The Ultimate Photography Location Guide For Location Scouting
Finding the best location for a photoshoot can be a daunting task for both photographers and models. There are numerous location options to choose from, and each can evoke a distinct mood and tell its own story. This can lead to hours of online research, trying to find the perfect backdrop for your vision, instead of putting that energy into your next creative project. This photography location guide will ease your mind and help you identify the best location for your next photoshoot.
Home Studio List's styled house rentals for photography can help you quickly achieve your goals by providing a clear list of homes that suit your needs. Each listing includes detailed descriptions and photographs to help you learn about the photography location and scout it for your upcoming shoot.
What Makes a Great Photography Location?
Woman Holding a Camera - Photography Location Guide
Every great photograph tells a story, and the location plays a massive part in shaping that story. Whether the goal is to match a concept or simply explore with a camera in hand, the right setting can elevate an image from ordinary to unforgettable. The Location Guys offer a helpful breakdown of what makes a shoot location effective.
Some photographers return to the same spaces again and again, not because they lack imagination, but because familiar locations often reveal something new with each visit, a fresh angle, shifting light, or seasonal change. An excellent photography location doesn’t always have to be dramatic or exotic. What matters most is how it serves the vision and supports the subject.
Here are the key things to look for when scouting locations that inspire creativity and deliver stunning results.
Start With The Mood
What kind of story should the image tell? Soft and whimsical, bold and dramatic, urban and raw? The atmosphere of a location should align with the emotional tone of the shoot.
Even a modest, overlooked corner, a bushy field, a quiet alley, or a stairwell with peeling paint can carry substantial visual weight if the light, texture, and surroundings support the desired feeling. A compelling background helps viewers see what the photographer envisions.
Lighting Conditions: Why Natural Light is King
Lighting is arguably the most powerful tool in photography. It shapes the subject, sets the mood, and draws the viewer’s eye. When evaluating a space, consider the source of light and how it interacts with the surrounding elements.
Natural light filtering through a window or overcast skies can create flattering, even tones that are ideal for portraits. Harsh midday light might work for bold shadows and contrast, while golden hour adds a warm glow that’s perfect for soft, dreamy visuals. Details such as shadow placement, the direction of the light, and how it falls on the face or clothing can dramatically affect the outcome.
Safety and Comfort: Why a Good Location Needs to be Safe
Creative ambition should never come at the expense of safety. Whether working alone or with a model, the location should be safe, accessible, and comfortable. It’s best to preview locations whenever possible to identify hazards, uneven ground, thorny plants, slippery surfaces, and to assess how easy it is to navigate.
Checking in advance also allows time to plan poses that can be done safely and comfortably. If a shot requires an uncomfortable position (such as sitting on rough terrain or lying in cold weather), aim to work efficiently and minimize the time spent in that condition. Respect and empathy on set create a better experience for everyone involved.
Room to Create: Why Space Matters at a Photography Location
Consider the amount of space available to move around and compose the shot. Tight, cluttered spots limit flexibility or make wide-angle shots difficult. Open areas with depth allow for more creative freedom, making them perfect for incorporating movement, multiple angles, or background blur.
Some spaces may also require stepping back to capture the entire scene, especially when using wide lenses or for full-body portraits. A great location allows for both technical execution and artistic exploration.
A Spark of Inspiration: Why Creative Locations Matter
Ultimately, trust your instincts when something feels creatively exciting. A location might not tick every technical box, but if it sparks a visual idea or suggests a narrative, it’s worth exploring. Often, the most iconic images come from unexpected places:
A patch of light on a brick wall
A pop of colour against a neutral backdrop
Or the way the wind moves through tall grass
When a space resonates visually, it can lead to a shoot that feels both authentic and impactful.
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Why Location Matters in Photography
Woman Standing - Photography Location Guide
In photography, the scene you choose to capture can tell a story. For instance, a photograph of a family taken inside a home can tell the story of their connection with each other.
If the family uses the space regularly, this photo may evoke memories and feelings of home. If the image is for a holiday card or album, the photograph can help communicate their lifestyle to outsiders.
How Location Impacts Mood and Atmosphere in Photography
Every location has its personality. Some are bright and welcoming, while others are dark and moody. Sure, you can change the mood of a scene using lighting and post-production editing techniques. The simplest way to set the tone for your photos is to choose the correct location.
Setting the Scene
The location can also be used to create a sense of place, for both film and photography. One might shoot a cityscape to capture the hustle and bustle of urban life, or shoot a landscape to capture the beauty of nature.
As photographer and author Stephen Shore so eloquently puts it, "The context in which a photograph is seen affects the meaning the viewer draws from it.”
Locations: Create Visually Appealing Backdrops for Photographs
Let’s face it, we all want our photos to look good. Location scouting is a great way to find the most attractive and visually appealing settings for photos. The correct location can provide beautiful scenery that enhances your images.
