How to Choose the Right Location for Your Personal Brand Shoot

When planning a personal brand shoot, personally one of my favorite production elements is figuring out the beautiful locations that will serve as the backdrop for your brand story.

I love shooting in my entrepreneur clients’ offices, studios and homes, as well as endless outdoor options around Northern California and on the road. But often, we also utilize a rented home studio location (check out my 5 go-to resources here).

As you’re planning a brand shoot and scrolling through endless beautiful options on sites like Peerspace or Home Studio, what makes a good location specifically for photos? For me, here are the five musts…

1. The right light

I know, I know photographers loooove talking about “good light” but it truly makes a world of difference, and is oh so flattering too. When browsing space, look for big windows.

Don’t hesitate to ask hosts about the light in the rooms you love most, or which times of day it’s extra bright or a dim.

If you’re in love with a space, and worried it may be a bit dark, be sure to communicate that with your photographer so they can bring the right lighting gear to help you look your best.

2. Aligned aesthetic

Have you ever been on vacation, and purchased something that flows with your vacay vibe… only to return home to a totally different environment, and never wear it again? Like a flowy dress in balmy Bali, only to return to 60 degree summers in SF…

Picking a shoot spot can be similar, something may catch your eye but you need to consider if it really feels like your go-to, everyday style. It should compliment your wardrobe, align with your brand design and just feel like a space you’d actually work or live in.

I know it’s tempting with so many beautiful, artistic spots out there, but stick with your style and you won’t regret it.

3. Less is often more

Ultimately with personal branding, we want the attention on YOU and what you do. And per usual, I think white space is everything… even in real spaces.

If a location is over styled or busy with art or trinkets, that’s where the viewers eye will go. Start with spaces that have a bit more simplicity, then you can always add in your own props that represent your style and story too.

4. Plenty of space(s)

There have been a few times when I’ve landed in a space that’s about half as big as the photos appear (SF problems). So, ensure there’s plenty of space to shoot in. Don’t be shy to ask questions to the host, either.

Even better, book spot with a variety of spaces and backgrounds too. If you’re investing in a home studio, ideally it has multiple rooms so you have plenty of variety in backdrops. The goal is to fuel your content and social for months, so variety helps keep things balanced.

Put your core room or element first… if you’re a health coach whipping up recipes that may be a nice kitchen, or if you’re a digital entrepreneur it could be a pretty desk space.

5. Awesome neighborhood

Before booking a personal brand shoot location, I always peek on a map to see exactly where it is.

With brand shoots, I aim for a lot of variety and often add some outdoor locations to the mix. Whether it’s a great city street, a nearby neighborhood park or a sidewalk cafe with tables, maximize your time by picking a great indoor location that’s close to a great outdoor spot too.

want me to curate a list of locations for your shoot?

I’m here to help, for any locations! Book a 1:1 one hour consulting call, and I can support you with planning your own shoot!