When planning a personal branding photoshoot, choosing the right location is just as important as picking the right outfit. The location can have a big impact on the vibe of your final photos. It’s not just a background, it’s an important element that will aid in telling your brand story.

The most important thing to consider is how you want your brand to feel.

Before planning any photo session, you must be clear on what your brand is/represents. How do you want to be seen by your clients? Is your brand fun, artsy or upscale? What do you want your clients to feel when they see your photos?

Read 3 STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND IDENTITY for a deeper dive into this subject.

While location scouting can be fun, it can also be challenging if you’ve never had a professional brand photo session before.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of possibilities you can choose from. And it doesn’t end there. These are just some ideas I’ve used in the past with my clients but you’re welcome to brainstorm your own ideas after readings these because I’m sure they’ll get your creative juices flowing.

8 Location Ideas for Your Brand Photoshoot:

1. Parks & Gardens

Since I love natural light photography, parks and gardens are some of my favourite spots for photoshoots. They also tend to be quite versatile so I wanted to start with these. They work for every budget because they’re free! The only drawback is that they’re seasonal so can’t really be used during winter. Plus, lighting can be harsh depending on the time of day but let your photographer figure that part out. ☺

2. Beach

The beach can set a very lovely background if it suits your style. If you’re going for a fun and easy-going mood, consider this as an option.

3. Cute City Neighbourhoods

City neighbourhoods tend to have more of an urban, vibrant feel. These can work really well for a lot of different brand types. It can be a bit tricky to navigate around other people so try to pick a quieter area if opting for this one. If you’d like something a little edgier, how about a wall mural? These have been popping up everywhere lately and can set a really fun backdrop to make your photos uniquely stand out.

4. Your Home or Backyard

One of the easiest choices for your personal brand photoshoot is your very own home. It’s easy, won’t cost you extra and can work at any time of the year. This is an especially good choice if you’ve got a keen eye for decorating. Big windows are also a big plus as they allow in a lot of natural light. Remember, your home must be super clean and free of clutter in order to be suitable. When in doubt, snap a photo of your place with your phone and send it to your photographer to get their input. And if you’ve got a nice backyard, you can also use it seasonally.

5. Your Studio/Office

If you’re lucky enough to have your own office or any type of studio, this is a no-brainer. Particularly if you’re an artist, your studio can serve as a wonderful backdrop to tell your brand story. This is a great way to show some behind-the-scenes shots for your audience to get to know you better.

6. Photo Studio

Photo studios have a bit of a stigma because most people picture a certain style of photos when they think of a photographer’s studio. Like boring headshots in an uncomfortable environment. But...modern photography studios have come a long way! They can resemble fun chic living rooms or offices. Some offer a variety of “scenes” in one big room so you’ll have many options. The cost to rent them is extra but can be well worth it if you can’t find any other suitable locations.

7. Cafes

Some cafes are really cute and have nice decor. You can show off your lifestyle with a laptop and a cup of coffee, which can work well for a lot of brands. The good thing is that these are usually free to shoot. Keep in mind, some cafes might require permission first to shoot inside. Still, I would recommend at least buying a beverage if using someone else’s establishment.

8. Airbnb or Hotels

And finally, if your budget allows for it, you can always rent a beautiful Airbnb or a hotel room. I’ve seen some new gorgeous options popping up on Airbnb designed specifically for photoshoots. So if this is something of interest to you, do your research and coordinate with your photographer to create your perfect photo session. I took these photos in a hotel room to give you some examples.