Utilizing the Location You Have for An Amazing Photoshoot | Boston Brand Photographer

I want to get real about a game-changing aspect of brand photography – the art of making your chosen location fit you and your photo shoot. I’ve spent years photographing personal brand projects not just in Boston but throughout New England, and I know it can be hard to decide on a location that does everything you want it to and more. So, where do you start?

Location is extremely important as we plan our branding shoot, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be as fancy or overtop as you may believe. Whether you're vibing in your cozy living room or soaking in the cityscape outside, it is possible to make one space the center of your visual storytelling. Trust me, it's all about getting creative in order to create a photoshoot that's as versatile as your brand lifestyle.

My first suggestion to people is always to consider where you’re comfortable working, whether that be your workspace, your office, or even your home. Not every space will be a winner, but often my clients completely overlook the potential of a versatile spot just because they are there every day. Making that space come to life is exactly what’s going to make your brand photos stand out. Don’t feel discouraged because you’re shooting in the spots of your everyday life, get excited! Being familiar in a space not only reflects on you in the photos but also reflects where the guiding force behind your brand comes from.

Bringing the versatility out of the spot we choose is all about maximizing the space. This is done by switching up the looks, poses, and angles, Simple changes in perspective can turn a familiar spot into a whole new visual experience. Remember, it's not just about the location; it's about how you frame your story within it.

If you still don’t believe in the dynamics of your spot, I’ve covered tips on making your workspace look and feel more photogenic, prepping your space with a few small details can make all the difference in the look and feel. My goal is to debunk the myth that you need a glamorous setting for a killer photoshoot. Your living room, your favorite cafe, or that cozy corner in your workspace – they're all potential gems for your photographer. Embrace the simplicity and let your brand personality take center stage.

Photo Shoots in Amazing Locations: Martha’s Vineyard Spotlight with Jill | Boston photographer

The first time I chatted with Jill, she opened up to me about her passions, her business, her life. She wanted to plan her personal brand shoot where she lived, in Martha’s Vineyard, and she had already put more thought and planning into this session than any other client I’ve had. She was working on her brand with Jordan Duvall from Ignite Your Soul Brand and her art direction guide was 20 pages long. 20 pages. Now this could have made me run in the other direction, but it was perfect. Strategic, intentional, and very very well thought out. She had a vision for her images, and I couldn’t wait to help her bring the vision to life.

We had an amazing location and A LOT on our shot list the day of the shoot, so we set up a strict timeline to help us stay organized. It certainly takes a village sometimes and I was so grateful to our team of amazing women - My assistant Gwen, Paula with hair and makeup, as well as styling, and Jill’s two best friends for being an extra set of hands wherever they could (and the perfect hype women as needed).

It was important for us to show Jill’s spiritual side. She offers intuitive healing and guidance to help women become their authentic selves. Her clients choose her because of her open, nurturing, and compassionate nature, so that was an element that we had to make sure we captured throughout the day. She also does akashic record readings (which I had to google it after our first conversation!)

We ended at the beach at sunset - our grand finale after a long day of shooting. It was the perfect magic to wrap a full day. Beautiful sunset, wind in our hair, waves crashing. All said and done, it was a 14 hour day (which I don’t do many of anymore with two toddlers at home), but so worth it.