There are several elements that contribute to a successful branding photoshoot and choosing the right location(s) is one of the most important ones. Here’re some location ideas and the main things to consider when choosing the right one for your branding session.

The main things to consider when choosing your location:

• Your shot list: What do you need to create the most important shots on your shot list?

• Look for spots: Liking a place in general is not enough – actually, it’s not even necessary. The actual spots where you can see yourself in a photo are what matter. Look for a corner, a few pieces of furniture together, imagine where you’d sit/stand, etc.

• Look for variety: The different spots that you identified, are they very similar or will they give you a variety of images?

• Combining areas: A location with different areas around will save you time and the hassle of moving from one location to another. Think a garden, a park, a communal area, or just some quiet but nice streets around the main location.

• Props & personal items: Whatever location you work in, it’s always a good idea to bring a few props and personal items that will make the space more you.

Who should choose the location – you or your photographer?

While for standard portrait sessions you can just describe some basic characteristics of the photos you have in mind and your photographer will pick you the perfect location, choosing the location for your personal branding photo session should be a joint effort.

When you work with a dedicated branding photographer, you’ll work through a preparation process where you’ll be discussing not only the desired look and feel but also your target audience, your messaging, and the planned use of the images. All of this adds important details to the decision about the location for the shoot.

And of course, there’s always the crucial element for all photography: light. This is why – especially if you are working with a natural-light photographer – I’d advise against confirming the location without discussing it with your photographer first.

LOCATION IDEAS

1 | Your Home or Business Location

If being location independent or working from home is an important element of your brand message, you can support that message by shooting in different spaces in your home.

For some in-person businesses, showing the space where you see your clients can serve as proof of quality and dedication.

Studios and workshop areas work great for businesses with products or services where the creation process, materials, crafts, or movement are especially important.

Pros:
– low or no extra cost,
– time flexibility,
– flexibility to make adjustments to the space,
– authentically you,
– private,
– being in your space often makes you feel more confident
– home: great for the day-in-my-life photos

Cons:
light conditions can be less than ideal for natural light photos,
space to move around while shooting can be restricted,
variety of spots to shoot can be limited,

TIP: If your place doesn’t quite look the part but you have a friend or someone in your network whose does, don’t be shy to ask. There’s a bigger chance they’ll say yes to lending it for your photoshoot than you’d think.

2 | AirBnB

Many hosts also have a skill in showing their space as more spacious and brighter than it is in reality. Which of course means there’s always the risk of the place not looking quite how you expected.

To get a good idea of what the place really looks like, look for distortions in the photos and use the size and relative distance of the furniture to get an estimate of the shape and size of the space. Look for where the windows are in the space and whether there’s enough natural light coming in. And if you still have questions, you can always contact the host.

Pros:
– variety of areas to use
– stylish home look
– great for the day-in-my-life photos
– clutter-free, clean space makes it easy to work in and make adjustments
– potential other spaces in the property (social spaces in the apartment complex, rooftop, garden area)
– flexibility to move things around if needed
– private

Cons:
– risk of the place being different than what you expected
– renting means extra cost
– can seem too sterile, not real-home-like
– check-in and check-out times can limit the timing of the session

TIP: Remember to add your bits. Make the place yours by bringing a few props and personal items with you like your favourite mug, books, notebook, crystals, small plants, or any details that will make you look and feel more connected to the space.

3 | Photo Studio

Some brand photographers have a model office space in their own home studio or other studios that they regularly work in. Although this can seem like a very straightforward option, don’t feel pressured to use their studio, unless it matches with what you have in mind for your photos.

Studios set-ups tend to be very minimalistic, which means they are a great blank canvas for you to style with your own props and personal items.

Pros:
– the space is specifically designed for photography so plenty of space to move around and take photos from different angles
– designed to create the perfect lighting using natural and/or artificial light sources
– often offers a variety of setups
– private

Cons:
– often very minimalistic set design which can result in a more impersonal, “studio” look – so remember to bring props and personal items
– the sets are often small so not great for wider shots

4 | Cafés / Restaurants / Hotels / Boutique Hostels

Just make sure you go in non-peak hours and find out in advance if you can take photos. Most places are very accommodating and will love it if you tag them in the photos, others however are more strict.

Pros:
– unique styling with lots of great details
– great option for “working-from-anywhere” shots

Cons:
– people around can make it challenging to relax in front of the camera.
– limited space
– limited options to move things around
– shooting time is limited to opening (and non-peak) hours.

5 | Coworking Spaces

Many coworking spaces put a great effort into creating stylish, unique communal areas or open meeting spaces that are great for photo sessions.

Pros:
– can be great for a professional but casual look with a bit of personality
– often specious and bright which are great conditions for photos
– often has a variety of spaces that can be used for photos
– bonus: an opportunity to meet new people and network

Cons:
– timing of the session is limited to the opening hours
– people around can make it challenging to relax in front of the camera.
– limited options to make changes to the space, move things around.
– extra cost

6 | Outdoors

Pros:
– no extra cost
– beautiful natural light and surroundings
– plenty of space for photos with movement

If you are totally new to branding Branding 101 | the basics

Remember these 5 things to nail your photo session.