Brand Photoshoot Location Ideas
How to choose a location for your brand photoshoot
My most-asked question ahead of a brand photoshoot is always about outfits – which is why I've written this handy guide on what to wear here. The second question is always, “But about some brand photoshoot location ideas?”
I’m of the opinion that your location is one of the most important elements to get right with your session; I think it’s number two after choosing the right photographer. The right location will make styling easy, add richness and interest to every shot, and uplevel the quality of your gallery overall. I noticed a real uptick in the number of clients’ galleries getting published when I started giving more direction on locations… they are that foundational to the look of your photoshoot.
Why featuring both indoor and outdoor locations is so useful for a brand photoshoot
My favourite sessions are always ones with both indoor and outdoor locations involved!
This is for a few reasons:
An indoor location that replicates where you work is great for communicating the day-to-day vibe of your brand. This could be you throwing at your wheel in your studio, planning for a busy day of client calls at your desk, or showcasing the hobbies you use to switch off when your work is done. We can easily capture things like mood boards, getting work done on the computer, and wrapping up orders, depending on your business.
Outdoor locations help convey the feeling you want your customers to feel. Hoping to make your audience feel inspired, calmed, awed by your work? Beaches, mountainsides, and the raw beauty of nature will all support this goal. You can also highlight the nature spots that have been especially important to your life too.
A blend of indoor and outdoor images creates variety, even if your hair, makeup, or outfits might include repeats. This will help retain interest in your brand photography, and communicate a more complete view into your world. I love sessions that showcase the clients’ passions in and out of work, and having both indoor and outdoor locations really helps.
Having both takes the pressure off the weather a little! I love a rainy photoshoot, but I am aware that as a client it can feel a bit daunting! This means that knowing you can plan your session around the weather is a big relief. We can shoot outdoors while it’s dry, and come back in when it’s not… so helpful.
Now you know why I love and recommend both indoor and outdoor locations for a brand photoshoot, let’s dive into what makes a great outdoor location…
Images from my Oak sessions with spirituality writer and sound bowl practitioner Kriston Jackson
How should I choose an outdoor location for my brand photoshoot?
Go for somewhere that feels a little magical to you. Ideally, an outdoor location should inspire, excite, and delight you. It might be your favourite holiday hike or the hillside where your partner proposed… The best outdoor locations are a little awe-inspiring, and would stop you scrolling if you came across them on your phone. This session with my client Kathryn Ho is a great example of how beautiful a location can be!
Locations with water tend to feel more special. There’s something about having a stream, a river, a lake, or a beach that adds beauty to a session! This is especially true if you are feeling brave and are happy to go for a paddle or swim. (I actually have a Pinterest board dedicated entirely to beach brand portraits if you are needing to start your next photoshoot mood board!)
Privacy is so helpful. If you aren't used to being in front of the camera for a few hours, make the experience a little easier with a quiet location. I don't recommend shooting in highly populated, always-busy locations for your first session in particular, as it can be hard to tune out distractions and the feeling of being a little exposed.
Tree coverage is a real bonus. I mostly work in the UK, and having trees nearby means there’s handy shelter if we get caught in a shower! As an artistic bonus, the foliage looks amazing in portraiture too. (This photo of my client Elizabeth Lewis shows off what I mean perfectly.)
Parking will come in handy. It’s helpful to not feel limited by what you bring to a brand session, so having a car is handy! It gives you somewhere to change and lets you bring as many props as your heart desires. Being able to park easily and head back for outfit changes if we want to is so helpful.
My client Kriston’s first brand photoshoot, shot with artificial lighting
My client Kriston’s second brand photoshoot, shot with natural light
How do I choose an indoor location for a brand photoshoot?
Lots of natural light is your safest bet. This is why many of my brand photography clients’ homes turn out unsuitable for their photoshoot; unless you have multiple rooms with large and/or south-facing windows, there is a distinct possibility that your home is not bright enough to shine in a brand session. (Most domestic lighting reads very orange on camera and can cast harsh, distracting shadows.) Studio lighting can help in a pinch, but these might be an additional cost to your session, and they can slow down the day slightly with their set-up and repositioning time. A space with lots of natural light will always look better than one that’s artificially lit.
