Location scouting (Patreon)

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the process of scouting for photoshoot locations because I get a lot of questions about it. Let me know if this kind of backstage posts are also interesting to you. 

Usually I start without a plan. I just go for a walk and see if there's anything interesting in that particular area. Sometimes I try to visualize how this place would look like in a diffeternt season or in the different time of the day. If I think it's worth it - I usally come back there soon. 

From time to time I have a clear vision of how I want the shot to look like and then I check on google maps if there's anything similar.

The past two years had taught me that one of the most important component to a photo is lighting. That's why (when I can of course) I put a lot of thought into it. I watch the Sun for a bit and see how the rays shine through the leaves or branches and then I come back to the spot at the best time of the day. If you look at the first photo (that I like the most) you can see that it's pretty dark but the Sun rays created those little patches of light that really bring the photo to the next level (If I'll be able to stand in this patch of light it could be a really nice photo, although the only time I am free this week is in the evenings and the Sun will be on the other side). Compare it to the second picture where the light is flat and boring. I really love this stone bridge but I never managed to take a photo there that I truly like and I have a couple more places like that. Doesn't matter the time of the day - I just can't.

I also try to take example photos, as I call them, because this way I can edit the samples and see if I like the colours, shapes, light etc. and I won't waste much time. 

Sometimes I go back to locations I was shooting a long time ago (like in this case) and see if they still inspire me or if I can do something more with them. In this case I remembered that a year ago I wanted to shoot in those ferns but didn't have a chance so next time I am here (probably tomorrow :D) I want to try that. I also would love to take underwater pictures or at least where I am completely submerged (I took some example shots of the water for that). This morning I put my feet in the water and it was really warm!

There's no need to make this post super long. I think I talked about the light enough. I was thinking I could do another on the shapes I am looking for but of course if you have any questions I'll gladly answer them.

Love, Erinthul.