Unique advice on how to locate breath-taking sites and secure permission to utilise them. Use your ideas and ingenuity to be innovative and add distinctive touches to the ordinary. Before bringing a customer there, always get permission. While some places charge a fee for photography, others completely forbid it.
Simply move on to another venue if you are rejected. Most of the time, you’ll get the go-ahead, and owners are frequently thrilled that you think their property is deserving of use. If you want to take pictures of your best friend, they might know of a spot you could utilise. Additionally, a lot of small, locally owned companies are happy to let you take pictures inside their establishment if you need a few shots of it for websites or advertising. Check to see if something can be moved before doing so.
Although hardly every photographer has a dedicated indoor studio, it is sometimes necessary to shoot a session indoors. Maybe it’s frigid outside and you don’t want to go outside. Perhaps you simply want something new and unusual. Perhaps the structure you’re photographing holds special value for you or the person you’re photographing.
Whatever your motivation, if you want to capture inside portraits, you’ll need to choose the ideal indoor photography venue. And that’s exactly what I’m about to provide in this article: all of my exclusive tips for identifying breathtaking locations (plus how to get permission to use them). With luck, they’ll assist you in finding the ideal location for your next session!
Always Keep An Eye Out
Keep your “photography eyes” open wherever you go. You might be shocked at how many sites can be transformed into a great venue once you start looking. Some unusual and intriguing indoor shooting venues could be:
- photographs of family members in the library
- model portfolio photographs in a city structure
- a laundry engagement session
- a dance class in a hotel lobby
- Portraits of a mother and her toddler in a supermarket store
- a bridal session at a big old mansion, a museum, a charming bed and breakfast, a roller-skating rink, a university building, a furniture store, a toy store, or a candy store (the possibilities are limitless!)
Look for good lighting, open spaces, fascinating backgrounds, and interactive elements. Consider whether there are a lot of people nearby who you might wind up bothering, or if it’s a pretty quiet location where you can picture in peace. Make the everyday special by using your imagination and ingenuity.
Always Seek Permission
When you’ve discovered a location for a shooting, make sure to get permission before bringing a client there.
I feel that asking in person is usually the best option; the staff/owner can see who they’re talking to, and they’ll be lot less resistant if they see your kind, smiling face. If you must inquire over the phone, be professional and courteous. Remember, they must be at ease with you walking in with a camera setup and a model/client in tow.
If you prefer a place but don’t know who owns it, look up city or county records or ask a nearby building if they know who owns it. It may take some time and effort, but before shooting, you should always find out who owns the property. If you trespass, you bring a poor name to all photographers.
In reality, I’ve had many photoshoots when I call to ask permission and the owner expresses his gratitude for bothering to ask. They frequently voice their displeasure with other photographers who begin shooting without asking. (Obviously, they don’t mind people being there because they allow me to picture on their property, but they always enjoy being asked first.)
Also, keep in mind that some places, such as museums or theme parks, allow you to take photographs inside, but you must pay the admission charge.
Other locations require a fee for photography, while others do not allow cameras at all. If you take out your camera in either of those sites without first seeking permission, you could face hefty fines. It isn’t worth it. Ask, and if you are turned down, simply move on to another location.
Remember, it never hurts to inquire. Most of the time, you’ll be granted permission – and owners are typically delighted that you think their facility is worthy of being used for an inside picture.
Find An Owner Who Will Benefit As Well
I needed a location where I could bring gorgeous kids for Valentine’s Day photos, but I wasn’t sure who would want several kids and families traipsing in and out of their company. Then I came across a lovely tiny candy shop that was nicely adorned and full of delectable sweets and delights.
In the end, my photographic clients came in and out all day for their sessions, and they spent a lot of money on sweets. Many visitors had never seen the small hometown business selling homemade caramel apples and every type of confectionery imaginable. They were overjoyed to have found it. I ended up with a beautiful location for my Valentine’s Day photography, and the owner received a lot of additional business as a result.
Look for locations that could benefit from your photoshoot, and chances are the owner will be pleased to let you use their space (free of charge).
Also, many small, locally-owned businesses want a few images of their institution for websites and advertising, or simply a fast headshot, and would be delighted to let you photograph there in exchange for a snapshot or two.
Find Your Connections
Do you know anyone who owns a charming tiny bed and breakfast? Do they have a job at a museum? You might be able to get your foot in the door and picture at that area if you are hired to photograph that pal.
If the photoshoot goes well, your friend/client may be willing to let you bring additional people back to the property!
You can also consider your larger friend network. Even if you do not intend to photograph your best friend, they may have a link to a location that you could use for your shoots.
However, be cautious not to ask for too much, and avoid putting anyone in an awkward situation. Don’t push it if you believe a friend is unwilling to allow you utilise a location. A little courtesy goes a long way, and you don’t want to be known as the photographer to avoid at all costs. Relationships are more essential than having a cool site to picture, so take this advice with caution.
Be The Best Guest Possible
Once you’ve been granted authorization to utilise a location, never, ever, ever allow anything to be destroyed or harmed. The entire location should be left exactly as found.
If you need to relocate something, make sure it’s okay first. When you’re finished, replace it.
Keep an eye out for what’s going on around you, especially if you’re photographing children. You are responsible for what occurs during your session, and you never want to incur a large repair fee or lose a friendship as a result of your carelessness.
Remember that when you photograph on public or private property, you are representing not only yourself, but all photographers. If you make it a bad experience for the owners, you will lose the option for future sessions for yourself and any other photographers who might think about asking permission.
Please don’t be a sloppy photographer that destroys things for everyone else. Instead, make such an excellent first impression that all photographers will be welcomed with open arms.
Conclusion
So there you have it: five tips for finding the ideal interior photographic venue. If you follow the advice I’ve given above, you’re likely to come across some stunning settings that you’ll be able to use for years to come.
