Sometimes I find that locating a place to photograph a session is the worst part of the whole thing.

I mean a location will either make or break a session. You want something that captures the client physically, emotional, and spiritually. You want some where they feel themselves at, and this will be communicated (if done correctly) through your images!

As a photographer, you also have to consider locations that have been “over-shot.” For instance, Maymont. Although it’s gorgeous, we all can look at the pictures and tell exactly where they were taken. This can be both a good and bad thing. Sure it’s great for viewers to be able to place themselves at the exact location of your photograph, but then again where’s the mystery? Where’s the creativity?

Instead, I recommend if you have to shoot at an overly shot venue – switch it up. Climb up a random hill to a section of bamboo, if there’s a path, follow it, see what new and exciting things it leads to. You need to keep an eye open for details. Where it be fascinating textures, perfect lighting, whatever. Look for the small things to lead you to the bigger.

Here’s a few from my last session at a courthouse. Who would’ve guessed?