Does your photographer make the decision for you when it is time to choose a portrait session location? Or, do you do that yourself?
We love to work together with you in making that decision. Since we offer assistance during our process, we learn about you and your family or high school senior to decide what location would be best for you.
There are several locations that are our favorites, that work great and we are familiar with, and then there are the hidden gems that no one has ever thought of.
What goes into deciding what is a good location?
For us, there are several factors.
1. Do we need a permit?
2. Does the location suit who we are photographing?
3. Is there variety within the location?
4. How crowded is it?
5. Is it safe?
There are other factors, but these are some of the most important ones.
STUDIO SESSIONS
Studio sessions are usually perfect for everyone. First, you do not need a permit, so there is usually no extra cost. If the photographer you are working with rents a studio, or shares the space with someone else, he or she might pass the rental cost on to you. At our studio, there is no extra cost.
Second, the location usually suits everyone, depending on the size of the group and the size of the studio. For example, our studio is about 13 feet wide, so we would not be able to accommodate more than 8 or 9 people. But, some other studios are large enough to do that! Our studio also suits just about everyone, as long as you like the studio look-we photograph children, families, high school seniors and more!
Third, is there variety at a studio? At ours, yes! We have several backdrops to choose from, and you are welcome to bring many different changes of clothing. So, if you are looking at other studios, see if the option to change backdrops and have multiple clothing changes exists, as that will give you a lot of variety.
Fourth-how crowded is the location? Ours is only as crowded as how many people you bring! Plus, we have two large client rooms off our camera room, so if a family member was not being photographed and would prefer to be somewhere else, there is that option! Our camera room is about 23 feet long by about 13 feet wide, so there is space, but the other two rooms are available as well. So, check with your photographer to see how large the space is that you are using to be sure it will accommodate the people you would like to bring along.
Fifth-Is it safe? Our studio is very safe. :) We take pride in being sure cords are not accessible and/or trip hazards, plus anything that needs to be out of little ones hands is either tucked away or high out of reach! So, be sure, the studio you are looking at is child friendly, and there are no tripping and/or other hazards.
ON LOCATION SESSIONS
What about locations outside the studio? Many families and high school seniors prefer having an outdoor location for their portrait session. One of the disadvantages of an on location session, is that it is weather dependent. The advantage of having a studio session is that it is not dependent on the weather. You can always go to a studio if it is raining or snowing out. With an outside location, it is somewhat weather dependent.
The image above was taken at Bliss Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove, IL, and is a great location for most families, children and high school seniors.
First, you do not need a permit.
Second, it does suit the majority of clients, depending on what type of "background" they prefer. It has open areas, and walking paths that lead to a forest area, which leads us to the third question-
Third-Is there variety? Yes! But, expect to do a lot of walking. So, if you have elderly or physically challenged family members, this might not be the place for you. Unless, you do not mind staying in one place. The paths are gravel, not paved, so walking on that can be cumbersome. But, if you like variety, the woods, bridges, streams, and a general "outdoorsy" look, this is a great location. A HUGE bonus is having a portrait session here in the fall under the many, many beautiful oak trees in the fall colors!
Fourth-How crowded is it? I have never been here and seen a plethora of people. Plus, it is so large, you will have plenty of space to yourselves even if there are many people here. There are hardly any distractions.
Fifth-Is it safe? This area is in a very safe location but just be cautious of the fallen tree limbs, gravel paths, and other natural hazards.
Do you like an urban setting? If so, check out downtown Aurora, IL.
The above image was taken on the side of a building that was covered in beautiful vines.
Do you need a permit? Depending on what type of session you are having-you might! For a regular family, child or high school senior session utilizing the buildings, sidewalks, and river area, no.
Does this location suit the family/senior/child who is being photographed?
This location is ideal for high school seniors and for one or two adults. I would not recommend it for families, unless you ventured onto the sidewalks and alleyways where there is a lot more room. The staircase that the senior is standing on goes up the entire side of the building, and is very narrow. Plus, there are not a lot of areas here where children can run. Parents would need to be keeping a very watchful eye on their children at all times! So, this location is our choice for adults and high school seniors.
Is there variety?
A lot! Expect to do a lot of walking! There is a lot of variety in downtown Aurora, IL, BUT-you have to walk-A LOT, to get to it. So, once again, great for adults and high school seniors, and for those looking for variety and are willing to walk to get to it.
How crowded is it?
Depending on time of day, you can walk around downtown Aurora and not see anyone out-only those in their cars. There is a lot of car traffic, just not a lot of foot traffic. But, that can make for a lot of distractions~
Is it safe?
Yes! As mentioned, though, it is a city, so there is a lot of car traffic~ Stay on the sidewalks and you will be fine!
There are many beautiful locations to have your portrait session. In addition to the ones above, some of our other favorites are-
1. Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva, IL-this location is great for families, children, and high school seniors, no permit is required, and there is a TON of variety within the preserve. It is VERY crowded, usually, depending on time of day, and there is a lot of walking involved to get to the different areas.
2. Hudson Crossing Park in Oswego, IL-this is a fantastic location for all ages with minimal walking and a good variety of areas. No permit is required, but is is usually VERY crowded as well.
3. Jay Woods in Plano, IL. -a hidden gem. This location has a very short trail, beautiful woods, some variety and a great big red barn! No permit, hardly ever crowded, and provides a beautiful setting with minimal walking.
4. Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville, IL-If you love big red barns, this is your place! Not only do they have a massive red barn that provides a beautiful backdrop for images, but there are a slew of other options as well. Still, more in tune with nature, than an edgy downtown location, but you will still have a good variety in your session. There is more walking involved, usually not too crowded where we go, and no permit is needed!
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