When To NOT Use A Studio Location
There are many options for London Ontario photographers when it comes to choosing the best location for headshot and personal branding photos.One of the first questions I’m often asked by other photographers is where to find the best locations to photograph headshot and personal branding clients. Why would I recommend NOT using a studio for EVERY client? Sometimes there is no studio close by or the background becomes an important part of the message. In those cases, I make sure that the background adds to the message rather than detracts. Let me give you some examples:
Example 1:
In this example, because this is an architect firm, the background was especially important to these clients. Their space was gorgeous and it was essential that we showcased this in their branding session. Lighting was also a consideration. Light was coming from the windows as well as from the multiple light fixtures in the room. I wanted a balanced look so there is a strobe just off camera left. It is subtle, but it helped to minimize the shadows on their faces. Notice how their placement also is centered on the windows behind them. All the details matter in a photo like this.
Example 2:
This is a Simon Fraser University lab team headshot. I didn’t have much time available to scope out the location in advance because I was traveling from out of town. I guess this isn’t a London, Ontario example, but I thought I would throw it in.
When it came to choose the space for the headshots, I was limited by the fact that I didn’t have a strobe with me (since I was traveling). I actually tested 4 different locations before I settled on this space. SFU architecture mixes the concrete with the wood and the glass, so I knew that it was important to include elements of each of these. I also needed the natural light to work with me and not against me. The light coming from the windows behind them, gave a beautiful cast of backlighting that really helped the look of the headshots. I also had window light coming from camera right as well as a makeshift reflector to help. I think the final effect was exactly what the team wanted.
The lesson here, was to be patient and test. And that you can make things work in all kinds of situations, using just what you have.
Example 3:
This is also the same team from SFU but this time a group photo. Same issues as before of not having a strobe with me so I had to get creative. I am squatting down in a doorway that we jammed open to bring some light flooding onto their faces. This allowed a nice light to overtake the overhead, unflattering lights. Again, the windows that are behind them helped to define them as separate from their background. I think we nailed it.
Example 4:
This client wanted to do his personal branding session in his own home. He lives and works in one of the premier buildings in the city so it was an easy yes. My job was to seek out those unique nooks that matched his brand and esthetic while staying true to who he is. This photo shows him with his favourite mug in his kitchen. The tones of the flowers and the roofs of the buildings in the hand painted mural really tied this together. If the flowers had competed rather than complimented the photo, I would have moved them out of camera view.
Example 5:
This client also wanted to have his branding shoot in his home. We got fantastic images showcasing his piano and his office, but there is always a need for a straightforward headshot. I had noticed his garage door when I first arrived to his house and suggested that we do it there. It worked perfectly! The texture gave a little interest without being too distracting and the colour tones worked perfectly for his brand.
7 Locations for London Ontario Photographers to do personal branding sessions
Western Campus
Alley by Spageddy Eddy's
Springbank Park
London Health Sciences Centre
Client's Own Office
Client's Own Home
My Studio
