Resources for Location Scouting & On-Location Shoots
Are you looking for checklists, guides, and other resources that you can use to plan your next on-location photo shoot or video shoot? If so, check out the resource(s) below and stay tuned for new tools in the near future.
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Top Tips for Location Scouting: Top 4 Photo Shoot & Video Shoot Challenges!
I love shooting on location! In fact, last week’s blog focused on the seven reasons why you should consider organizing your next photo shoot or video shoot on location! But in all honesty, there are times when it can be really challenging.
So this week, I’m going to focus on some of the issues you should consider when deciding whether or not to book your photo shoot or video shoot at a venue! Specifically, weather, noise, the general public and cost. Watch the vlog below or read the rest of the blog!
Challenge #1 – Weather
If you’re planning an outdoor shoot, always try to check the weather a few weeks in advance to determine if it makes sense to go on location. While the monthly forecast won’t provide information on the exact weather conditions you will encounter, it’s good to have an general idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
Case in point: In 2018, I filmed several of my travel show episodes in and around Ottawa, Canada. I planned to film a few of the episodes outdoors, but three weeks before I was scheduled to travel, I noticed that there was an extreme weather warning in the region. I’d gotten frostbite while ice fishing in Canada (true story), so I knew that a weather warning was no joke!
I started preparing, and by the time I boarded the plane with my crew, we were fully equipped with warm clothes and boots, hand warmers, ski masks, and more. We also had enough time to develop strategies to ensure that we didn’t ruin our expensive equipment in the below freezing weather. We all came back with our fingers, toes, and camera equipment intact!
Challenge #2 – Noise
In addition to preparing for the weather, if you’re planning a video shoot, think about whether or not you need a quiet space. If people are talking, there’s traffic outside or planes are flying overhead, will the noise negatively impact the shoot? If so, you may want to consider shooting in a studio or finding a location that is very, very, very quiet.
But how will you know if it’s quiet? You may have to visit the location on the same day and at the same time as when you plan to film. If you can’t visit the space, you may need to ask the location manager or even people on social media (e.g., Yelp, Instagram or Facebook) to share useful information about the sound levels.
Here’s another example to illustrate this point. I recently launched a free online course on location scouting (Yay!). Originally, I planned to film on location to illustrate different types of spaces. Makes sense, right? I considered the goals of the course and conducted extensive research into many different venues. Unfortunately, all of the locations that really fit with the message I wanted to communicate were too loud or too distracting (and in a few cases, too expensive). To ensure that the students received the actionable information, the space needed to be quiet, with minimal distractions. For the purposes of the course, it didn’t make sense to film on location, so I filmed in a studio. I weighed the location pros and cons, and in this case the cons won! And that’s okay.
Challenge #3 – The Public
Related to the noise challenge is the general public. If you’ve ever taken pictures in public or watched a news anchor reporting from outside the studio, you’ll know that photo bombers are alive and well. There’s (almost) always some random stranger who wants to be featured in your picture or your video.
But, having random people in your video or photo doesn’t have to be a big deal. In fact, having people in the background may add energy and life to your content. However, you do want to make sure that there are no legal concerns (e.g., images of minors). Check with your lawyer to see if there are any issues, and take lawyer-reviewed personal appearance releases with you just in case!
Challenge #4 – Cost
Since I mentioned expensive locations in passing, let’s briefly talk about cost. A venue’s cost is sometimes THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE to shooting on location. Some locations require you to pay a huge fee, while others require you to get film production insurance, which can cost thousands of dollars(!!!). Please ensure that you consider the cost before deciding whether or not to shoot on location. But, please stay tuned, as I plan to share strategies for how NOT to pay for a location. It’s all legal. It’s just involves highlighting the benefits. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest, where I’ll share more info in the coming weeks!
Next Steps
These four challenges can complicate your shoot, so it’s important to think about how you might address them before you decide to shoot on location. If the cons outweigh the pros, then you may want to film in a studio. However, if you’ve done your research and decided that finding a location outweighs the challenges, then great! It’s time to start searching for the perfect location.
And please remember to use the subscription box below to subscribe to this blog, so you will receive a notification when I post the next one! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest, where I’ll take you from searching for the perfect location to what to do after the shoot ends…plus everything in between!
Top Tips for Location Scouting: Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Shoot on Location!
Welcome back to the “Top Tips for Location Scouting” series! Today, we’re going to focus on the top seven reasons why you should consider organizing your next photo shoot or video shoot on location. So, let’s get to it!
Side note: Reason 3 is the BEST reason…in my humble opinion!
Reason 1: Product/Service Demonstration
You can highlight a service you provide or demonstrate a product. For example: If you sell camping equipment, it may make sense to film a ‘how-to’ video at a campsite. That way, your clients will better understand when and how to use the product. Check out this video for more info!
photo shoot or video shoot can work for you.
Reason 2: Display Authenticity
You can also provide a behind-the-scenes view of the product creation process, your business operations or even your personal life (as appropriate). Consumers appreciate authenticity and real connection, so as they learn more about who you are and why you do what you do, a behind-the-scenes look may move them from general customers to supporters or even advocates!
can help you to connect with your customers!
