Many people often wonder why I prefer studio shoots over location shoots. Here, I'll share some insights into the pros and cons of both to give you a better understanding of my approach.
What Are Studio Photoshoots?
A studio is a dedicated space where photographers can work their magic. They are usually reassoqsnanbly well equipped catering for multiple types of photography, including portraits, and business branding. My studio is filled with professional lighting gear and equipment, ready to create stunning portraits that highlight you at your best.
Advantages of Studio Shoots
- Weather Independence: One of the top benefits of working in a studio is complete freedom from weather conditions. Whether it's raining or intensely sunny, the studio offers a consistent, controlled environment for shoots.
- Lighting Control: In the studio, I have full command over the lighting setup. This means I can create the perfect light balance without worrying about shifting natural light, allowing me to craft images with depth and a touch of drama.
- Convenience and Efficiency: All my gear is already set up in the studio, ready for use. There’s no packing or transporting of equipment, making it easier to focus on the creative aspects of the shoot and streamline the post-session cleanup.
- Artistic Flexibility: Studio shoots make it simpler to create images with a more artistic or painterly feel. The controlled lighting helps achieve moody, low-key images that are harder to replicate in outdoor settings.
- Privacy and Comfort: The studio’s secluded setting can be comforting, especially for those who are camera-shy. With no distractions from onlookers or unexpected passersby, clients feel more relaxed and natural, which translates into better photos.
Drawbacks of Studio Shoots
- Travel: Getting to the studio can sometimes mean battling traffic, which isn't always ideal, especially during rush hours - that even includes Saturdays these days..
- Limited Space for Props: For brand shoots that require unique props or sets, a studio might pose limitations on what can be accommodated.
What Are Location Photoshoots?
Location shoots take place outside the studio, whether it’s a park, a beach, or even your own backyard. These shoots bring a natural and authentic touch, often with backdrops that tell a story.
Advantages of Location Shoots
- Natural Light and Unique Settings: Shooting on location allows for the use of beautiful natural light, adding an organic quality to images. Plus, each location brings its own character and story to the portrait.
- Meaningful Context: A location that holds personal significance can enhance the emotional connection in the photographs, adding a unique layer of authenticity and relatability.
- Expansive Backgrounds: Locations can offer rich, expansive scenes—beaches, cityscapes (read town), or lush gardens—that create visually engaging portraits.
Drawbacks of Location Shoots
- Logistics and Equipment: Packing, transporting, and setting up all necessary gear is time-consuming. I make sure to bring backups for everything, just in case. This process can add hours to the overall time needed for a shoot.
- Weather Uncertainty: Weather can be unpredictable and disruptive. A well-planned outdoor shoot can be halted by sudden rain or harsh sunlight, leading to rescheduling or location changes.
- Environmental Challenges: Photographing in certain locations, such as the windy east coast, can present challenges. Equipment often requires additional stabilization, and backgrounds can be cluttered or distracting, with people or vehicles passing by, leading to missed opportunities while waiting for the perfect shot. It’s also essential to be aware of the tide schedule, whilst understanding that a low tide may not always be as low as expected.
- Artistic Limitations: While outdoor lighting can be beautiful, it’s harder to create the same controlled, low-key, dramatic lighting found in a studio. Balancing natural light with artificial light while making it look seamless can be tricky, especially on bright days.
- Post-Processing Challenges: Outdoor shoots often require more post-processing to control background elements and ensure the images don't look like casual smartphone shots.
- Dominating Backdrop: While the location can tell a story, it’s important that the backdrop doesn’t steal the spotlight. The subject should always be the main focus, with the background playing a supporting role, like an extra in a scene.
- “Pokies”: When shooting on location, it's crucial to avoid objects appearing to stick out from behind a person’s head, like tree branches, poles, horizons, or building edges. I like to refer to these visual distractions as "pokies."
Ultimately, while I enjoy both types of photography, the control, creativity, and ease that come with studio shoots often make them my preferred choice.
The attached images were all shot on location and not in a studio.
Thanks for reading. Please be in touch to learn more about my work and to book a portrait or personal branding session with me.
To contact me, please use this link - https://www.mikeevansportraits.com/contact
To book me, please use this link - https://www.mikeevansportraits.com/book-mike
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