How to find the perfect photoshoot location, plus a few favorites in Boca Raton
How to find the perfect photoshoot location, plus a few favorites in Boca Raton
The location of the shoot creates the backdrop of your brand's story. So finding a place that matches your brand aesthetic is important. The background should reflect your brand's vibe, story, and aesthetic. When searching for a location for your photoshoot, there are a few things to look for.
1. Aesthetic
The location provides the backdrop to your brand story. Finding a place that matches your brand’s aesthetic is important. That space will represent your brand, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor location.
Don’t get stressed about finding a perfect match. We can personalize the space to fit your intent. But it’s important to start with a space that matches your vibe.
Spaces have a first-impression feel: feminine, vintage, boho, minimalist, masculine, edgy or warm are all things that can describe the overall vibe of a location. Even if the decor or colors differ from your branding, if we start with a location that matches your brand mood, we can make it work!
Here are a few photos from this local office building I love to shoot at. Best of all, it’s 2 minutes from my home studio!
2. Versatility
You want to get as much variety as you can at your photoshoot. Finding a space that offers this kind of versatility is key. Look for a space that has several opportunities for different backdrops. It doesn’t need to be that big of a space to shoot in: a chair and plant in a corner, a reading nook, breakfast table, outdoor space, a blank wall, a desk, and chair - these are all vignettes that can create a different story within your brand.
Also, consider the outdoor spaces and areas near the location. A patio, front porch, and sidewalks can also provide backdrops at your shoot. If your location is close to other places, such as mural walls, public parks, and local landmarks, that adds to the places we can shoot at.
I had a shoot in Boca Raton in the summer, with an average temperature of 95 and afternoon rain showers, so it was important for the location to be inside. I was able to find 3 spots, all within 10 minutes away. We got so much variety because these locations all had skylights with beautiful natural lighting.
3. Lighting
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a photographer that doesn’t love a space with gorgeous natural light! And while your photographer can create beautiful images using any kind of light, starting with some beautiful natural light is a plus! Here in Florida, we have lots of sunny days. Look for spaces that feature natural light in their description. Look at the listing photos and the windows in each room.
If you’re not sure, I’ve got an eye for lighting! I can also scout locations before your shoot as part of planning, so we know what lighting we will work with.
Client Nancy Wiley author of the Divine Trust photos taken at Studio 2711 ~ 1071 NW 31st Ave Ste B-1, Pompano Beach, FL
4. Consider renting a studio or house for your photoshoot.
Many brands rent a studio or house for their brand shoot. Studios and rentals are great options for your photoshoot because they are set up to be photographed. You won’t have to worry about getting your house photo ready, which is one less thing to worry about! Rentals are also staged to take out the personalization. You won’t find family photos on the walls, or the little things in a house people live in (like phone chargers, school projects, counter storage, etc.)
Studios and rentals allow the story to be about your brand rather than you and your family.
Two great places to look for rentals are Home Studio List and Peerspace.
Peerspace is like Airbnb, except you can rent by the hour rather than booking an overnight stay. They also have studio rentals in their listings. It is a great place to find unique spaces and professional studios. Check out this Beachside Villa listing in Boca Raton on Peerspace.
Peerspace ~ Boca Raton Beachside Villa With Roof Top Terrace
Looking through the listing images, you can see why this would be a good choice for a photoshoot. It has character, charm, and neutral spaces that can be personalized for a brand. The different colors offer versatility in the space. There is an office with darker decor, a white desk in the living room, pretty outdoor spaces with stairs and lots of plants, a rooftop with a wide view, and several sitting areas. The living room is a large open space, allowing us to move around furniture if needed. This Peerspace rental would make a great photoshoot location.
Home Studio List West Palm Beach ~ Feeling Fresh in the Living Room / Dinning Room
Home Studio List West Palm Beach ~ Feeling Fresh in the Kitchen
Home Studio List also has some great options in the South Florida area. Fresh Feeling and Vintage Villa in West Palm Beach are both great options for your photoshoot.
Fresh Feeling would be a great space for a feminine and classic brand. Coaches, web designers and stylists would get great brand photos in this space. I would recommend Vintage Villa for elegant, modern, and fresh brands. Real estate agents, therapists, and personal brands would work well in this space!
Home Studio List ~ Vintage Villa West Palm Beach, FL
5. Mizner Park ~ Boca Raton FL
Another favorite place to shoot is at Mizner Park in Boca Raton. A luxury landmark beautifully landscaped to enhance the outdoor experience. The gorgeous fountains and park-like settings are the perfect backgrounds for the Florida Lifestyle vibe. Oh, did I mention the yummy restaurants? A perfect way to end your photo session with a glass of wine and mouth-watering delectables! / Client: Catiana’s Wellness World
6. Think about using your own home or workspace for your shoot.
Shooting in your own home or workspace is also a very popular option with my clients. When your personal brand and business brand overlap, having your home as a backdrop provides a personal backdrop for your photos.
Brands who incorporate family and working parents in your messaging, showing this authentic glimpse into your life is important to your brand story. Consider using your home for at least part of your shoot.
Client Lauren Alexia Klien
If you don’t consider your home to be “photo ready”, your photographer will give you tips to prepare your house for shoot day. You may also want to use some of your branding budget to buy new furniture or perform upgrades to your home where the photoshoot will take place. The money that you would have spent on renting a location can be used to buy a new desk and chair, decorate with on-brand decor or even replace the carpets and paint.
Choosing the location for your brand shoot is just as important as choosing your wardrobe. It adds value to the story you are telling. Choose a location that matches your brand aesthetic and vibe. Bring props that you can add to the backdrop to personalize the images. Use resources like Home Studio List, Peerspace and your photographer to find the perfect location!
Location scouting and booking are included in the planning session for all of my clients. Contact me today and let’s get shooting!
xoxo
Colleen