📍 How to Find the Perfect Photoshoot Location – My Personal Checklist
Hey you! I’m Xenia – I’m 28, a photographer, a vanlifer and forever chasing beautiful light and raw moments around the world. One question I always get asked is: How do you pick the perfect location for a photoshoot?
Good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated – and you don’t need the fanciest spot to get amazing photos. I want to share my personal checklist with you so you know exactly what I look for when planning a shoot – and what makes a spot truly special.
✨ 1️⃣ The Vibe – Does It Match You?
First things first: the location should feel like you. Do you love wild mountain views? Golden fields? Moody forests? Urban backdrops? Maybe your favorite beach or a hidden corner of your hometown? The more personal the place, the more connected you’ll feel during the shoot – and trust me, it shows in your photos.
✨ 2️⃣ Privacy – Less Crowds, More Comfort
I always try to pick locations where you can relax without feeling like there’s an audience. Nobody wants to pose with 50 strangers watching, right? So I usually look for spots that are a little off the beaten path – quiet beaches, hidden trails, or sunrise sessions when most people are still in bed.
✨ 3️⃣ Light – The Secret Ingredient
The prettiest place can look dull in bad light. Soft light is magic! I always check where the sun rises and sets – golden hour is our best friend. Open fields? Amazing at sunset. Forest? Perfect for soft, filtered light during the day. I’ll guide you on the best time, so we get that dreamy glow.
✨ 4️⃣ Accessibility – Can We Get There?
I love adventure, but we don’t want to hike three hours with three outfit changes and kids in tow (unless you’re up for it!). So I make sure the spot is accessible and realistic for your shoot – parking, short walk, maybe a bathroom nearby. Practical stuff matters too. If you do love to hike and you want to do a big scramble, let me know :D.
✨ 5️⃣ Season & Weather – Is It Right Now?
Some places look incredible in spring, others shine in fall colors. I always check how the spot will look now – are the flowers blooming? Is the snow gone? What’s the weather like? Sometimes we need a Plan B location just in case the weather changes last minute.
🌍 What I Do Differently in Each Country
This is something I absolutely love about being a traveling photographer – every country is unique!
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In Europe: I often look for mountain spots, old villages, hidden lakes, and make sure we respect private land. I always double-check local rules – in places like Switzerland or Austria, fields and trails can be on private farms!
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In Australia: Beaches, coastal cliffs, wide open fields – but I also watch out for tides and wildlife. Sometimes we shoot barefoot with salty hair – and it’s perfect.
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In Canada: Wilderness vibes all the way! Lakes, forests, wildflowers – but also safety. I plan around wildlife (bears!) and make sure locations are safe and reachable with my van.
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Anywhere: I always scout in person or check recent photos online – because Google Maps doesn’t always show the real magic!
🗺️ My Tip for You
If you don’t have a dream spot yet, don’t stress – that’s what I’m here for. I’ll suggest locations based on your vibe, your story, and the light. And if you already have a place in mind – even better! Tell me why it’s special, and we’ll make it work.
Finding the perfect spot is all about making you feel at home – so you can be yourself, have fun, and create moments you’ll love forever. If you’re ready to plan your shoot, just send me a message – and let’s find your perfect place together. 🌿✨
👉 Contact me: fineprintsbyxenia@gmail.com | @fineprintsbyxenia
Can’t wait to explore with you!
Xenia 🙂