Portrait locations? Finding and using...

[Vrinda]

I'm planning on taking more portraits than I have done before, and setting up shoots rather than just taking spontaneous photos, and I was wondering if anyone has tips on how to find or choose good outdoor locations for portrait shoots.

Some questions I've been thinking about:

• Do you have favorite locations that you keep bringing people to?
• Do you go places that are special to your subject/client?
• If you go to places they choose, do you go beforehand to scout the place out?
• What are your favorite types of locations? e.g. natural environments, urban landscapes etc...
• Do you incorporate the surroundings into the photo, or do you use a short depth of field to make the person stand out even more?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these, or on anything that you think I might like to know!

[OsmosisStudios]

I keep a mental list of places that I'd like to shoot in at all times, and I'm constantly adding to it. When I think of a shoot I'd like to do, or have someone tell me of something they'd like to do, I go through my list and see what I can do.

How I shoot it depends on what im trying to do. Generally Im shooting around f/4-5.6, but that depends on the area and the look im trying to achieve

[Benji]

Originally Posted by Vrinda

Some questions I've been thinking about:
1. Do you have favorite locations that you keep bringing people to?
2. Do you go places that are special to your subject/client?
3. If you go to places they choose, do you go beforehand to scout the place out?
4. What are your favorite types of locations? e.g. natural environments, urban landscapes etc...
5. Do you incorporate the surroundings into the photo, or do you use a short depth of field to make the person stand out even more?[/LIST]
I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of these, or on anything that you think I might like to know!

1. Yes. The name of the game is beautiful images of the subject's faces. Since the background is secondary I found a number of spots with good lighting and groomed them by mowing and pruning (I own the spot.) I use this area as often as possible because I don't like surprises.
2. I will go on location but they will pay an additional charge, whereas if they go to "my" spot I don't charge extra.
3. I ALWAYS scout out the area. Suprises are for birthday parties not portraits.
4. I like lots of trees with lots of green leaves in the background.
5. Depends on circumstances and the lighting.

Benji

[SuperDan]

I think that I am like all other photographers and am always thinking of that next shot...
and for my portrait work outside, yes I scout them out early and all... even maybe taking a few shots to see what it looks like once shot, and also helps to set up a little...

I agree with Os as shooting in the 4/5.6

[JAD40]

1. I have a few favorite places if they don't have a location for preference.
2. If they have a place, I am happy to go there.
3. Yes, so that I can get some ideas. I am also constantly scouting out my favorite places because they change little by little everyday.
4. I like to go to state parks. Here in the country they have giant empty fields, woods, ponds, trails, etc...
5. If they background will add to the photo then I include it.