Nikon D300 w/ 18-200mm at 200mm, f/5.6 @ 1/800, ISO 200
I enjoy shooting in the studio, but I really enjoy shooting on location. Sure the studio is great for product shots and a controlled environment, but, for me, there is nothing like shooting portraits on location. Unless you’re working with professional talent, it’s very difficult to get the best out of your models/clients in a studio environment. That controlled environment that makes things so easy for us as photographers is the very thing that kills it for them. Let’s face it. That family of four who wants to do their annual family portrait is going to respond a whole better to a leafy green tree or babbling brook as a back drop than that beautiful new cyc you just installed at the studio.
Obviously, it’s a different matter if you’re shooting professional models or actors looking for headshots, but even they will give you a little bit more if you take them to a location rather than staying at the studio. It’ll be a great break from the normal for both of you. And for your non-professional clients, it’ll give them a greater level of comfort while you point that big noisy camera at them for hour or so.
And don’t be nervous about leaving behind all of that great equipment you’ve worked so hard to get either. You can do incredible things with a single off-camera flash and a reflector. This shot of my 7-year old was captured with the sun as a back light and a gold reflector off to camera right.
So when you’re planning that next portrait session, think about breaking free from your studio and head out to the great outdoors. You’ll love it.
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