Choosing a location or locations for your brand session is a very important part of the planning process.  Where your session takes place makes a big difference in the feel and look of your photos.  You want your photos to show what you do but also in a way aesthetically that you love!
I usually recommend at least 2 different locations so that you have variety in your photos.  This could be 2 different spaces with in the same location, but variety is nice when you are using these photos often or in multiple places. 

Here are some questions to keep in mind as you are deciding where to have your brand session:
1.  Is it important to you that your potential client see the actual space you use?
2. Do you want your images to have a light and bright look or more dark and moody?
3.  Is there a certain vibe you are going for?  For example, Calm and relaxing, fun and bold, classic and simple? 
4.  What do you love in your lifestyle outside of work?  Being outside, going shopping, doing yoga?  

All of these answers will help decide what type of space you should use to convey the message you want to convey to your audience.

Here are some places or types of places to consider:

1.  YOUR OFFICE

This is an obvious choice for one of your locations.  Clients often like to see where they are going before they get there.  It gives them a level of comfort in their decision to work with you.  I usually recommend this as one of the locations for this reason.  It also speaks the best to what you do.  For example, if you are a doctor, being at a doctor’s office easily shows what you do and what to expect.  Just like if you were a yoga instructor, it would make sense to take some in your yoga studio.

Depending on what your office looks like and what you want your images to look like (light and bring vs moody and dark) we will use that information to choose other locations and best work with your office to get that feel.

2. YOUR HOME

Depending on what you do, sometimes a glimpse into your home lifestyle is a great option.  Or if you have certain spaces in your house that work well for your profession.  For example, a home office if you have a work from home job.  Your kitchen if you are a chef or baker.  This like that can make your home a nice option for some variety and it helps your audience remember you are a person too.

3. A STUDIO

Renting a studio can be a great option if you are looking for a clean, simple aesthetic.  Or a very specific aesthetic, we can look for a space that matches it.  There are so many different space sharing options out there now that you can usually find a space with the vibe or accessories you are looking for.

There are also places that are “studios” but offer many different options all in once space.  I service the Houston, TX area and one great example of this is 201LoftHaus (https://201lofthaus.com/).  It is a studio and has 7 different styled spaces all in one studio.  An option like this allows you to have variety and also a home like feel if you do not want to use your own home.

4. OUTSIDE

There are several different options when it comes to outside.  The initial thought is green space.  You could do a park or nice garden if  you want an outside scenic part to your brand. Another option to outside would be a more urban outside, such as a patio, city street or skyline.   Outside can also be great for photos showcasing different seasons or holidays.  Spring could be in a flower garden, fall could have beautiful changing leaves or Christmas could include an area decorated for the holiday.  

These all give different vibes but offer great variety. Once bonus it outside is most of the time the location is free and you have beautiful natural light.

5. AIRBNB OR RENTAL HOUSE

If you do not want to shoot in your own home but need a home aesthetic, another option is to find an airbnb that fits your aesthetic and contact the owner to see if there are any rental options to use it for your session.

6. COFFEE SHOP OR CAFE

There are so many coffee shops and cafes these days that there will always be one that fits the look you are going for.  These offer great casual photos and often have great patios.  Remember to always ask permission when using an retail space.

7. BORROW A FRIEND’S HOME OR OFFICE

If you have friends or family that have beautiful homes or office space these are often great cost effective options if they are willing to let you borrow it for a few hours.  

Another thing to consider is your comfort level taking photos in public.  Some clients are not bothered by it while others would rather have privacy.  If you prefer privacy, keep this in mind when choosing a location.  A private home or studio might be a better option than a busy cafe, coffee shop or street.

Most importantly be honest with yourself and what you are comfortable with.  It also helps to do some research and have some photo examples of the aesthetic you like and are looking for.  This will help your photographer guide you to great locations for your session!