For example, a photograph of a product taken in a natural setting can make it look more appealing and inviting. On the flip side, a product photo taken on a plain white background may not capture the buyer’s interest as quickly as a picture taken outdoors among the flowers.
How to Find Great Locations for Your Photoshoot
Woman Doing a Photoshoot - Photography Location Guide
Before narrowing down potential locations, identify the core theme or narrative that will guide the shoot. Is it romantic and nostalgic? Bold and urban? Minimalist and modern? A defined theme helps filter location choices much faster and ensures every element, from the wardrobe to the background, works in harmony.
For instance, lifestyle portrait sessions with children may work best in relaxed and familiar settings, such as a backyard, a sunlit porch, or a neighbourhood park. Pre-wedding shoots often feature scenic coastal views, lush gardens, or a sentimental location special to the couple.
Styled Concepts Need Styled Spaces
When a concept leans into something stylised, like vintage fashion or cinematic storytelling, the environment should support the creative tone, whether that’s a museum, a moody studio, or a grand historic home.
Let Lighting Guide the Decision
Natural light can make or break a shoot. The way light filters through a space, be it morning haze in the woods or golden light spilling through tall windows, affects not just exposure, but also emotion. The golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers soft, flattering tones perfect for portraits.
The blue hour works wonders for dreamy cityscapes or dramatic outdoor imagery. Indoor shoots benefit from large windows and bright surfaces that softly bounce light. Spending time at the location in advance is ideal, noting how light changes throughout the day helps decide the best time to shoot. Apps like PhotoPills and Sun Surveyor can map sunlight direction and help plan efficiently without multiple site visits.
Prioritise Comfort and Accessibility
A beautiful location that’s difficult to reach or uncomfortable to shoot in will only complicate the day. Check for basics:
Are there restrooms nearby?
Is there a safe shelter in case of bad weather?
Is the terrain walkable for clients, models, or stylists carrying gear?
Parking and load-in access are crucial, especially when handling props or heavy equipment. The more convenient the location, the smoother the shoot, which is why many creatives are turning to spaces that are prepped for production, such as shoot-ready homes or studios that offer the perfect aesthetic and logistics in one place.
Use Digital Tools to Scout in Advance
When time is limited, tools like Google Earth Pro are excellent for remote scouting. Use the 3D terrain features to check angles, explore access points, and even identify potential spots for setting up your tripod or capturing wide shots.
Many locations tagged by photographers also include photos that show how the light and colour tone will likely render on camera. Apps that simulate light direction or magic hour windows are essential when planning outdoor shoots. They provide a solid idea of when and where to capture the most flattering natural light, helping to prepare the schedule to the minute.
Know When You Need a Permit
Some public locations, especially landmarks, parks, or heritage sites, may require permits for commercial shoots, particularly if using larger setups, lighting gear, or drones. Checking with local authorities beforehand avoids unnecessary interruptions. Even a small crew can attract attention, so being prepared with the proper paperwork ensures a smooth experience.
If a shoot demands less hassle and more predictability, styled residential spaces or production-ready homes offer an ideal balance. Many such locations come with controlled lighting conditions, curated décor, and on-site hosts, which can save hours in setup and troubleshooting.
More Than a Pretty Backdrop
A great location isn’t just photogenic; it serves the story, simplifies production, and supports the shoot’s mood and logistics. Whether exploring public spaces, scouting with digital tools, or booking styled homes that take care of the details (like those found on Home Studio List), being thoughtful and strategic about location selection will always pay off in the final frame.
Styled Spaces, Seamless Shoots
Home Studio List connects photographers and brands with beautifully styled homes and photography studios available for hourly rentals across 40+ states, eliminating the need to haul props or hunt for perfect natural lighting. Our curated spaces are styled and shoot-ready, with on-site hosts to ensure a smooth experience from booking to production day.
With streamlined booking managed by our Reservation Managers, creatives can focus on their craft while we handle all the logistics, simply browse, book, and show up to shoot.
Browse our spaces for your next shoot today!
7 Photography Location Ideas for Your Next Shoot
Patio - Photography Location Guide
1. Shared Workspaces or Rental Homes: A Unique Alternative to Your Usual Photoshoot Spot
Consider shared workspaces or rental homes if your home or office doesn’t match your shoot’s vibe. Platforms like Home Studio List or Industrious Office offer beautifully decorated spaces with flexible hourly rates.
Airbnb is another option, though it usually requires booking for a full day. These venues allow you to scout locations beforehand, ensuring the space fits your vision. Browsing through our curated home studio list gives you unlimited spaces, places, and opportunities to bring your ideas to life.
2. Capturing Your Brand in Nature
The beach, your favourite local park, or a pretty woodland. You’ve got to get clear on your brand and what it stands for, what you’re looking to showcase in your images. Is your brand free-spirited, grounded, or spiritual? A location in nature will help bring these descriptive words to life in your photos.
