Locations matter
When it comes to locations for your portrait session…
…don’t settle.
One of the most popular questions that I get during discovery calls revolves around where we’re going to shoot the session.
My response is simple:
“I dunno yet. I need to learn more about your brand and business, the problems you solve and how you solve them.”
There’s a lot of layers that need to be unearthed before we can settle on places to shoot.
In addition to the logical concerns:
Are there enough places for you to sit, stand and work?
Is there a conference room with a whiteboard?
Is there a strong Wifi connection to capture virtual photos?
Is there an opportunity to include outside photos by the space?
There is also a need to consider the aesthetics of the space, too.
As in, when you walk into the joint, does the architecture, decor and overall vibe compliment your personality and brand?
Or, do you feel like a fish out of water?
The answer to this question could make or break whether the space is right for you. It also could make or break the value of the photos taken during the session, overall.
If you try to force it in a space that doesn’t feel quite right, the likelihood that you’d use the images drops dramatically based on the resentment level you have towards them.
And guess what? You’ll end up spending more money on a re-shoot in a space that feels more like you.
During a recent strategy call with Jasmine, the location question was top of mind.
She was flying into NYC for her session, and had no idea of the types of spaces that would be available for us to use.
So, I suggested a space that I’ve used on numerous occasions, but it was an immediate no.
While her personality and the way she shares her expertise is bold, colorful, lively and energetic, the space, she felt, was dark, moody, industrial and muted.
A total no-go.
No big whoop - there’s always other options in this big ol’ city :)
In fact, another space immediately sprung to mind, one that I hadn’t been inside since before the pandemic.
It had color, brightness, and openness - all the goodies we needed with which to play.
When I showed that space to Jasmine, she was immediately sold. And we were on our way to create some magical images.
When we reviewed the photos after the session, she knew she made a great decision by booking this space. And I agreed.
When you have a megawatt smile like her and a disposition to match, you need a space that compliments and accentuates that type of personality.
Same goes if your personality lives mostly on the other end of the emotional spectrum.
When selecting a location for your portrait session, don’t pick based on how cool the space looks - pick it based on whether or not it will enhance and elevate your personality and brand.
There’s plenty of spaces that can do that for you, so don’t simply wing it and try to make it work.
Be as intentional about your choice as you are with all the other areas of your expert-based business.
It’ll only serve to make the final product more magical, in the end.
One of the ways to ensure that you’ll discover an ideal location is by working with a photographer who understands how to identify a space that compliments your personality and brand.
Be sure to qualify them beforehand to make sure they, in fact, know how to do this…
…or, you can just call me to see if we’re a fit to work together :)