For most of my clients, choosing a location for their session seems to be the most difficult task in preparing for their photography session. I’ve tried every imaginable way to make it easier for clients by providing suggestion lists, to pairing locations with chosen attire, to even just choosing myself. I’ve figured out it’s totally MY fault for making this decision so difficult! My sessions take place at iconic Richmond and Glen Allen locations, and most of my clients have never visited these sites before. When I refer clients to my online gallery or Instagram for inspiration, it may be overwhelming. Now that I’ve figured this out, I’ve come up with a few solutions.

Here is why location MATTERS

What you’re wearing.

Your attire has everything to do with your location! I always suggest my clients choose their clothing FIRST to ensure you’re representing your true style. If you’re a super casual person or family, you would look out of place at The Carillon or State Capital. Same for riverfront sessions. You wouldn’t want to wear your Sunday best while dipping your toes in the water, would you?

Dear to the Heart.

 By all means, if there is a meaningful place to you, let’s shoot there! As long as it’s legal, easily accessible, and we have proper permission, I’m game!

Distance.

Unless we’ve extended your session time in advance or made travel arrangements, proximity is key. If we’re traveling to more than one location for your session, time and travel distance really matters. I want to spend the majority of our session time actually photographing you! Because I shoot in late afternoon and evening, downtown traffic is also something to consider. Choosing a West End and a Downtown location will greatly cut in to our shooting time, so keep that in mind!

Here’s why location DOESN’T MATTER 

I’ve done this before.

I’ve been shooting professionally for almost nine years and longer as a hobbyist. I try to shoot something different at each of my sessions, even if I’ve shot in the same location dozens of times! Check out the following two photos for example:

These were taken a season apart and in the exact same location (my secret spot)!

And here’s an even more compelling example; exact same family, location, just different angle and crop!

You will look amazing wherever we go!

The clients who have been stressed about location and made me choose in the past, they were still thrilled with their finished photos! They also ended up loving their location and wouldn’t have changed a thing. If you get so hung up about WHERE you are shooting, you really won’t enjoy the experience quite as much.

I can’t replicate Pinterest.

Pinterest is great for finding inspiration for ideas and themes, but I cannot copy a Pinterest board of photos for you. Not only would I be violating the copyright of another’s work, I’m simply not the same photographer. Most likely the locations are not the same, lighting is different, and you are a completely different person than who is pictured. I promise I will give you MY best.

You see? Location is NOT a big deal. Your excitement going into your session will make the experience all the better, so leave the location stresses behind and have fun!