Every photographer has their own preferences when it comes to where they love to shoot. Both indoor and outdoor settings have their own advantages and disadvantages and if you are trying to decide where to have your next photo shoot, here are a few factors to consider:
Things to keep in mind with inside shoots:
Indoors shoots can be ideal for all types of photography sessions. From family portraits to engagement sessions, indoor shoots offer a great deal of versatility. You don’t have to worry about what the weather will be like, scouting out the perfect location and any other distractions that can make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
Many people choose to do an indoor shoot because it can be a more comfortable setting. Often, indoor shoots allow you additional privacy to relax and be able to communicate better with your photographer. With outdoor shoots, you may feel more self-conscious with people passing by or how the wind is blowing your hair.
Indoor shoots, either at a studio or in your own home can be a good fit for shoots that involve younger children. It can be easier to schedule an in home session when there are babies and toddlers because it allows them to be in an environment that they are familiar with. This can also help them act more naturally in front of the camera.
Things to keep in mind with outdoor location shoots:
Outdoor shoots add a different dynamic to images. Being able to utilise the natural sunlight is something that cannot be easily recreated within a studio setting. If you’re looking to use natural light to your advantage, overcast days are perfect for this. The clouds act like a filter and can help soften the harshness of the shadows from the sun. If you don’t live in an area like Seattle where cloudy days are quite common, be aware not to shoot in bright light as your photos will look harsh and your subjects will probably be squinting. The golden hour, which takes place 15 – 20 minutes before sunset up until 15 – 20 minutes after sunset, is the best time to shoot outdoors.
Outdoor settings are great for engagement shoots as well as family photos. You will have more choices of where to shoot and you may also discover that one location will provide a variety of backdrops. While shooting in a public space might make some feel a little more self-conscious with people passing by and wind blowing in their hair, these same factors can make your images much more interesting.
When deciding on a location for your shoot, keep your shoot’s theme as well as your subjects in mind. Preparation also goes a long way in making a certain setting work for you.