Scouting for the Perfect Location for My Next Photoshoot
On a recent walk in the field behind my place, I was surprised to see this beautiful dog come running towards me, barking and jumping. Having read meters in a past career, I could tell when a dog was being aggressive or just playing. Luckily, this part St. Bernard, part something else wanted to play! So I took the opportunity to practice my focusing as he ran towards me.
I have been thinking about fall photo sessions lately so when out and about on my walks, I scout different places with my camera in hand. A cell phone would work just as well to capture the setting for future reference, but I like to play with my depth of field and different zoom lenses to see what I can come up with. I am looking for settings, and envision a family in it. Then I make notes for future reference.
Choosing a photo shoot location might seem like a big deal but it really isn't that difficult. Some of the decisions I make are based on the needs of my client. If there are young children in the family I know we will have a limited time to capture great images before someone gets cranky. Three- and four-generation families pose their own unique challenges such as mobility issues for older parents or grandparents.
What attracted me to this field was the dry hay that waved gently in the warm breeze of summer. I could image a family session with children barely tall enough to wander through the soft grasses. After the dog caught up to his master, I carried on with my walk. Just across the field the sun was glinting off the grass near the old wooden steps. Yup, another place to arrange a family group!
A few more hikes in and around Prince George have produced some great locations for family photos. I could imagine a family cresting this beautiful field of wildflowers with a nice sunset backlighting them. And maybe I will be lucky enough to be photobombed by a hawk during my next session!
Sometimes a more solid background, like a brick wall or rustic old building would suit the theme I want to photograph. When driving around the city and countryside, I make note of possible locations, keeping in mind we won't be trespassing on someone's property. If it's not public property or available to the public we might need to get permission first. Railway tracks are owned by the railways, and aside from possibly being dangerous, you can be fined for trespassing by the CN police!
One of my favourite locations is Cottonwood Island Park in Prince George because it offers great settings in all seasons, and is assessible, most of the time. I was just in the right place, right time to catch this little guy scurrying across the bridge. I call this one "Foot Traffic on the Bridge". Cottonwood Island Park is one of go-to locations with winding pathways and bridges that offer a multitude of settings for families.
If you are wanting a fall family session with me, now's the time to book a Fall Family Session for September and October. I'm limiting this promo to ten families this year, so don't wait too long!
Until next time, stay safe and healthy!
Terrill
Terrill Bodner, MPA is an Accredited member of Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) and nationally qualified judge, and is one of a very few professional photographers living in Prince George who have achieved the designation of Master of Photographic Arts from Professional Photographers of Canada.
Terrill specializes in Family Portraiture, Personal Branding and Headshots (in studio and on location), and Fine Art photography.
Her Accreditations include Portraiture, Fine Art/Photo Decor, Animals, Wildlife, Nature, Ornithology/Bird, Botanical, Pictorial/Scenic, Travel Illustration, Stock, and Night Photography.
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