you, you might want me to shoot you on location where you do your best work or live your best life.
I’ll catch you on the trail, in your garage working on your bike, in the cafe with your laptop open, or in your salon.
The point is, choosing a location that means something to you should be your first option.
But, if you don’t have a spot like that, we’ve still got tons to work with.
Locations with Great Light
I’m sure you’ve probably already heard that lighting is critical to great photography. And the more natural light I can catch, the better.
I’ve got a list of locations that get great light, and a list of places with terrible lighting I know to avoid.
A big factor in choosing a place with great lighting is also the time of day.
Here in the Rogue Valley, we’re surrounded by some pretty stunning mountains that can either block the sun or let it in, and which mountains at which time of day matters.
For example, if we’re out near Mount McLoughlin or Roxy Ann Peak, the morning sun will come up later. However, if we’re out near Grants Pass with the mountains in the west, the sun will appear to go down earlier.
So, if we’re hoping to catch the bright, early sunlight here in the valley, we’re better off waiting until later in the day. And if we want to capture you in the soft hues of pink and purple that can fill the sky at sunset, we want to plan around not just the sunset, but the season and the time of day.
Locations for the Seasons
Speaking of seasons, they play a huge factor in your location decision. Do you want winter photos? Spring? Summer? Or fall?
The valley changes its face significantly four times a year, unlike many other spots on the west coast and particularly in the pacific northwest.
If you want a great winter location, consider Mt. Ashland or up near Prospect, where the snow gets heavy and the atmosphere screams wonderland.
If you’re hoping for a summer spot, choose one of your secret swimming holes, where your family can splash and play.
You get the idea.
Also, I have a lovely studio perfect for photo sessions during the winter or other inclement weather. And we can often find simple indoor locations around the valley to use as well.
Locations with Great Views
And of course, from Ashland to Grants Pass and up to Prospect, we’ve got some beautiful views in this valley, so you can always choose from among one of those.
If you have a favorite that is personal to you, that should be your spot.
If you are just looking for some ideas, I’ve got endless lists of possibilities we can discuss for lighting, the seasons, and your specific needs.
Contact Me for Your On Location Shoot Today
If you’re ready to book your on location shoot, fill out my contact form and let’s get started.
Of course, I’ve got some parameters we’ll need to stick to. I operate out of a pretty central location to the valley, so I can travel pretty much anywhere here within 30 miles, but anywhere super far out on dusty dirt roads that lead to nowhere or farther than 30 miles away from my office will need to be discussed further.
Indeed, I have traveled all over Oregon, some of my favorite spots to shoot are along the Oregon coast; do note this type of travel comes with an extra fee.
Fortunately, we live in such a beautiful location, we are sure to find the right spot for you.
And hey, maybe it’s your own backyard!
Contact me today.