People choose locations because they look nice in person. That is not the same as photographing well. Here is what I am actually assessing when I scout.
The four things that matter
- Light. Which direction does it come from and at what time. This decides everything else.
- Background. Is it clean enough to keep attention on the subject, or is there a bin, a sign or a pole growing out of someone.
- Space. Can I get far enough back to use a longer lens, which compresses the background and flatters the subject.
- Practicality. Parking, permits, foot traffic, changing space, weather backup.
Match the location to the message
A finance consultant photographed in front of a graffiti wall sends a confusing signal. A creative director photographed in a boardroom sends a different confusing signal. The background is part of what you are saying about yourself.
Simple usually wins
Dramatic locations compete with you. A plain wall in beautiful light will outperform a spectacular vista in flat light almost every time, particularly for portraits and headshots where the face is the entire point.
Melbourne locations I keep going back to
- Richmond and Cremorne warehouses for texture that flatters brand and fitness work
- CBD laneways for reflected soft light and strong graphic lines
- St Kilda and Port Melbourne for west facing sunset
- Southbank and the river for blue hour and city lights
- Carlton Gardens for classic soft portrait light
- Fitzroy for personality and colour in the background
Two locations beats one
If the logistics allow, two locations in a session makes the delivered set look like two separate shoots. Choose ones that contrast, for example something urban and something green, so nobody can tell they were shot the same afternoon.
Permits and access
Most personal and small brand shoots in public spaces are fine. Commercial shoots with lighting rigs and crews in council managed areas can need a permit, and some private venues and gyms want notice. I sort this out ahead of time so nobody gets moved on halfway through.
Always have a plan B
This is Melbourne. Every outdoor plan needs an undercover alternative already chosen, not improvised in the rain.
