Photoshoot Locations (The Ultimate Guide To Find Your Next Location)
Anyone who has had to plan a photoshoot knows how challenging it can be to find the right photoshoot locations. Picking the perfect backdrop can differentiate between a successful shoot and a total flop. Luckily, this article will help you learn how to find the best photoshoot locations for your upcoming project.
Home Studio List offers a helpful solution to finding scenic photoshoot locations. Their inventory of styled house rentals for photography gives you countless options to achieve your creative vision.
Why the Right Photoshoot Location Matters
Photoshoot locations can boost the appeal of your images. Photos with a great location look more artistic, but they can also get more attention than ones in which you take it upon yourself to find some fascinating scenery. People increasingly care about:
Where does their food come from?
Where are their clothes made?
How are their products produced?
When you include location in your image series, you show the world that you considered the conditions under which your photograph was taken and found high-quality locations for your images. This is much more appealing than someone who is using an ordinary background.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Photoshoot Location
Picking the perfect photoshoot location is like setting the stage for a story—you want it to match the vibe, bring out the best in your subject, and make the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Let’s discuss the four key things to remember when deciding where to shoot.
What’s the Lighting Situation?
Lighting is everything in photography. Natural light can work wonders but can also be unpredictable—think of sudden clouds or harsh midday sun. If you’re shooting indoors, consider the available light sources. Does the space have large windows for soft natural light, or will you need to bring extra gear? A location with flexible lighting options can relieve stress during the shoot.
How Easy Is It to Get There?
The best location in the world isn’t worth it if it’s difficult to access or inconvenient for your team and gear. Consider parking, nearby amenities, and the time to reach the spot. A location close to your base can make setup, shooting, and wrap-up much more manageable.
Will It Break the Bank?
Budget plays a significant role in choosing a location. Some spots, like public parks, are free or low-cost, while others, like shared workspaces or high-end hotels, might charge hourly or daily rates. Remember to check if you need permits or permissions, especially for public spaces or private venues. Getting everything sorted ahead of time ensures a hassle-free experience.
Can I Get Different Looks Here?
A great location offers variety. Look for spaces with multiple backdrops or areas you can use to create different looks without moving to another site. For instance, a shared workspace might have:
A modern lounge
A conference room
An outdoor patio all in one place
Versatility means you can maximize your shoot time and keep the creativity flowing
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10 Popular Types of Photoshoot Locations
1. Shared Workspaces or Rental Homes
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.
Examples of incredible home locations include:
2. Your Office
Your office is another excellent spot, especially if you’re capturing professional or business-focused photos. Like your home, it’s:
Familiar
Cost-effective
Offers flexibility
Especially during weekends when common areas like lobbies and conference rooms might be free. It also works for indoor and outdoor shots, adding versatility to your portfolio.
3. Your Home
Your home is like a treasure trove of potential backdrops. It’s safe, familiar, and budget-friendly since you don’t need to pay extra for access. You can shoot in the living room, kitchen, backyard, or study—each space offers a different vibe.
You can also rearrange furniture or declutter as needed. Thus, it’s the perfect place for cozy, personalized shoots without logistical hassles.
4. Botanical Gardens & Parks
Nature lovers, this one’s for you! Parks and gardens are perfect for shoots that emphasize connection to nature. Think vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and stunning sculptures or gazebos.
While most parks are free or low-cost, public spaces require navigating crowds and weather unpredictability. A backup plan is a must!
5. Coffee Shops or Cafés
Cafés offer a warm, lifestyle-friendly vibe that’s great for capturing everyday activities like sipping coffee or working on your laptop. Their cozy interiors and stylish decor make them a hit for casual shoots. Just be prepared to ask for permission, and maybe plan during non-peak hours to snag the best spot.
6. Restaurants
Restaurants can be showstoppers with their chic interiors, well-stocked bars, and delicious food as props. If you know the owner or chef, that would be even better! Timing is crucial since restaurants operate on tight schedules. Aim for non-peak hours, and don’t forget to get permission to shoot.
7. Rooftops and Patios
Rooftops are iconic, offering breathtaking cityscapes or panoramic views. Whether it’s a:
Museum
Hotel
Office building
Rooftops
Patios are equally trendy and offer a relaxed outdoor feel. Be sure to secure access permissions for these spaces in advance.
8. Hotels
Hotels bring glamour and versatility with their stunning lobbies, salons, and luxurious decor. While many hotels are hesitant due to privacy concerns, booking a room or leveraging connections with hotel staff can work wonders. A hotel shoot adds sophistication and style to your photos.
9. Beaches & Pools
Beaches and pools are unbeatable for a fresh, lively, or luxurious vibe. They evoke;
Energy
Wellness
An active lifestyle
These settings are ideal if your brand promotes healing or relaxation. However, consider seasonal factors and weather if you plan an outdoor shoot.
