Whenever I book a senior portrait session, typically the first question I am asked is “Where should we go?”. I am always more than happy to supply a list of locations to folks, near or far. But, I thought I would take some time here to delve into the meat of that question: “Where should we go?” and “WHY go there?”
I hope to give a little insight into my own thought process with regards to on-location Senior shooting. Who knows, it may give you a whole new outlook on the whole Senior Portrait experience!
MY FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS
Every place in the world that has a concentration of portrait photographers (which, based on Facebook alone, seems to be every single corner of the Earth) has its “go to” places. Those spots that are always CRAWLING with photographers every weekend and any time the weather gets amazing.
Here’s a secret: I don’t HATE those spots. I see it as a HUGE advantage if I know a spot backwards and forwards. I also see it as a chance to get creative. How many ways can I approach the same area? How can I make it different every time?
In the Stateline WI area, we have a few spots that are wildly popular:
IRONTEK DRIVE DOWNTOWN BELOIT WI
This one is a relatively new “hot spot” and for good reason. It’s lit “spine” of twinkle lights at night, plus its big covered parking garage with old brick and wood, was tailor made for photographers. It's kind of a portrait artists playground.
But, it been USED in the last few years. I don’t know how many portraits have been taken on the new bridge spanning the Rock River, but it has to be bordering on millions.
But, I will continue to offer it up as an option, because OPTIONS. There are so many ways to creatively use that area….including thinking outside the box and venturing into nooks that may not seem very “portrait worthy”.
I always use the bridge, of course, because people love the bridge……but I also ask them to “trust me” when I tell them to crawl behind a dumpster where some cool chipped brick and colorful weeds may be hiding.
BECKMAN MILL BELOIT, WI
The thoughts on Beckman Mill can vary and I’d be lying if I said haven’t ONCE groaned (just a little) in my 13 years at yet another Beckman Mill shoot. But, here’s the thing: Beckman Mill is popular with photographers for a reason. Several reasons. For one, the options there are plentiful. Two, it’s free. Three, it’s beautiful. And Four, it’s big enough to make your way around and avoid the thirty other photographers who may be there.
So, I always try to be totally understanding and upbeat with Beckman Mill, because I get why people pick it. I’d probably pick it too. Beckman Mill is a perfect example of a place where you have to WORK at being innovative, lest you give your clients the same old “stand in front of the barn” picture everyone else has.
MAGNOLIA BLUFF EVANSVILLE, WI
I have a soft spot for Magnolia Bluff. A long time ago (longer than I like to admit to), it was the place kids went if they wanted to escape their parents for a bit. ;) But, it is stunningly gorgeous, especially in the fall. I’m never sad when anyone wants to use it.
GET OUTSIDE THE BOX : THINKING OF INNOVATIVE WAYS TO USE OLD PLACES
I love a challenge. I love to hunt and peck around an area until I find a place where the light is hitting just right or I see a way to frame a subject. Honestly, that’s why you hire a professional, right? They see things in a way a “person with a camera” doesn’t.
I always try to earn my client’s trust and then explain my thought process (best I can…..I recognize sometimes I may sound insane)…..but typically the results speak for themselves.
I love TEXTURE. Even if I’ve been somewhere a million times (like the picture on the LEFT that was taken up by the old stone watertower in Beloit) or never been somewhere before (like the picture on the RIGHT that was taken at a private home), I seek out COLOR and TEXTURE as interesting backgrounds.
Sometimes, I don’t WANT people to know right away where a picture was taken. I feel like I’ve done my job in that respect, if someone can say “That was those old, spiderweb infested bushes outside the watertower?!?!”
Yup. And they look awesome.
Every Senior Portrait season, there’s typically a location I gravitate towards in the midst of a shoot that gets an odd look from the senior….or their parents. Like…..um…..picnic tables? Old flags?
But what I saw here were bright primary colors and movement.
The main theme here is TRUST THE VISION OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. If they say they see something, go with it!
Now, that’s not to say every grand idea works out. Sometimes I’ll set the light up and shoot it and “Ugh….hate it….moving on”. But, I’d say 90% of the time….my instincts were right on.
