I’ve talked about finding models, I’ve talked (albeit briefly) about the equipment you shoot with. Let’s talk about location.

Locations can provide inspiration for your photoshoot, but beyond that, they contribute greatly to the mood of the photo. And there’s several things to consider. Are you using the location simply as a backdrop, or is it meant to be more interactive? How does the location add or distract from your overall photoshoot idea? How can you use the locations around you to create interesting and dynamic photos, even when your backgrounds aren’t that interesting or dynamic?

These are all things you have to take into consideration for you specific shoot. Also think about your ability to travel, the weather or season, and your actual location.

I’m going to share some of my favorite places to shoot, a few photos from each location, and the benefits and drawbacks I found from these locations. Hopefully, it will give you a little inspiration for your own photoshoot!

1. Parking Lots/Structures

I have always been a fan of shooting in parking lots, and this is the case even more so lately. The last few shoots I’ve done have all been in the same parking lot, and have pretty differing moods and aesthetics.

Parking lots are great because you can find them pretty much anywhere. I prefer parking structures, but plain old lots provide some good locations as well. The reason I love parking lots and structures so much is because although pretty simple and basic, they actually hold a lot of dynamic that you can work into your photo without taking attention away from your model.

Obviously, we have the parking space lines, which can be great to add lines to your foreground or background to add a little interest or juxtaposition with your model. Tennis courts are great too, for a similar reason. We also have the benefits of the textured walls, interesting lighting, and easy access.

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As far as drawbacks go, there are still a couple. For one, because of the rather basic location, you’re going to have to put more pressure on the model and posing to gain interest in the photo without it being super “basic”. The same goes for composition. The only other drawback that comes to mind is that while lighting can be interesting, it can also be a cause of frustration if you don’t know how to properly handle your camera’s lighting settings. Make sure you fiddle with the exposure and shutter speed while you’re taking your photos, because otherwise you might end up having to overedit them. I like shooting on roofs of parking structures so that I have as much natural lighting as possible, however.

2. Brick Walls

Brick walls are great for a lot of the same reasons people love to take pictures in front of solid-colored walls. I like to use them as backdrops for Instagram photos, or outfit pictures. Luckily, I have an exposed brick wall on the outside of my house I’m able to utilize, but if you don’t, try your local middle or high school.

I actually prefer these to solid colored walls, because they add a little more interest than just a color. Especially older brick will have a lot of texture and character to it, which you can juxtapose super nicely with a very neat or clean style.

I wouldn’t use this location for anything deeper than the surface, if you will. While brick wall can provide a nice backdrop, it doesn’t give much else. Not a lot of depth, not a lot of interest. You’ll either have to be really creative with your shoot, or settle for only using this location for more shallow shots (which there’s nothing wrong with).

3. Townhouses/Gates in the City

This category screams Georgetown, D.C. to me. I went to high school in Georgetown, and the colorful shops, iron fences and gates, and partly-cobblestoned streets provide a great location to practice some photography. I would convince my friends to stay late after school, and we would go out and take some pictures.

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Now, this doesn’t have to Georgetown, obviously. But it’s the idea: interesting backdrops that your models can interact with. I’ve found that especially with people who aren’t used to modelling, if you give them something to interact with they will be so much more comfortable in front of the camera.

I like Georgetown because of its fences, gates, and townhomes that can provide really interesting interactions, color schemes, and lines. You can find similar results in any sort small-town styled city. Or look for similar architecture: iron-wrought fences, bridges, walk-up stairs, etc.

4. Parks

Something I like about parks is the option for interaction. Your model can use the monkey bars as a frame, sit on the swing, or use other park equipment for a more interesting scene. Most parks also have a nice grassy area, so if playgrounds aren’t really your vibe, you can still use this space for your photos.

Parks are going to be more common in suburban areas, but I’ve found a few in the city, too, near schools. (The two photos below are in a school playground in Georgetown.) Check out local elementary or middle schools for parks or playgrounds to use (just please make sure it’s outside of school hours, yeah?).

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There’s obviously a bunch of other generic locations you can use for your photoshoots. These are just a few favorites of mine, that are relatively close travel-wise. I suggest you make your own list of easy, go-to locations so you always have somewhere to shoot!

Until next time 🙂