10. Artsy Streets and Wall Murals
Wall murals and artsy streets are perfect for playful, colorful shoots. Young, free-spirited subjects love these vibrant urban backdrops, which offer endless possibilities for fun, creative poses. However, as with any public location, timing is key to avoiding crowds.
Each area tells a unique story, from the comfort of your home to vibrant city streets. Where will your next photoshoot take you?
How to Find Hidden Gem Photoshoot Locations
Do you have a usual way to drive home from work? How about that super-fast shortcut that you love to take when meeting friends for dinner? Set aside time to go a different route and look at your surroundings as you drive by. Take note of things like texture, if there are a lot of shadows or direct sun on a wall if there are bright colors, and if certain areas have easy access from the road.
Are there any buildings that stand out to you? How about the landscaping – any beautiful trees that provide a dramatic canopy or a large flowering bush with bright colors? Use this designated time to explore, stop spontaneously when something speaks to you, and take some quick sample photos (even if with your phone!) to keep on file for future reference.
Leave the Car at Home to Find Unique Photoshoot Locations
This may sound extremely basic, but if you are like most people, you’re used to driving everywhere. While this is a huge time-saver, it also causes you not to SEE your surroundings in as much detail. When you walk, you see:
Cracks in the sidewalk
Nooks of graffiti in the small alley behind the shops
Vantage points that can be seen at eye level
Changing your perspective is an instant way to re-evaluate your surroundings. If you’re not able to walk, consider riding your bike. It’s still a more leisurely way to explore the details than by car would be, and it’s much easier than a car to stop repeatedly and explore.
Ask Locals for Their Favorite Photoshoot Spots
It sounds simple, yet how many of us do this? Most of us search online, scan forums and Facebook groups, and explore independently instead of simply asking those around us. Next time you go into a small local store, ask the clerk if they have any favorite spots for photos or ones that offer a fantastic view.
Reach out to other local photographers. Ask them if they have any locations they love returning to repeatedly and if they would be willing to take you there sometime. Ask your friends or relatives if they have any spots in town that they’ve always thought would be great for photos. Their answers may surprise you. Often, all you need to do is ask.
Create an Assignment for Your Photoshoot Location Search
Getting in your car and driving without knowing what you’re seeking can be overwhelming. To make things easier, give yourself a specific type of location that you’re looking for that day. Perhaps you want to find a beautiful skyline view of your city, or you want to find a wall that has colorful graffiti as a backdrop.
Maybe just give yourself a theme:
Industrial buildings
Lush
Bright flowering landscapes
Open pastures
Patterns
Having a goal in mind can give you some direction for where to start looking for rustic and open spaces. Head out of the city and into wide open spaces. If you're looking for urban and gritty, go straight for urban neighborhoods and industrial areas of town.
Use Google to Your Advantage in the Search for Offbeat Photoshoot Locations
Let’s face it: we go to Google for all our questions these days, and that’s okay. Do some online research, keeping in mind some parameters for what you’re seeking. If you’re looking for old industrial buildings, enter that into your search. Be as specific as possible, then get more general to widen the net.
There are also many websites and books about “weird places” or “abandoned places,” which would appeal significantly to photographers. If you do seek out abandoned or off-the-beaten-track locations, be sure to take all safety precautions possible to ensure a safe return.
Keep Records of Your Discovered Photoshoot Gems
This tip is not about finding locations but rather about remembering them. Find a system that works for you to keep track of places you like, what type of work they may be suited for, any outstanding characteristics, and any sample photos you snapped while exploring.
While everyone will organize this information slightly differently, Google Maps is highly recommended for marking locations on a map and adding notes.
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5 Tips For Preparing Your Photoshoot Location
1. Scout the Location in Advance
Before the shoot, visit the location to understand its:
Layout
Lighting
Potential challenges
Look for the best angles, check for distractions or clutter, and note how the natural light changes throughout the day. If visiting in person isn’t possible, use virtual tools to familiarize yourself with the space like:
location-scouting apps
2. Secure Permissions and Clear the Space
If the location is private property or requires special access, ensure you’ve secured all necessary permissions. Check if you need permits for public places, especially for professional shoots. Also, clear the space of any unnecessary items or clutter, and arrange furniture or props to align with your vision.
3. Prepare for Lighting Conditions
Lighting can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to be prepared. For outdoor locations, bring reflectors, diffusers, and maybe a portable flash for tricky shadows or overcast skies. Test the available light for indoor shoots and have extra equipment like ring lights or softboxes to fill in the gaps.
4. Plan for Comfort and Convenience
A comfortable environment keeps everyone in good spirits. Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and bug spray for outdoor shoots. If the location is remote, ensure there’s a place for people to change outfits or take breaks. Indoor locations should have a clean, comfortable staging area with enough space for props and equipment.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Things don’t always go as expected—weather changes, unforeseen closures, or unexpected crowds can wrench your plans. Always have an alternative location in mind or a plan to adapt, like moving the shoot indoors or rescheduling for another day.
Browse Our Spaces for Your Next Shoot Today
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!