A
critical component in a successful
photoshoot is planning. Whether
this comprises physically visiting a
location to seek out potential images,
or simply making contacts and speaking
to relevant experts in a certain field before
committing to a trip, planning can be seen
as the foundation of a stress-free, highly
efficient and enjoyable photography session.
Location scouting is an aspect that most
commonly applies to landscape, travel
and possibly event photographers, since
those focussed on such genres are aiming
to capture extremely context-specificimages. For these photographers location
is not merely a backdrop for their subject,
it is often the subject itself, so it is of great
importance to understand the environment
and be able to predict conditions to
enable the capture of the best possible
perspectives.
When we first arrive on location, especially
one that is unfamiliar, we are presented with
a mass of visual information, which we must
sort to find the ideal image. Without a grasp
of the common lighting, terrain and weather,
we are unable to rapidly arrange a frame
from the best perspectives, making best useof colour, texture and tone. This can often
result in stress in changeable lighting and
a final image that fails to convey the best
elements of the location.
Here we will explore the key
considerations when scouting for new
locations, examining in detail how to read
the light, make the most of unpredictable
weather and how to exploit location-specific
characteristics. Learn good planning
strategy, understand the challenges of
scouting ahead, know what to look for in
a location and recognise the benefits and
pitfalls of scouting resources.MASTER LOCATION
Get more from your photoshoots by using pro
planning techniques to achieve perfect photos