Tips for scouting a new location / los altos family photographer
As a photographer, I am always keeping my eye out for new photography locations. I have spent countless hours driving around looking for spots, checking the light, practicing in different areas and asking friends/neighbors for any locations they may know of. I found my latest location by exploring different areas of McClellan Ranch Preserve. Here are a few things I look for when finding a new location:
Parking - is their parking for my clients and is it easily accessible? I need to make sure my clients have a safe and easily accessible place to park.
Backgrounds - I need to make sure I have beautiful backgrounds when I’m facing the sun (sun is always to the side or behind my clients). I look for foliage and large trees to help filter the light. I make sure there are no distracting houses/buildings, parking lots, streets, signs, trash cans, etc. in my backgrounds.
Variety - are there places that my clients can sit and stand? I look for bridges, steps, rocks, tree stumps, fallen branches, benches, etc. to add variety to my posing.
Distance - I always keep in mind how far I will be making my clients/families walk to get to our location. I am always upfront with clients if there will be a bit of walking involved. For families with small children, I always recommend locations that aren’t too far from the parking lot.
Here are a few images from my latest sessions at the new location I discovered. There was easy parking, minimal walking, and a variety of areas with different spots to sit/stand. I can’t wait to use this spot for lots of fall photos this year!
