Sometimes you’ve just got to get off the beaten path for a photoshoot. ย For avid backpacker Noah’s senior session, typical downtown Boise locations seemed too manicured, so instead we headed a little out of the heart of Boise to the Military Reserve Park. ย Catching the autumn leaves in peak season was a definite plus, too! ย Take a look at some favorites.
As an on-location portrait photographer, one of the most common questions I get asked is how to pick a good portrait spot. ย At the end of the day, it’s all about what sort of portraits you’re looking for–do you want a classic elegant look, a grungy hip style, a serene natural vibe?–but if you’re looking for more specific ideas, this is the blog entry for you – newly updated as of August 2015!
What makes a good
portrait location?
You can find a good portrait location anywhere, and I’m not just saying that! ย If you look at portraits shot from the waist or neck up, you’ll realize that in most cases, you can’t even tell where the portrait was shot. ย We shot the photo at left by the Boise River in Eagle, but since the focus is on the model, the background blurs into the background – it could have been anywhere.
Light is usually a far more important factor than location when it comes to getting beautiful results, so if you’re concerned about picking a location that’s just right, don’t be! ย As long as you pick a good time of day for your session (usually starting a couple hours before sunset, or shortly after sunrise if you’re an early bird),ย a spot that will give you a few options for shade (locations out in the open with no shady areas can be difficult), and a variety of textures (brick walls, trees, bushes), you’re bound to get great photos.
Want to make sure your full-length portraits have a stunning background? ย Read on for four whole pages on my favorite spots in the Treasure Valley!
