A Boise Photographer Tip : Branding Photography Session Locations
I think everyone can relate when I say that it takes time to get familiarized in a new place. As a Boise photographer, I want to offer you some advice on picking the best locations for your branding session. So without further ado, here’s a guide to finding your Boise Branding Photography Session location.
But before we jump to the location scouting, we should address the obvious, the process of planning your branding photography session can seem a little overwhelming and daunting. You have so many things to consider including wardrobe, location, props, and how you’re going to use your final images. This is where I will come alongside you and help you every step of the way. Read my guide to setting up your branding session : A Walkthrough: How to Plan Your Next Branding Photography Session
After going through your checklist, let’s go back to finding the best branding photography session locations.
Spending some time to really brainstorm your branding session location is the best decision you can make when planning. Finding a branding session location that fits the personality of your brand can feel a little daunting but I have some suggestions to help you out! As a Boise photographer, here are my steps to choosing your personal branding photography session locations.
The branding location will set the overall tone of your brand. The most important question we need to ask yourself is, “Who are you marketing to, and how do you want them to feel?” Once you have the answer or the direction on the first question, it is time to start planning your personal branding session location!
1. Consider what you are all about and what types of branding session locations represent your brand.
- Are you a natural, farm to table, organic personal brand that might consider a rural setting, local farmer’s market, or a kitchen surrounded with a farmhouse look? You will want to consider locations like the ones above and steer away from urban settings, coffee shops, and office locations.
- Are you an urban gal that thrives on the hustle and bustle of the city? Does your brand lean towards an urban, lively feel? You will want to consider an urban studio or loft with exposed brick and ceilings or a fun graffiti wall with some sidewalk cafes, locations that are full of an urban feel, and make a vibrant city look.
- Are you a traditional brand that wants to convey strength and longevity and consistency? A traditional store setting, a coffee shop, or an office environment, or a suburban home would display the values that will lean towards your clients.
2. Check the branding session location for variety.
After choosing a type of location, it’s important that the location has variety. I recommend a minimum of two to three different backgrounds per session. For example, if you’re shooting in your local downtown area, we could use the sidewalk cafe, the vibrant colored storefronts, and sidewalks, as well as an exposed brick wall or a mural on the side of a parking garage. Usually, you can find some variety and lots of creative places to shoot if you just look around and go explore.
3. Consider lighting, time of day, and foot traffic.
Finally, lighting, time of day, and foot traffic are all important factors we need to consider. I love to use natural light and will do it if at all possible. Early mornings and late afternoons will give us the most flexibility. However, if shooting in the middle of the day, we just need to find areas that have covered shade. The location will photograph best at a certain time of day. An urban location works best in the morning when the stores are just opening up, people are just hitting the streets, and there’s less foot traffic. I like to shoot nature locations in the evening with the beautiful golden light, the wide-open fields, and all the warmth and vibrancy that those nature locations offer.
4. As a Boise Photographer this one is a must : Get permission to shoot before the day of the session.
It is important to get permission to shoot in each area prior to the session. If you’re going to be using a shop or a coffee shop or a place I recommend calling the store owner. Reach out to them in advance to see if they are willing to let you shoot in their location. If there’s a fee, find arrangements to pay the fee in advance. If they are not charging a fee, I always offer to tag them on social media posts and give them free publicity. This will usually sway anyone who is hesitant to allow you to shoot. I mean, who doesn’t love the free publicity, right?
Now it’s time to put pen to paper and start brainstorming those locations. I am happy to help with suggestions once you have a general direction that you want to go to! I can’t wait to help you plan that amazing branding session that will make you shine online and position you at the go-to professional. Let’s get started!!
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Boise, ID-based branding and headshot photographer. Shelly specializes in professional headshot photography, personal branding photography and lifestyle photography. Shelly serves the greater Treasure Valley area including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