Reason 3: Differentiation From the Competition
Finally, you can differentiate yourself, your product, service or overall brand from the competition. There are so many people filming and photographing the same content in the same places. So, if you can shoot in a new, eye-catching, visually engaging place, your content will stand out. You can reach new customers and set yourself apart from the competition! Check out this video to learn more!
your company or your brand from the competition!
Reason 4: Highlight Experts & Positive Experiences:
In addition, you can use on-location interviews to build credibility by introducing your audience to your experts or even satisfied clients who use your product or service.
Reason 5: Amplify Your Message
Organizing or attending a live event? You know this already, but it’s important to film and take pictures at the event to provide your target audience with valuable information.
Reason 6: Increase Curiosity
If you always film in a studio, shooting on location can pique your audience’s curiosity. Getting out and about can increase their interest in your brand.
Reason 7: Serendipitous Encounters
When you’re shooting on location, sometimes you happen upon interesting people and situations that you would never encounter in a studio!
What Do You Think?
Do any of the reasons above describe why you might search for a location? If not, what are some reasons that you might want to try location scouting? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
Next Steps
Interested in learning more about how to find stunning locations for your next photo shoot or video shoot? Then, check out my FREE online course on Skillshare: Top Tips for Location Scouting. Spend just 15 minutes learning how to plan strategically for an on-location shoot, plus learn how to find great venues! Just use this link: https://skl.sh/36fZ4yI.
Please remember to use the subscription box below to subscribe to this blog, so you will receive a notification when I post the next one! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, where I’ll share step-by-step guidance, taking you from searching for the perfect location for your on-location shoot to what to do after the shoot ends…plus everything in between!
What is Location Scouting?
Welcome to the “Top Tips for Location Scouting” blog series! Today, we’re going to focus on a new definition of location scouting! Check out the video below or keep reading to learn more!
If you’re a content creator, the traditional definition of location scouting probably doesn’t work for you. You’re not necessarily trying to make a film or work for a film studio. So, I’ve developed a more relevant definition of location scouting. Check it out!
Definition: Location Scouting is the process of finding a suitable location in which to film or take photos. By suitable, I mean that the location chosen helps to emphasize the message of the video or photo. It also helps to communicate the tone of that message.
Lauren Gibson
Here’s an example of how the word “suitable” might impact the location you choose. If you own an educational services company and want to reach out to parents of students who are struggling in school, would you use a construction site as a location? Probably not…unless the location helps you to illustrate how your company helps those parents to “build” educational strategies.
You can always get creative and be clever or unconventional. Just be sure that the venue you choose makes sense, that it’s going to be relevant for your audience, and that even if you don’t say a thing, the location will help the audience to understand your message. It’s not going to distract them.
The updated definition of location scouting is incredibly simple, but be sure to keep that word “suitable” in mind as you develop visual campaigns. Search for and choose locations that will fit with the message you (or your clients) want to communicate!
If you are interested in learning more about how to find stunning locations for your next photo shoot or video shoot, please check out my FREE online course on Skillshare: Top Tips for Location Scouting. Spend just 15 minutes learning how to plan strategically for an on-location shoot, plus learn how to find great venues! Just use this link: https://skl.sh/36fZ4yI.
Finally, please remember to use the subscription box below to subscribe to this blog, so you will receive a notification when I post the next one! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, where I’ll share step-by-step guidance, taking you from searching for the perfect location for your on-location shoot to what to do after the shoot ends…plus everything in between!
Welcome to the “Top Tips for Location Scouting and On-Location Shoots” Blog Series!
Welcome to the “Top Tips for Location Scouting and On-Location Shoots” blog series! I’m Lauren Gibson, a communications strategist, travel show host, self-taught video producer, and guess what?
I’m here to help you to take the guesswork out of location scouting and on-location photo shoots and video shoots!
Unlike a lot of other resources on the market, this series will answer your location scouting and on-location shoot questions. It will take you from searching for the perfect location to what to do after the shoot ends…plus a whole lot in between! Keep reading to learn more!
Is this series for me?
Yes, this series is for photographers, videographers, social media influencers, small business owners and anyone else who is looking for guidance on finding great video or photo shoot locations. It’s also for those who want to plan strategically to create amazing visual campaigns that will set them apart from the competition!
What can I expect from this series?
You’ll have access to articles with detailed, step-by-step guidance on a variety of topics, including:
- Why you should shoot on location
- When you should shoot on location
- How to plan strategically to set yourself apart from the competition
- How to search for locations
- How to successfully request permission to shoot on location
- What to do if a venue says no
- What to do if a venue says yes!
- What to do if a location cancels!
- How to plan for domestic shoots
- How to plan to shoot overseas
- How to plan for the unexpected
- The do’s and don’ts of on-location shoots
- And much more!
What Should I Do Next?
Please share your email address below to subscribe, so you can receive immediate notifications about new posts in this series! Can’t wait for the next post? Then, get ready for the launch of the Top Tips for Location Scouting and On-Location Shoots course on Teachable!
You can also follow me to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or Pinterest!