How I choose my locations
Be it a location for LandScape, or for a Beauty & Fashion photoshoot, the locations I shoot at are either those I scout out myself, or a place I have seen posted somewhere.
Once I find a location, I make sure to visit it to ascertain if I can shoot there comfortable and safely. I make certain the location is not restricted in any way, so as not to upset the local authorities; also to make sure that it is not a private property for which the owner does not want any strangers / photographers taking phstos.
Once I’ve ascertained the security, and the viability of the location, I make sure to visit it to check things like best spots to shoot, the angles I would like to get for varying light conditions (sunrise, sunset angles), even things like how busy the location gets with people and traffic; all these factors affect what I may capture, and how I may capture.
All this helps me understand better what equipment I would need to get the shots I want; gear as in lens, filters, tripod, etc.
Having done all the above, I then study like logistics, how do I get to the location with my gear, where may I keep my gear’s bag while I am taking the photos; also to consider are transportation to, and back, from location, parking (if using my own vehicles), nearest place for a “nature call”.
In the event the location is in the wilderness, I would also need to consider things like food, drinks, refreshments, and medications (for emergency).
Following that, I would then look at the most suitable outfit, footwear, and any protective measures for myself and my gear.
Finally, a review of the weather; as a dear friend once said “there is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong outfits”!
But what if I can’t visit the location beforehand, what if the location is in another country, or too far to practically do that above physical research? … this is for another post, to be continued …
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