How I scout for story-driven portrait locations:
Studios and fields have their purposes. Absolutely. But if it's a story we're telling, we need environments and supporting "actors" we can actually interact with so that the photos feel more alive and less posed.
Ideation
Bookstores, markets, nature are all places I like to take note of when I'm location scouting or even just happen upon when I'm out and about. I keep a record of ideas and locations for storylines that might interest my clients so that we are able to create a unique, personalized and vibrant gallery, that genuinely captures who they are and how they love to spend their time together. It pays to tap into a photographer's local knowledge, especially if you're visiting or passing through. They have all the goods on semi-secret locations, and the creative enlightenment to bring your vision to life.
Good Light
No light, no photos. "Good" light really depends on the mood and story you're looking to tell. Once I know this much, I can toss ideas about timing and locations that will connect you with the vibe you're going for in your session.
This bookstore had a ton of side light first thing in the morning. What is sweet about this is that it filled the room with warm light while offering depth and opportunities to play with shadows. Mid day just wouldn't have photographed the same. Of course, we can always improvise but this is certainly top of mind when planning a photo session.
When I come up with locations, I need to think hard about when the best light will hit the location, especially if it's an indoor one and prioritize the timeline based on this when possible.
Activities
We're not talking about playing ultimate frisbee here (although, that could be cute!!).
When I imagine the "activities" that'll happen during the photo session, I drill down on how the couple naturally interact while adding in some of the environment to engage with. Here at the bookstore, it wouldn't make sense to be standing forehead to forehead with eyes closed, would it?
So, we have the couple browsing books, peeking over each other's shoulder to see what they found, showing each other their nostalgic finds, reaching high for something and needing help, and even sitting down to read together for a bit.
We've gotta make the activities make sense so the images feel natural and logical.
Why?!
If we're going to take all this time to plan a storyline, location scout and photograph it all, we need to have a little explanation around why we're doing this.
This can be fabricated or genuine to you as a couple... but having an idea why we're here and doing whatever we're doing, will keep us grounded and feeling logical throughout the shoot which really helps people settle into feeling "natural" in front of the camera.
In fact, I keep my couples so busy, they stop noticing the camera altogether.
Permissions
Once we get our ideas together and visualize the flow of the photo session, we need to seek permission to photograph at these locations. I reach out to vendors and owners to ensure we are welcome to photograph in their location whenever we plan to show up. Even in public places, I like to seek permission before photographing, as to not disrupt what might be happening in the area that day. This part of planning can be time consuming but what's great about this, is that sometimes, vendors will even open early or allow you to come in the last moments of closing time so that you have the place to yourselves which makes for a relaxing, faster and easier time photographing since backgrounds will be less cluttered and there'll be fewer eyes on you.
Every once in a while, plan A might not work out but I've always got a plan B on reserve just in case.
Visit Ahead of Time
If it's possible, I'll always visit the location ahead of time. Even better, is if I'm able to visit the same time of day we plan to photograph there. This helps me to anticipate any issues, timing, delays, permissions needed, etc. so that I can offer the smoothest client experience possible. There is so much thought and care that goes into planning your session.
Start Planning Your Dream Experience
Trips like this are why I offer the longer Novella Sessions — the extra time lets you lean into the day, let the story unfold, and leave with images that bring it all back.
If you’re planning a trip out this way and want to capture it for real, I'd love to hear from you!
I shoot Novella Sessions across the Thousand Islands and Eastern Ontario.
You'll come home with a curated experience seared into your memory, and the receipts to back them up for a lifetime.
