This topic is very fresh on my mind, as I just returned from a trip that opened up new locations to me. Whether you are photographing your family or clients, locations offer a different flavor to your images. Yes, it is mostly about the peole IN the images, but new wonder is discovered with a different landscape.
I would think that the novice along with the professional would find that a new location would spice up their photography. I am always on the hunt as I drive around my town for something different. Not just a colorful wall (though that does excite me very much) but a spot that will tell a story, add character, allow my subjects to explore a little and capture that exploration.
Before I went on my trip to Illinois, I asked my friend to scope out some spots for me and I even contacted a few local photographers to ask their suggestions. Along with 4 mini sessions, I wanted my friends’ session to be spectacular and unique, and most importantly…to tell a story about their family.
I was directed to a nice open field that was beautiful, but I just didn’t get excited about. One place I did get excited about, I saw out the back window of my friend Linda’s house.
This:
Just across the street was a spectacular red barn with acres of cornfields. I thought…what can get more “Illinois” than that? Sometimes…you gotta work for it. I put on my big girl pants and decided to knock on the door of the home next to the barn to ask permission. When no one answered and I couldn’t find a business card, I scratched a note saying I was a photographer from Texas and I loved their property and asked if I could photograph a family around it. I added my website and left. I figured it was a long shot, but it can’t hurt to ask (actually it is a bit nerve wracking, but going with a friend makes it easier).
Less than an hour later, I got a call from the lady of the house. She said that would be fine, but that her husband would probably want to follow me around. Yay and hmmm….. I was just excited they said yes. I already had 2 mini’s meeting me at a park a few towns over (Hi Becky and Jill!) then I scheduled my 2 others at this here barn and included the cornfield as well. I might add that the owner had a handful of longhorns as “pets.”
Also while in Illinois, I photographed my friend Linda’s family at an apple orchard nearby. I wanted to do it in the evening light, but they closed at 6. The day before, I spoke with the manager, and he was more than delighted to have us come at 7 and even granted us full access and props.
I feel like I got the full Illinois experience.
I am LOVING the old vintage cars that I seem to spot around town. In the past week, I got permission from 2 different truck owners, one on a home property and one I found at a car repair place with a big banner draped across it. I told the repair place that when I blogged about them, I would link up (haven’t blogged yet) and they were happy about that and were happy to share. When I shot there (yesterday) I noticed a few other cool cars I may want to use in the future. Here are the 2 different trucks:
I’ve passed this next truck for years on a road near my home. I left a card on the homeowners doorstep and she called me the next day. I am glad I asked because during the shoot, one of her neighbors drove by asking why we were there and I said, “It’s ok, I talked to Betty” and he was fine. With both trucks, I asked if I could come “occasionally” and offered something in return. With Betty, I said I’d offer a discounted session, and she was excited about her young great grandaughters pictures in the future.
In all 4 of these locations, I could tell they were on someone’s property that I didn’t want to trespass. In all 4, I asked permission, and was granted. It was nice to hear the feedback from the farmer how much he appreciated my asking.
Most of my locations are the side of stores or a main street in a small town or an open field/park. Anyone’s game, but look around, get creative and get asking and you will have much more fun:)
To see more images from these recent shoots, head to my site.
Happy location hunting! Share with me the fun locations you have found…
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oooh, i know that girl. linda, that picture turned out great! nice work kristen. can't wait to see what else you did with that cute family of theirs.
oh MAN those are great locations and GREAT shots!!! It's funny you wrote about this today since I JUST had something like this happen. I was shooting a wedding last Saturday. While the bride was getting her hair done I noticed right next door was a really cool antique shop. So I got the courage and went in and asked if we could come in after and take pictures. The lady was very happy to let me and even told me I could move things around to make better pictures!!!! I got some great shots – I haven't gotten to editing them yet, but I looked through them and they look great!!!
Great post. I had a similar experience happen to me. Asked a gentleman if I could use his orchard and he invited me in to see a really cool aerial shot of his property. I think he was happy I took the time to ask. Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh I just LOVE that picture in the first vintage blue/teal truck!! I too have been loving that idea to photograph around them. I have been eyeing a truck very similar to the one in that picture, except its very rusted and has a door missing. LOL But it just looks so appealing to me! I just may have to ask permission to do a shoot there. You've given me the confidence! :)
That was a great post. Good reminder to ask too!
Your awesome, Kristen!
I often see decaying barns during road trips that I would love to take a couple of pictures of. Do you think it would still be best to ask permission if it was not a whole photo shoot but maybe 5 minutes worth of photographing? (from the edge of the property, not traipsing through someone's yard!) It almost seems like it would be more annoying to the owner to ask about that? I wouldn't want to upset someone either way.
Hi Erin! Your sil is the best!
Rhonda–can't wait to see some antique shop pics!
Alesa–people really are usually flattered and happy to help.
Maria–let me know if you take pics with that truck, sounds great.
Rachel and Amanda–thanks:)
pmthreads–I don't think you need to ask if taking a pic from the road. Just when planning to step on their property.
I loved this post and appreciate it all the same. I always ask permission when shooting on someones property. Recently I found this awesome location and was welcomed back whenever I wanted- unfortunately though, the owner had to put "No Trespassing" signs all over because someone wasn't asking and just waltzing on the property for pictures like they owned the place! It annoys me when people take advantage and ruin it for everyone!
That was a very inspiring post. I always take my photos in the same spot…my back yard or front yard. I really need to get out there! Oh actually, last Fall, I did photograph my handmade quilt at a park…beautiful bridge..rocks..the whole 9. I was really glad I did that. Thanks for bringing up this subject…i definately will get out of my back yard and find some interesting places to take some photos!
Perfect timing. We are looking for a location for a photopotluck, with my mom's group. There is a great farm right down the street but I was too chicken to go ask, now maybe I will have to put my big girl pants on too and go ask. Sometimes I hate wearing those! I love the car shots.
Beautiful photos! I love the brightly colored truck!
L.
Great post Kristen! I always wonder where some photogs come up with the great locations….you've taught me how to "think" about locations….and asking for permission!…..I've always wondered how to shoot in an open field…doesn't the tall grass and weeds get in everyone's way? lol
and with the trucks, do you take pictures where the truck is located? do you get them to move the truck to a more idea spot?
ok, one last question…..and this is for another topic…..I'd love to hear how to shoot people looking so "natural"….like the kids are playing or family is enjoying each other…..what do you tell them to do? do say "ok, go play over there? lol
Thanks for all your great help!
Lindy, I love the color of the truck, too.
TM, I LOVE an open field with tall grass. If it isn't tall, I don't like it. It adds texture and dimension to the image. Just doesn't show off the shoes. I think I wrote a post on here on using action words for natural candid moments…look in the archives. I often just tell the family to go on a "family walk" as if I'm not there. They say awkward things (this isn't a video) but I usually get good faces. I don't move the truck. It was a bad time of day and I worried about it because of the bright sun, but there were good spots, just had to work around them. May like it more in the evening, this was 10am.
Great post.
When you go on someone elses property to photograph a family – when the owner grants permission… do you or they ever worry about the legal liability. Like if someone fell and got hurt??
If they ended up suing – which would be terrible – would they sue the owner of the property?
This is what has stopped me from asking to use private property…