How to Choose the Ideal Location for Your Photoshoot

@2025 Prisca Lemyre Photography

Choosing where your photoshoot will take place is one of the most important parts of the planning process. It’s what sets the mood, supports the overall aesthetic, and helps create images that align with your personality or your project.

No need to find the perfect location — just one that supports the visual direction, the type of imagery we want to create, and what you want the photos to express. Whether it’s a natural setting, a neutral backdrop or an urban atmosphere, the location plays a key role in the final result.

Here’s how we can clarify this choice together:

✦ Define the type of session

The first question to ask: what kind of session are we planning? A personal portrait, a professional headshot, a lifestyle session, or branding images? Each one calls for a different mood. A professional portrait usually works best in a clean, minimal, neutral setting. A more personal or lifestyle shoot might feel more natural in a warm, textured, or expressive environment.

This first step lays the foundation for everything that follows.

✦ Share a few inspirations

Next, I always ask for a few visual inspirations. Whether it’s saved images from Pinterest, Instagram or elsewhere — the goal isn’t to copy, but to better understand what speaks to you.

Together, we look at what comes up: a certain kind of light, a mood, a type of setting, a composition, a feeling...This helps us clarify your vision and make sure the images we create reflect what you had in mind.

✦ Define the atmosphere you’re looking for

Once we’ve gathered ideas and inspirations, we translate that into a real-world location.

Are we going for something calm, soft, and grounded? Or something more dynamic, lively, and urban? Do you prefer a neutral backdrop, a studio space, or an outdoor location with natural textures?

These kinds of questions help us narrow the visual direction — and filter out anything that doesn’t serve the vision.

✦ Suggestions and final decision

From there, I dig into my list of reference locations — spots I’ve tested, bookmarked, or fallen in love with — and send you a few suggestions that could work well.

Sometimes, a fresh idea comes up in that moment: a space you hadn’t thought of, but that makes perfect sense once you see it.

We talk it through together and choose what resonates most.

What matters most : How to Choose the Ideal Location for Your Photoshoot

The most important part of the whole process? Clear, open communication. I'm here to guide you, help refine your vision, and make sure the location we choose for your photoshoot truly supports what we’re creating together.

The goal is for you to feel confident and proud of the images we’ll make.

Have you ever fallen in love with a shoot location? — feel free to share your favorite places in the comments!