This month we have welcomed Jennifer from Jellybean Pics to share a series of photography tutorials all geared around finding great photography locations for your sessions. This is the third installment in our series. You can find parts 1 & 2 here:
- How to Scout for Great Photography Session Locations
- Determining the “Right” Photography Location for Each Client
Last week I touched on some great locations to add into your noggin for scouting ideas.
Here are some more locations that can help turn a ssession into a unique and fun documentation for both your clients and your portfolio.
Beach bound.
I adore beaches because very little direction is needed. Digging in the sand, running alongside the water, swinging the kids up into the big blue sky. It’s one of my most favorite locations to get relaxed images.
And while at there, think not only surf and sand, but the boardwalk!
But please do yourself a favor, no matter how persistent the subject, make the shoot super early am (6:30/7am) or do a Golden Hour shoot. You need optimal lighting conditions for these shoots because the water and sand are natural reflectors.
Carnivals (or even a stand alone merry-go-round).
I’m all about fun on a shoot. My photos reflect that no matter where the subjects are, but toss in a merry go round or a swing and we are ‘fun’ing it up BIG TIME. One thing to remember however with these fun locations: kids don’t want ot ‘leave’ fun, so make sure they are the last stop on your session. Otherwise, plan on being there the duration unless the parents want some not-so-fun melt-down shots :)
Playgrounds.
Granted, you don’t want your entire session in a playground, but if you are shooting at a local park- leave the last 15 minutes for some fun! You want real smiles? You will certainly get them here, tenfold.
A final note…throw caution to the wind (if allowed).
Oh, how I love it when I meet a Mom who lets her child’s feet get dirty, jump in puddles and allows the child to just BE. It truly allows me to capture the spirit of the child 100% naturally! Like this fountain shot. It was about 95 degrees and sticky in NYC the day of our session. Her Mom said ‘Oh at the end, think it would be ok if she jumped in the fountain…?’ Uh, heck yes! Now, this does not work for every client, and that is ok. But capitalize on the clients it DOES work for because your images will thank you for it. (And side note: one of the above photo is the same little girl in an outfit change in the playground after the fountain- can you say super fun session?)
I hope this series helped open your eyes to scouting new locations, the tools to help you, and inspired future sessions designed to spice up your portfolio.
Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman, owner of JellyBean Pictures is a die-hard, natural light, lifestyle photographer in New York who loves to search for the light. Like her on Facebook and follow her blog to continue being inspired by her beautiful work!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic ideas! Just read the whole 3 part series…. thanks for all of the tips!
Great series on @iheartfaces this month about finding great #photography session locations! http://t.co/0O3Aek19
4 Great Outdoor Photography Session Locations #photography http://t.co/mkJnwCNQ
Thanks for the feedback and glad it has helped! Here’s an ap that is also pretty cool too that I found out about after I had written the series… http://shootlocalapp.com/
Thanks for all the tips! This was such a great series!
Tish recently posted..Watermelons
Love this series! So helpful.
Such great ideas. I love to shoot at parks for many reasons–they are full of interesting colors, shapes and textures, you can easily shoot from above or below or anywhere in between, and most importantly, they bring out a huge range of expressions. Great place to do a session with young kids, especially if you can find one that isn’t crowded.
Tracy P. recently posted..En Route