Like the above LEFT photo was just on a walkway in Downtown Beloit, but it was overcast and there were these black crows flying all over the place. It was moody AF. So, I shot the mood.
The picture top RIGHT was taken right behind Beloit’s Walmart. No joke. I had ALWAYS pictured shooting the wood divider back there, and one of my seniors was game!
The picture on the bottom? Parking lot. But LOOK AT THAT SKY. Pretty sure I made the senior stop what they were doing and run over to that area of the lot. Head in a clear spot and best view of the clouds.
ATHLETIC PORTRAITS THAT DON’T BORE YOU TO TEARS
Pictures in your athletic gear are a given when it comes to Senior Portraits. Making those editorial, creative, and innovative can take some planning.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to local playing fields, but even if I don’t, there are enough “sports adjacent” places in the area where excellent sports pictures can be taken if you don’t have direct access to your home field (especially during COVID)
This picture was taken in a dug out (I believe this was Snappers Field). Dug outs can be found in most public baseball diamonds or softball places as well.
Access to the home field IS always wonderful, because of the colors, the signage, and the comfort of the subject
On the bleachers? Cool. UNDER the bleachers? Little used area and ALSO cool.
Let’s say there’s a huge pandemic raging and you can’t get access to your gym (hey, it could happen!)…..you can take sports themed pictures ANYWHERE. These were in Downtown Janesville. A recognizable area for a Janesville high schooler.
THE ON-LOCATION STUDIO
When people fret about where to go, I always try to ease their worries with the fact that I can pretty much shoot ANYWHERE. Give me a garbage dump…..we’ll make some freakin’ awesome art. But I really love making studio-type portraits on-location. It stretches my lighting ability and let’s me offer studio portraits (which some schools require) even without a studio.
Studio portraits can be shot ANYWHERE (even your own garage) if the shooter knows what they’re doing.
This portrait was taken in a BRIGHT swimming pool area. With lots of natural light. How, you ask? Crafty lighting.
These two portraits were taken up against the exact same blue wall in the senior’s church
This portrait was taken in a high school auditorium/theater up against a black theater curtain
This portrait was taken at a Country Club in their dining room
MAKE IT ABOUT YOU, NOT ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE
The secret sauce in Type A Senior Portraits is that I can make portraits anywhere……and I can make GOOD portraits anywhere. What HELPS is when the senior brings an AWESOME idea. I can’t tell you how much I love to get creative RIGHT ON THE SPOT when the senior hands me some off-the-wall hobby or “prop” they want to use.
So, even if you think it’s not worth incorporating….PLEASE….lug your cello into the woods…..tell me your geekiest idea…..it’s magic making.
The actual location starts to mean LESS when the idea can be incorporated anywhere.
One of the most FUN aspects of shooting somewhere I’ve never shot before is using things I just “come upon”, like this car. Guys….PINK. VINTAGE. CAR. Just freaking sitting in downtown Waterloo, BEGGING TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED. The senior didn’t have to specify an exact location for this….just “hey, let’s check out what downtown Waterloo has to offer”….a LOT, apparently. The senior grew up there, knew the area, and it MEANT something to them.
And that pink car? Well, hot damn, that made my whole season.
The Senior loved Doctor Who…..and I owned a TARDIS. Match made in heaven. Don’t be afraid to bring me your wackiest hobbies and loves. We’ll work ‘em in! Anywhere. This picture was taken in some overgrown weeds behind a building.
You grew up on a farm? Want to use some old farming equipment…..I’m totally game. All you really need is the space to park it.
If you are completely stuck on where to shoot, definitely pick my brain. I’ll probably ask you some questions on your vision and ideas…..hobbies and interests. But, don’t be afraid of picking an old standard (we’ll make it not-so-standard, I promise) or trying something outside the box.
Just remember:
* GET PERMISSION TO SHOOT PLACES (Don’t be that photographer that ruins it for everyone. With that said….STAY OFF THE RAILROAD TRACKS!)
* Trust your photographer’s instincts (and photographers, KEEP PEOPLE SAFE)
* Have fun!!