There's nothing like having a great location in photography. So many ideas both planned and spontaneous can be exploited when looking to achieve results that can totally break away from the norms of everyday expectations. Having a great place to work with is more then just pretty trees and a nice fountain but all the components that make up a location to give possibilities of composing, lighting and posing to another level beyond what can be done in studio. Granted the logistics may be more difficult but the work pays off when you've got all your ducks in order to rock out a location to the fullest!
“The images in inside your mind is the foundation to creation”
First of all before even considering a location, what are main things to figure out proper to the subject? In what context are you doing the work for? Is this for an artist? Then what kind of image or brand do they wish to project? You don't have to have all the answers on the spot but getting clear on the brainstorming will give you a better idea in finding the best location for your current project. Going through a game plan with whomever your working with will greatly help in the process for finding what's right. But if your pressed for time and don't have the luxury of finding your ideal location then your next level in mastery comes from finding the best in whatever location you have in a pinch.
Getting into the details, what makes a great location is more than just the external qualities of what your eye sees but in the vision you have to bring to the table. In all honesty every location has something to offer be it on the street, downtown or right out your front door. It's your ability to bring out the best elements of a particular space and bring it to life. There are certain "rules and laws" that make up the foundation of great imagery. I'm not going to discuss it all here but know that with enough research and practice, getting acquainted with the elements will make any location a gem waiting to be uncovered.
When It Comes To The Foundations Of Photography...
What is the light like?
How can a pose be expressed in the space?
How can composition tie all the elements together?
“The world is your creative studio”
Each major element in photography can be explored in their own universe. For example light can have a certain quality in a particular location or bringing your tools to shape it will bring out a quality unique to that area. If a location is not big on its lighting qualities then using your flash, reflectors and LEDs can compensate and bring out the other elements that shine most. Know that the light the sun creates is always changing so if a particular location is not big on lighting in that moment it may be best to come by around morning or evening. Things are never static when it comes to outdoor locations. Be mindful of the area your in and look for the qualities of lighting.
Expression within the qualities of the location bring out the personality of the space. A body can express thousands of emotions in many shades and colors. Think of any emotion and it can be expressed in a face, posture or lack of it all together. When locations are minimal, posing gets to have a spotlight. With the only stimulation coming from the subject itself. Actors and models can make your job easier but in most cases if your taking portraits of people who don't know the art of posing then it's on you to bring that out. Your skills in the vision you hold and the communication brought forth will help create a result that brings both you and your subject to another creative level. Remember that it's simply a collaboration so bounce the ideas between each other to keep things fresh.
When all other elements need context then that's where composition ties in. The final foundation which brings closure to the frame. Understand that what you put into the frame is everything in the composition. That's your limitation. But at the same time your free to choose whatever you want in it. From geometric shapes to the little things like windows or textures, Placing the frame in a certain way in combination with the qualities of the space helps you bring out the character of the location. How you place your subject in relation to the frame can give an entirely new result while maintaining the same pose and lighting. Remember you just don't have the center to work with. Think of all the four corners you have at your disposal. Simply moving one way or another will create a different mood. Explore the limitations of your box as much as possible.
Locations may seem like a tricky thing to tackle but when you get your foundations right, you'll be able to turn any place into an ideal piece of work. It does demand your full concentration but if your willing to study and experiment then eventually you'll be able to see gold in what others perceptive as nothing at all. All elements are present in a location. It's just one has the spotlight over the other. Find the one that does and use the others as a way of supporting it. That way you'll never be out of ideas when on a location. Having the world as your photography studio to test and explore.
Keep Snappin'!
Chris From MKMI Photo