Location, Location, Location… My Process for Location Scouting

Location scouting is a big part of a photographer’s job. One of the biggest decisions about the photoshoots is: Where are we going to have it?

Obviously, you’re always the shining star in your session, but the background can really set the tone of the shoot!

Something I like to consider is what you’re looking for from your session. Do you want a woodsy, mystical vibe? A daytime date in town vibe? Or maybe you want a beach session! All of those details, which we talk about during consultation, help me recommend a location to you.

I recently did an engagement session at Treehouse Brewery’s Cape Cod location. I had been planning a session with this couple for a few months, and we went tossed around a couple of locations before finally settling on the brewery. Here’s a behind the scenes look at how that process went!

First, the couple suggested the Hartford Reservoir in West Hartford. I had never been there before, so naturally, I made a trip to explore and take some test shots. It’s a gorgeous spot with gravel trails that take you around the entire reservoir, with tall evergreens on the other side. I sent the couple a few photos along with my thoughts about the best places to shoot, details about the terrain, and parking info.

Since we were discussing doing an outfit and location change during our shoot, I took a look around Auerfarm State Park, which is only about 10 minutes away from Hartford Reservoir. The hilltop overlook, orchard trees, surrounding mountains and proximity to the Reservoir were perfect for what we were looking for.

Then, a few weeks before our photoshoot, the couple asked if it would be okay to go to a different location completely: Treehouse Brewing out in Sandwich, MA. If you’re a beer lover who enjoys the beach and you haven’t made it to that location, here’s your recommendation. It’s beautifully made with the interior bright white with large windows, a deck balcony, picnic tables with drink trucks outside, and easy access to the beach. The brewery meant a lot to this couple as beer lovers. Many of their dates were spent exploring new breweries, and with family in the Cape, a lot of weekends were spent there too.

Being over two hours from my house, I didn’t really have a chance to scope out the location in person like I was able to for Hartford Reservoir or Auerfarm State Park. But I didn’t show up to the brewery unprepared. How did I scope it out without going in person? Google Earth. I love using Google Earth to check out a spot even if I’m planning to go in person. It gives me a good idea of the terrain and areas that will work best for us. And of course photos from others helped me plan!

Even though I couldn’t check out the location firsthand, Google Earth and a bit of online sleuthing had me feeling pretty confident. I mapped out spots for some beautiful shots and got a sense of the best angles. It turned out to be the perfect spot for them—capturing their love for craft beer, the Cape, and each other.

Sometimes the best locations are the ones that mean the most to you, and I’m so glad we ended up here.