Choosing a Location

There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ answer to this question. It all depends on a few factors. So let me walk you through a few scenarios that might help you choose where you want to do it.

• Use

• Overall look

• Flexibility

• What you like most

• Budget

For example, this image of Katherine on the balcony was photographed specifically for a magazine cover. Lots of magazines have a very specific style or even a detailed style guide that determines what you can submit for their cover. You can see how this is made with just the right negative space in mind for the graphic designers at the magazine.

I forget what magazine it was, but it was a wellness magazine that needed very natural looking light, no studio background, bright and healthy looking. And because we can’t always fully anticipate the needs of the publications we submit to, we did a number of variations on this shot - some closer, tighter shots & a series of full length to make sure we gave them a very well rounded variety.

Interestingly, my clients regularly get covers (and multi-page spreads) who weren’t slated for them specifically because of the quality and variety of shots that we send through.

And for contrast, if you’re a speaker represented by Saxton then you have a very specific style guide to follow. They don’t care how creative and unique your images are. They want them to ‘look like Saxton’.

To get the best results something like this needs to be created in a controlled, studio environment.

Overall Look - Who are you? What style is your branding? What resonates with your audience?

For example, if your branding is quite dark, then making sure we choose something that contrasts nicely, making you pop off the page is rather important.

Do you want to blend in with your industry or are you trying to shake things up and really show something unexpected.

Does your audience respond to softer surrounds or is a more glass and steel vibe the right direction?

Do you love the ultra minimalist look or do you like something more complex and colourful?

There is one thing that remains constant no matter where we decide to shoot - the impact your images have. We spend so much time making sure that your images are so captivating that the background just becomes ‘set dressing’. Ultimately the pros and cons just have to be weighed and a great way to go about it is a creative conversation with me. I’ll always ask a bunch of questions that’ll help us narrow it down.

Flexibility - How advanced is your design team?

One of the key considerations is how many different and varied places do your images need to be used? Will you likely want them cut off the background so your photos can ‘float’ on top of your collateral? If maximum design flexibility to get the most out of each and every image is more important than a stunning backdrop, then a Studio Session is going to be the best way to go.

I use my own images all the time to create brochures etc. and I can tell you from years of designing my own collateral, there is nothing easier to use than Studio shots. When it comes time to put those really unique shots into play, it gets a bit trickier. The benefit of my experience working with my own shots is that I shoot for use. I obsess over how you’ll use these images. I know how they’ll likely be used and so no matter where we shoot, I try and make sure that the elements in your shots are going to be as easy to use as possible.

Budget

I put this last on the list for a reason. Budget shouldn’t be the primary consideration in choosing where we shoot your session. But it is a reality and we all have priorities. Obviously the Studio sessions are far less expensive than some of the incredible spaces I hire. But it certainly doesn’t mean that your images will be any less captivating.

And of course, if you have a great space (or access to one) then that can save quite a bit of money. But at the end of the day, working with me isn’t cheap. So it might be worth doing a simpler session in a studio or just waiting if you really have your heart set on a beautiful location.

You can download my Sydney Location Guide here. It’s a set of some of my favourite Locations and Studios to shoot that give you very different vibes.

If you’re not in Sydney there will be Brisbane and Melbourne Guides soon. But for now, you can see some great examples here.