Here is a not so secret, secret… What time and where you take your pictures makes a MAJOR impact on the overall outcome of your photo’s. That’s why it is so important to communicate with your photographer the style of photographs you are going for.
I have so many clients surprised when I aim to schedule a shoot an hour before sunset or 45 minutes before sunrise. We just can’t get the same wonderful light in the middle of the day. Even during a wedding I beg for a short 15 minute break from the reception to get that golden sunset light. You may have heard other photographers call this time of day Golden Hour, and we call it that for a reason! The portraits you capture during this time are as good as gold with the color of the sun turning a warm color as it sets. I don’t know about you, but as a pale red head, any warm tones to my skin makes me happy!
Photography means light painting, our camera sensors record the light. So it only makes sense that light(time of day) gives us different options of style, mood, and color. On a cloudy day or out in the shade you are more likely to get a moody cool look to your photos. But, get yourself out in a big open field with the sun setting and you get warm glowy romantic light. If you like that dark, sultry and moody light I recommend scheduling a session in the spring, with a cloudy day this style is easier to accomplish. My personal favorite time to shoot is on a sunny day, you can tell by my photographs I just live for the warm glow of the sun.
Light patterns is another technical term for photographers. We are basically talking about the shadows we see on your face. In the most simple terms when the sun(or light) is low off to the side at sunset or sunrise we get open or closed loop light which slims our faces and makes our features look our very best! Honey isn’t that what we ALL want! However, its not just all about the time of day we take the pictures, locations also give us diverse options that can all have very different outcomes!
Here are some things to consider when choosing a location for your photo-shoot:
What best fits your personality?
If you are a casual individual, maybe the bustling city isn’t for you, maybe try an in home couples session. They can be very memorable, and personable. If you are an adventurous person, what about a wicked amazing elopement to a pace you have never been before? Places have character just as much as people do, what about something fun and out of the box like a dumpster yard!? If you are more upfront maybe a studio session would highlight your personality. I would recommend picking out a place you are comfortable with, I promise if you feel out of place at the location it will show in the photographs.
What is your reasoning behind getting photographs taken?
I probably wouldn’t recommend a edgy graffiti filled dumpster to a couple who wanted a romantic and dreamy engagement photos. For a romantic vibe, what about a quiet open field, or a surreal place in the mountains where you can be alone with just your love and photographer to keep you company. Maybe its your five year wedding anniversary and you want to celebrate with fun photo’s, how cute would a carnival be for a backdrop!? Family photographs and public parks are a great simple and easy combination, and usually easily accessible for every family member. Make sure to ask yourself why are you getting your photo taken and does the location you have in mind make sense for the vibe you are going for.
What is the light like at the location?
This may be a more technical reason for picking out a location. If you have a place in mind your photographer has never been to, ask your photographer to scout out that location so they know just what time if day the location would be ideal for photographing at. It might be in complete shade during golden hour with to many tree’s, so maybe a morning session with the light rising in a different position would be best. That being said be sure to communicate the style of photo’s you had in mind with your photographer.
Did you have outfit choices or colors already in mind?
As a girl my outfit is usually the first thing I think of when planning a shoot! Maybe I just got a new pair of shoes and a really rad cream jacket. I want to stand out from the background so something outdoors with some greenery would be a good option. Tans and yellows would not be my first choice during fall color season, an urban downtown vibe would go much better with those color choices. The key point is you don’t want to clash or blend in to your backgrounds.
Does the location fit the style of decor in your home?
This last thing to consider isn’t extremely pertinent but could make a difference. I am a huge home decor person. I love warm, and earthy tones. I probably wouldn’t choose a happy green garden if I was planning on hanging prints around my home. I would go with a desert and sage background or maybe even take a cool trip up to some red rocks like Moab. It may sound silly but if you are planning on getting some big prints done for your home this may be something you want to think about.
I cannot stress enough just how IMPORTANT it is to communicate with your photographer what style and vibe of photographs you are wanting or expecting from your shoot. We photographers know what time and what kind of places photograph well for our style, but having that open communication promises amazing photographs that turn out perfectly the way you imagine them!