3. Urban Spaces: Unique Backdrops for Your Photos
City streets, murals, unique buildings, rooftops, etc, these types of places can offer so much variety if you are going for a more urban look in your photos. Check out downtown areas or different districts in your city to find different options.
It’s great to pick a street or area that you know has different colors & backdrop textures available so that you can get a wide range of looks without having to drive to a bunch of other places.
4. Cafes & Coffee Shops: Charming, Cozy Photography Locations
Cafes, Restaurants, & Coffee Shops can make for absolutely stunning locations. These types of businesses often feature exciting lighting, textures, and color schemes within their interior design, which can make your photos look truly unique.
Be sure you check in with this business ahead of time to make sure they’re ok with you taking pictures in their space. You’ll want to avoid peak hours, which usually occur in the mornings and evenings, as this is when a coffee shop or restaurant will be at its busiest. Early afternoon is often the best time to go.
5. Why You Shouldn't Avoid Popular Landmarks
People travel all over the world to take photos in front of popular landmarks or famous locations, such as the Eiffel Tower, Times Square, or the Grand Canyon. Many towns or cities have recognizable locations nearby, such as markets and shops, historical buildings, bridges, waterfalls, and landscapes, that make for stunning photo backdrops.
6. At Home: The Comfort of Shooting in Familiar Spaces
Having a photoshoot at home can be a great choice, especially if there's a home office, a beautiful garden, your dream kitchen, etc., that you want to show off in your photos. This is a popular choice for many who often work from home and have created an environment that they feel comfortable in. Rooms with nice natural light are best, such as those with big windows and bright, open spaces.
7. Co-working Space or Meeting Room: Capture Your Professional Life
For those shots of you “at work,” whether that’s on your laptop or writing notes, visiting a co-working space, or hiring a meeting room, are great options to depict this. If you haven’t got the budget to hire a location house, this is the next best thing. You can usually get day passes for access, or you can hire meeting rooms by the hour if that’s the look you’re going for.
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How to Maximize a Great Photography Location
Outside Dining - Photography Location Guide
Finding the perfect photography location is just the start. Before you begin shooting at your chosen outdoor setting, visit it at the same time you plan to shoot. This scouting mission helps you observe how natural lighting conditions affect the area. Depending on the time of year, early mornings and late afternoons (golden hour) often provide soft, warm light ideal for portraits.
Midday sun, on the other hand, can cause harsh shadows and unflattering contrasts. Understanding how light interacts with the environment helps you position subjects for the best illumination.
Understand and Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Once you arrive at your outdoor photography location, take a moment to evaluate how light interacts with the area. Are there bright open spaces, or does the area have dense tree cover that blocks natural light? While shooting in wooded areas can produce stunning results, it’s often best to avoid shooting in the dark, gloomy areas of the forest.
Instead, look for spots with open sky to avoid dull shadows and “raccoon eyes” on your subjects. Also, remember that overcast days can provide diffused light, which is often flattering for portraits.
Choose Locations with Clean, Complementary Backgrounds
Backyard portraits and studio photography may allow you to control your surroundings, but outdoor photography locations can change from one day to the next, so you’ll want to choose wisely. Look for settings with simple, uncluttered backgrounds that enhance your subject rather than distract from it.
Avoid visual distractions like power lines, trash cans, or busy roads. Parks, gardens, beaches, historic landmarks, and natural features, such as rivers or hillsides, often provide beautiful and versatile backdrops.
Consider Accessibility and Permissions
When selecting an outdoor photography location, don’t forget to consider accessibility for both your clients and your gear. Ensure the area is manageable, especially if anyone has mobility concerns.
Additionally, check if any permits are required for professional photography and secure them in advance to avoid disruptions during your shoot. Public lands, parks, and known photography spots often have clear rules and easier access.
Be Creative and Adapt
What if you arrive at your chosen location and it seems dull or “ugly”? Don’t worry. With a bit of creativity and exploration, you can transform almost any spot into a compelling scene. Start by looking for different angles and close-ups.
You can also use props and styling to help tell a story or evoke emotion. Additionally, consider how the location fits your client’s vision and the mood you want to create.
Plan for Weather and Environmental Conditions
Weather can significantly impact an outdoor photography session, so be sure to check the forecast in advance. Overcast skies soften light, while clear skies provide vibrant colors but harsher shadows. Be prepared for changing conditions and have backup locations or indoor options if needed.
Browse Our Spaces for Your Next Shoot Today
Photographers know that a well-organized shooting space can make all the difference in creating stunning images. Home Studio List connects photographers and brands with beautifully styled homes and photography studios available for hourly rentals across 40+ states, eliminating the need to haul props or hunt for perfect natural lighting.]
Our curated spaces are styled and shoot-ready, with on-site hosts to ensure a smooth experience from booking to production day. With streamlined booking managed by our Reservation Managers, creatives can focus on their craft while we handle all the logistics, simply browse, book, and show up to shoot.
Browse our spaces for your next shoot today!