Location, Location, Location: Your Brand Shoot Location is an integral part of telling your Cover Story.
Perfection may be an illusion, but intentionality behind picking your location is the secret sauce for a successful brand shoot.
Your brand shoot is a substantial investment, and the wrong choice of location can be a total buzzkill. Think of it as your stage, where the magic happens and your story comes to life for your target audience. A poor choice of location can undermine all the hard work you’ve put into preparing for the shoot.
It doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, but a good brand photographer will be your guiding light, ensuring a visually aligned, stage-setting, and well-planned location that fits your brand like a glove.
So, let’s dive into the importance of picking the perfect location, ensuring your brand shoot leaves a lasting impact.
Your Home or Work Space
The idea of using your home or workspace as a brand shoot location might have crossed your mind. It’s an idea that many clients have approached me with, but as a photographer, my biggest consideration is always the presence of natural light. While shooting at home may seem convenient, it may not always be the optimal choice. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using your own space for a brand shoot.
PROS:
- Convenience: No need to scout for external locations or deal with logistical nightmares—your home or office is right there, ready to be transformed into a vibrant backdrop for your brand shoot.
- Authenticity: Shooting in your own space adds an authentic touch, showcasing the real-life environment where you work your magic. It gives your audience an intimate glimpse into your world.
- Cost-cutting ninja: Say goodbye to hefty location fees! Utilizing your own space can save you a significant chunk of change, allowing you to allocate more budget to other crucial aspects of your brand.
CONS:
- Mundane mayhem: Let’s face it, our homes and offices aren’t always picture-perfect. Be prepared to clean up clutter, and rearrange furniture that might not exactly scream “brand aesthetic.”
- Distractions: Say hello to unexpected interruptions, like your mischievous pet or child deciding to photo-bomb the shoot or a noisy neighbor deciding to mow the low or hammer away just when you’re striking your perfect pose.
- Creative Limitations: While your space is cozy and familiar, it might lack the diversity of backdrops and settings that an external location could offer. This could potentially limit the range of shots and visual storytelling options.
When the adorable little one joined our brand shoot at home, it became a make-it-work moment. As a seasoned photographer, I seamlessly integrated her into the shoot alongside her mom, a coach, showcasing their beautiful bond and adding a relatable touch that would resonate with her audience.
Cafe or Restaurant as a Brand Shoot Location
Using a café or restaurant as a brand shoot location can add a touch of charm and sophistication to your visuals. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this unique choice.
PROS
- Insta-ready vibes: The cozy or trendy settings of cafes and restaurants create a readymade ambiance that instantly takes your brand shoot from drab to fab. #NoFilterNeeded.
- Unique decor: The interior decor, quirky furniture, and unique details of a café or restaurant can bring character and depth to your brand imagery and create visual interest.
- Culinary connection: Whether your brand is food-related or you just have that irresistible foodie vibe, shooting in a cafe or restaurant can create a deliciously strong connection with your audience.
CONS
- Limited control: When shooting in a café or restaurant, as a public space, you may have limited control over the environment. Patrons may walk into your frame unexpectedly, or lighting conditions may not be ideal and may require creative problem-solving.
- Privacy and permissions: It is essential to get official permission from the cafe or restaurant owner to conduct your brand shoot. There may be areas that you may not have access to or work within specific hours.
- Brand alignment: While a café or restaurant can provide a unique backdrop, your brand shoot location should align with your brand’s image and values rather than just be a spot to shoot in.
Using a Hotel, AirBnB or Private Brand Shoot Location
This is my favorite choice for a Brand Shoot, as one location can often provide all the diversity you need. From the sleek elegance of hotel suites to the one-of-a-kind charm of Airbnbs and the eclectic range of spaces offered by Peerspace, your brand shoot options are as diverse as they are exciting.
PROS
- Versatility: Hotels, Airbnb, and Peerspace properties often offer a wide range of rooms, themes, and designs, providing many options to match your brand’s aesthetic and story. From luxurious suites to cozy cottages, you can find a setting that perfectly complements your brand image.
- Professional ambiance: These professional backdrops create a high-end and aspirational feel for your brand elevating its perception with your audience, especially if you sell high-ticket products and services. The cool thing is that they come clean, and you don’t have to break a sweat to clean up the clutter.
- Amenities and convenience: Depending on your pick, these spaces may have amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and roof-top views that can add diversity to your shoot. And having on-site services like catering or concierge can make it easier to manage your shoot.
CONS
- Costs and availability: Depending on your pick, the higher-end spaces may come with a substantial fee or have limited availability. This is something to consider and plan in advance and ensure it aligns with your budget.
- Privacy: Depending on the location, you may encounter other guests or visitors during your shoot, which can impact privacy and disrupt the flow of your session.
- Lighting Challenges: While hotels and Airbnb properties can provide fantastic backdrops, they are not all equal. Light can be a factor along with the decor that may not align with your brand story.
Outdoor Spaces as Brand Shoot Location
When it comes to selecting a brand shoot location, the possibilities extend far beyond traditional indoor settings. Outdoor spaces, such as parks, cityscapes, walls adorned with vibrant graffiti, scenic trails, and more, offer a world of potential. Depending on the nature of your business, these outdoor locations can serve as fantastic options to capture the essence of your brand.
PROS
- Authentic scapes: With an inherent authenticity, these locations bring a sense of natural beauty or urban charm to create visual appeal and effortlessly enhance your brand story.
- Variety of Settings: Depending on your location, you have the potential to walk around and explore and create diversity with the environment.
- Natural Lighting: Outdoor shoots benefit from the abundance of natural light, which can create a soft and flattering atmosphere for your photos or videos.
CONS
- Weather Dependency: Outdoor shoots are subject to weather conditions, which can be unpredictable. Rain, strong winds, or extreme heat may disrupt or postpone your shoot, requiring flexibility and backup plans.
- Public Distractions: Parks and outdoor locations are often frequented by other people, which can pose challenges in terms of privacy and unwanted distractions. You may need to plan your shoot during quieter times and some spaces require permits for commercial shoots.
- Limited Amenities: Unlike indoor locations, parks may have limited amenities such as changing rooms, restrooms, or power outlets. It’s important to plan and bring the necessary equipment, props, and backup supplies to ensure a smooth shoot.
When it comes to brand shoots, choosing the right location(s) is a vital decision that can significantly impact your marketing efforts. As a photographer, I understand the importance of collaborating with my clients to ensure their vision aligns with the chosen location.
Without proper guidance, a mismatched location can lead to confusion and disconnect with your audience. That’s why I believe the location should never be an afterthought or solely based on convenience. It should be a deliberate choice that deeply resonates with your brand and connects with your target audience.
If you are a coach, consultant, or service provider in the San Francisco Bay Area and looking for an immersive brand shoot experience, I’m here to help. Get in touch with me, and let’s create a shoot that truly reflects your brand’s essence. And don’t forget to check out my brand shoot gallery for some inspiring examples that can ignite your creativity and inspire ideas for your own shoot.
