La Photographie's Top 5 Photography Locations
One of the most fun aspects of doing portrait photography is finding the perfect location for a Boudoir photo shoot.
From luxe studio sets to hidden gardens, I seek out locations that will fit the theme and concept we’re planning.
Over the years, I’ve found some pretty cool spots. I’ve photographed people in Albuquerque Airbnb that looked like someone dreamed it up in an acid flashback - as well as on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in California. Oh, and I could never forget the time I built an indoor plant backdrop.
I owned a brick-and-mortar studio from 2008-2015, but ultimately I decided to close it in favor of variety and uniqueness. I have a desire for discovery and adventure, so finding or constructing the ideal set is part of my creative process.
The upside to shooting on location is that your surroundings and backdrop will be unique to you. Once my client books their photo shoot, I chat with them about styling and begin to dream up the perfect set.
In this post, I’m going to show you my top five photo shoot locations. In no particular order…
5. Hotel Rooms
I don’t know about you, but I personally LOVE staying in hotels. Crisp white sheets, a big tub or shower, fluffy pillows, and room service are just a few of my favorite things. When we book a hotel room for a photo shoot, plenty of privacy is guaranteed.
I also love creating with a big window, which every modern hotel room offers. The hotel room window can provide the flawless natural light - or give the view of a nighttime cityscape.
And with today’s modern boutique hotel industry, every city has creative options with hotel decor from a single King room all the way up to the Presidential Suite.
4. Your Home
Perhaps you already have the perfect location: your own home. So many of my clients love interior design and have beautiful homes to show off. I love being invited into your space to find the perfect light and furniture combinations.
If you have unique-colored walls or wallpaper, fabulous draperies, restored antiques, or a distinctive style - or even if your home is filled with clean lines and modern furniture - doing a photo shoot at home could be an option!
And there’s nothing more personal than having a team join you in your house for a makeover and portrait session. It’s always an honor to be invited into someone’s home.
3. My Home Studio
Over the years, my Home Studio has shifted and changed quite a bit. My personal taste is suited to dark-colored walls with cherry wood furniture, hardwood floors, Persian rugs, and pops of jewel tones to compliment - not to mention a lot of books.
I can also build all kinds of custom sets in my home using fabrics, furniture, and backdrops. At any given time, my tastes will shift and I’ll invest in some new decor like velvet drapes or a unique lamp.
And I never discount the power of a simple black backdrop or sheer white curtain - we can make magic with either of those options. The sky’s the limit when I’m creating at home because all of my resources are at my fingertips!
2. Airbnbs or Short Term Rentals
Remember that Airbnb I mentioned above in Albuquerque? That’s just one wild example of what’s possible with an Airbnb rental.
I’ve seen it all: glitter stairs, hot pink tubs, stained glass porches, mirrored ceilings, indoor and backyard pools, luxe showers, and decadent fireplaces.
Each short-term rental is unique, and it can take quite a bit of research to find the right one. I’ve created lists and lists of these rentals for every city I work in, so I’m able to quickly access unique spots.
With an unlimited budget, literally anything is possible when it comes to short term rentals.
1. The Great Outdoors
Mother Nature is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Any season can provide a unique backdrop for a photo shoot. My favorites are Spring and Fall, but I also love Summertime and even Winter can have its perks.
Outside in the city is always an option and really gives photos a fun vibe. To be in nature is divine, and I love when my clients want to shoot in the woods, at the beach, or at a waterfall.
How about a field of flowers? Or even in a field of grass. Scouting for the right outdoor location takes patience and persistence, and my sense of adventure definitely pushes me to find just the right spot.