How To Choose Your Photo Shoot Location

Clients often ask me for help choosing their photo shoot location. Here are my best tips in what to look for:

• Choose a place that is personal to you! You often feel more comfortable in a familiar setting, or one that was the setting of a particularly important past experience. Having emotional ties to a location brings back memories that you can relive while having your photos taken.
• Think about the look you are going for. An urban location will have a very different feel than, say, a forest preserve.
• Take into consideration the time of year and time of day when planning your shoot. If you don’t want to be looking into the sun, make sure you pick a place with some shade nearby. On a cold winter day, have an indoor backup location planned that is close by.
• Think outside the box! Many businesses, such as coffee shops or record stores, will let you shoot in them as long as you give them location credit. Each store has its own rules so make sure you check ahead of time.

Here are some of my personal favorite locations in Chicago:

Montrose Beach                                                       Chicago River Walk

          

Montrose Beach: skylines, water, woods… so many choices in one small area!

Chicago River Walk: Iconic Chicago views and beautiful architecture!

 

George Washington Library                                                               Dollop Coffee Shop

          

George Washington Library: Bring the outdoors in with this beautiful naturally lit space. Perfect for the winter months!

Dollop Coffee Shop: A mix of industrial and classic style, this little coffee shop has a modern urban feel. Plus, they have great coffee! Perfect for an after-shoot celebration.

What are some of your favorite locations in Chicago? Which places do you think would be absolutely perfect for a photo shoot? Let me know in the comments below!