Your brand colours or a neutral backdrop will make such a difference. It’s always such a joy when I find my clients a location that ties into the general palette of their brand colours because it makes every shot feel like it’s instantly you. These don't need to be an exact hex colour match, just tones that sit within the same family as your brand’s – think similar rusty autumn shades, or kindred pastel tones. If you don't have a brand palette yet or are struggling to find a location that matches, don't panic: a neutral space will work for both. Neutrals will match any brand colours you eventually decide on, and neutral spaces can be accessorised with props if you have them already.
Lots of space and a variety of rooms will translate well. I want my clients to use their brand photography for as long as possible, and variety is one of the biggest factors in this goal. Larger rooms are also helpful as we can capture more angles and feel a little more comfortable as we work.
Spaces that have plants, props, and need little styling are a bonus. A bare shell will need styling to make it feel like a real space you work from, so I love finding spaces that already have elements we can use. Plants, books, candles, blankets, and cushions will all make a difference to how a space feels.
Indoor brand photoshoot location ideas
Now you know what we are looking for in a brand photoshoot location, here are some ideas for indoor locations for your next branding shoot…
Hire a styled home
This is my joint-favourite suggestion on this list because a styled home guarantees you a few things:
A beautiful space that is suitable for photography
Guaranteed permission to use the space for a photoshoot
A few styling supports, like plants, books, and soft furnishings
The quality of these homes has to be high in order for them to be listed for hire, so they tend to be among the most beautiful spaces available.
PROS: Beautiful, available to hire per hour which might be more cost-effective, no hassle asking for permission, ready to shoot as soon as you arrive, private
CONS: May be out of budget, may not be available in your area, can feel stressful committing to a few hours with little flexibility
Hire an Airbnb
This is my other joint-favourite option! While a little more hassle in the planning stages, as you will need to ask permission to host a photoshoot during your booking, I have found some breathtaking Airbnbs over the years which held their own with the styled homes for impact. Sometimes hosts don't allow photoshoots, but the majority seem to be happy to and have even been a helpful support in the process.
An Airbnb is also handy for my clients who are travelling to me for their photoshoot, as we can sort their accommodation and location out in one move. It can take a little while to get an answer from hosts, but there are some seriously beautiful options out there.
PROS: Multiple choices in most locations, clean and usually stylish upon arrival, some spaces have the wow factor, private, can be used for travelling clients’ accommodation
CONS: Can be disappointing getting rejected for somewhere special, might need multiple nights booked due to host requirements or to work around daylight hours and check-in times, can get expensive
Book a photography studio
If you are looking for a magazine feel, to focus on creativity, or to focus on a minimalist look, a photography studio is for you. These can again be hired by the hour, typically come with lighting and backdrops, and often have props available too. I’m hoping to play with more photography studios this year as there’s been a bit of a trend of studio photos that I'd love to explore.
PROS: no need to get permission to do a photoshoot; can be used to create an editorial look; guaranteed consistent lighting if lights are available
CONS: hourly booking might feel a bit restrictive; might need more props than other options; results sometimes look very similar to other studio sessions with similar lights and editing
Free Indoor Brand photography Location Ideas
If your home isn't suitable and you have zero budget for a location, these are my top suggestions and their pros and cons…
Ask a café for permission
PROS: Usually free; possible to find very beautiful spaces that fit your brand
CONS: No privacy; no props provided; many cafés say no; might not be able to stay for more than 1-2 hours max
Borrow a loved one’s home
PROS: Free; private or at least home to people you know; might be a more suitable space than home
CONS: May be tricky organising multiple people’s availability; will cost if you hire a cleaner, but may need styling and tidying if not
Ask your co-working space for permission
PROS: Often free to members; familiar if it’s somewhere you go regularly; might be very stylish
CONS: Permission isn't guaranteed or always free; might feel quite public if lots of people are around; not always bright and stylish enough
Brand Photoshoot location Final Thoughts
If you read this feeling a little daunted, it might be that finding a location yourself is not something you want to do! This will therefore influence how you decide on your brand photographer, knowing that you need them to take the lead on sourcing a location for you.
I personally like to do all location sourcing myself, with input from my clients only if they are keen and wanting to be involved. As a photographer, I am always researching brand photoshoot location ideas, and have a large list saved ready for my next photoshoot. Don’t be afraid to look for a photographer that will do this for you if you are feeling all at sea.
There you go my loves!
I hope this was handy for those of you planning brand sessions – and if you are looking to get your brand session plan started, I would love to work with you. You can learn more about my brand photography services here.
In the meantime, lots of love and happy Monday,
Anna xxx
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