How to choose the perfect location for your Personal Branding Shoot

Is the location you choose for your Personal Branding shoot important? I think so. Here’s why…

Your choice of location for your Personal Branding shoot can make a HUGE impact on the final images. The overall look and feel to your brand aesthetics is either going to attract or repel your dream customer - so each decision you make for your shoot, including the location, needs to be really considered. My job is to provide you with images that are going to speak to your dream customers - and leave them wanting more. Plan the finer details of your shoot to align with your brand values and overall feel/vibe you want to achieve, and you’ll be on your way to a successful shoot. It will cost a bit extra, but don’t settle for a mediocre location - give it the final push to help make your imagery stand out!

It doesn’t need to be hard to find a location that works with your brand aesthetic - there are so many options, you just need to be a little creative!

As long as there is plenty of natural light and space to work in, my top suggestions are:

✨ Boutique hotels/ wedding venues

There will be great variety in terms of backdrops at a wedding venue, and you can utilise both indoors and outdoors. Lots of venues usually have mid-week availability, but due to the pandemic, they might not have so much at the moment. Venues are playing catch-up, so it’s worth getting something booked in advance if you feel like this kind of space will work for you.

✨ AirBnB

I love shooting in AirBnB’s as there are so many options and you’re bound to find the right location that fits your brand aesthetics. A shoot in an air bnb can often feel more relaxed, as you’ll have the whole space to yourself, and obviously rooms to change in/ kitchen to make cups of tea etc. Just make sure to consider light in the house and that there’s plenty of room to move around and also lots of variety in terms of backdrops. Talking it through with your photographer first is always advised! You’ll need to ask permission from the host to have a photo shoot there and often a minimum booking of 2 nights is required. BUT, it’s worth mentioning to the host as sometimes they have deals or are happy for you to just use for a few hours.

✨ Cafes/coffee houses/ restaurants

I love coffee houses for a photo backdrop but finding one with a good amount of natural lighting (and a seat near the lovely natural light!) is not always that easy. If you’re lucky enough to find somewhere though, asking permission from the owners is always a must. I’ve found from experience that most places are happy as long as you’re fairly discreet and go at a convenient time. So find out when they’re fairly quiet and be prepared to buy some food or drink. You’ll need to consider the decor and if it’ll work for your brand? It may look instagram-worthy, but honestly, if it’s not in-line with your branding, it’s not going to be the right place for you. If the coffee house/ restaurant has some outside seating, and you don’t mind on-lookers, then this is also an option. Again, going at the right time to avoid lots of people in the background is something you’ll need to consider.

✨ Galleries/ yoga studios

Galleries and yoga studios can often be a great space to have a shoot in. They are spacious and often have really great natural light. But due to the nature of their intended use, they are going to be fairly stripped back and require some styling. You’ll need to be able to bring in your own furniture and props to make the space your own - so just be aware of this! I also work with a prop stylist if you need an extra hand this.

✨ Instagram/ Friends

Reaching out to people on Instagram with beautiful homes (or asking friends) is another suggestion. Instagram interior accounts are a popular choice, as everything is styled so beautifully already and there are options for workspace setups and more relaxed shots, like in the living room or the kitchen. Most places will charge per half day or full day.

✨ Location hire

If your budget is bigger, there are dedicated websites that hire out beautiful spaces for shoots, such as Shoot Factory and Peagreen Locations. These types of locations are the kind of places you’d expect to see in adverts or magazines and can accommodate a large crew/team. If you’re budget isn’t so big but you’re still wanting to shoot at this kind of location, teaming up with someone else who wants a branding shoot is also an option (for a split half day).

I hope some of these ideas have helped you. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and show just how professional you are, let’s talk!