Not All Locations Are Created Equally - Choosing the Best Location for Your Senior Session - Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and Atlanta
In the realm of senior portrait photography, the choice of location holds significant weight in the creation of compelling visual products. There are many critical factors that distinguish one location from another. The discerning eye can often look at an image and tell immediately if something is off. It usually comes down to location, location, location!
Lighting: The Location’s Available Light
Lighting serves as the cornerstone of photography, dictating the mood and atmosphere of an image. Professional photographers possess the expertise to discern how different locations interact with natural light, and what kinds of light will be available when. This understanding enables them to manipulate light to enhance the final product, emphasize the subject and create depth within the composition. A professional photographer will also be able to tell you if a location and lighting will not work and why.
There are a number of great locations and venues around Fayette County and Atlanta that offer beautiful backdrops and settings. However, there are only a few of these that, either by circumstance or manipulation, have considered the available light at different times of the day to create the most interesting backdrops for photos. Thus, not all locations are created equally.
Background: Enhancing Visual Composition
The backdrop plays a crucial role in framing the subject and conveying a story. Professional photographers meticulously select locations that complement the subject, adding depth and context to the visual narrative. They understand the significance of a suitable background in capturing the essence of a moment.
The role the background or location plays in a shoot often comes down to planning beforehand. A professional photographer will be able to listen to your wants and needs for a particular shoot, and suggest a location accordingly. For example, a young man may come to a shoot with the idea of conveying his love of the outdoors. I would suggest locations like Lake McIntosh, or possibly a privately owned farm. Conversely, I would not suggest a location like Trilith or Downtown Atlanta. Thus again, not all locations will work for all subjects.
Convenience: Balancing Practicality and Aesthetics
Choosing a location involves assessing its accessibility and its visual appeal. Professional photographers evaluate locations not only for their aesthetic value, but also for practicality. The goal is to find a balance where convenience doesn’t compromise the quality of the image. It's about selecting settings that offer both visual interest and logistical feasibility.
This idea is highlighted by the concept of shooting “downtown.” Planning a shoot in a place like Downtown Atlanta would seem to offer endless possibilities. However, the reality is that depending on the aesthetic you are aiming for, a location amongst tall buildings and busy streets can often be increasingly limiting based on available light. This also does not take into consideration population density or crowds in the places you’d like to shoot. Crowds and onlookers can change the dynamic of a shoot dramatically for a person unfamiliar with posing in front of the camera.
Further, there are certain places that may offer beautiful or interesting backdrops, but are intrinsically unsafe to be or don’t allow for a comfortable shoot environment. With this idea in mind, make sure you do your own homework and trust that your photographer is familiar with the places he or she is suggesting to take you. Make sure they have either shot in that location before, or they have scouted the location beforehand. Your safety is more important than a photo.
Cost: Assessing Value AND Monetary Considerations
Simply put, some locations may come with a price tag. There are locations that offer intrinsic value that elevate the visual narrative, but otherwise are inaccessible without paying an entrance fee or a venue for their use. Professional photographers discern these subtleties, selecting locations that optimize the visual impact within budgetary constraints. Your photographer should be aware of, and thus make you aware of any additional expenses you will incur with your chosen location(s).
We are often approached by clients with ideas of flower gardens or open fields of pasture. My first question is “do you have a connection to anywhere you know that fits those descriptions.” If so, that’s awesome. We are happy to shoot somewhere new. Oftentimes though, the answer is no. There are a handful of places around Fayette County that do check some of these boxes. However, almost all of them require a fee. Some of them cost more than others, and some are more convenient than others in terms of their relative location to Fayette County. Please be aware of this potential additional expense when you are choosing a location.
The Expertise of Professional Photographers
Experienced photographers leverage their understanding of diverse settings to curate locations that elevate the visual storytelling process and final product they deliver. Their proficiency lies in utilizing natural lighting, harmonizing subject and background, and balancing convenience with aesthetic appeal. Each location is meticulously chosen to align with the individual needs of each client.
The selection of a location should be a strategic decision, as it will profoundly influence the final product. For professional photographers, every location is an opportunity to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. However, keep in mind that does NOT mean all locations are created equally, and not every location will do. If you have questions about a location or would like to discuss a location further, please feel free to call the studio at 770-727-5607 or email us at studio@southatlantaphotography.com
