Location and Photography

[APhotoSchool]

One of the most overlooked aspects for many different types of photography is location. We are taught composition, framing, lens choice, flash, settings, etc…. but location is often forgotten.

Look at any great movie and notice how cool the locations are that the scenes are taking place in. For Hollywood Movies, a location scouting photographer is hired to drive all over and find locations that fit certain scenes. This helps make the whole movie more dramatic and strong, and can do the same for your images.

Any great image taken in a standard unexciting location, could be 100x better had it been taken in a beautiful, strange, industrial, or unique location. Basically any location that is not the typically everyday look that most people see. This is why travel photographers have such strong images. Much like Movie location scouts, they travel the world looking for the best locations to create the most unique shots.

This is not to say that all the settings for the camera and framing aren’t important, the image however is stronger when taken in a better location. If you find that your portfolio is static and unexciting, maybe it’s time for a location boost. Find a unique and scenic area to take your images to the next level.

Now that you know this often forgotten “secret” to great photography, get out there and start scouting. You’ll portfolio will thank you.

Authors Connor Walberg and Daniel Milchev are both published professional action photographers, and together run Action Photo School. A website dedicated to teaching all aspects of action photography. Whether you’re an established action photographer, or just starting to shoot action, Action Photo School is the place for you!

[Andrew435]

Cool post on an often overlooked aspect. Like the Strobist says, "always remember that the ability to light something the way you want is only a tool to amplify the original idea. If you do not have an *idea* to amplify, light is not gonna make a difference."

[APhotoSchool]

Originally Posted by Andrew435

Cool post on an often overlooked aspect. Like the Strobist says, "always remember that the ability to light something the way you want is only a tool to amplify the original idea. If you do not have an *idea* to amplify, light is not gonna make a difference."

Thanks, I really like that quote, fits perfectly!

[Doug Sundseth]

“If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” – Jim Richardson, Nat'l Geo. Photographer

[daajaa]

These are all great quotes, and that's why we have such a great passion for action sports. Not only that we get to experience the sports but we also get to go to amazing location that are hard to explain with words! Good thing we got cameras in our hands