“Landscape
photography is the supreme test of the photographer.”
- Ansel
Adams
Once upon a time, only the elite few made it
into the realm of professional photography, and these professionals almost
always had a studio. However in the digital age we currently live in, you can
find a photographer on practically every street corner. But not all these
photographers have their own studio. Some people question the professionalism
of those photographers known as “on-location” photographers. But here are just
a few ways on-location photography can be more powerful than studio shots.
A studio setting often creates a bit more
anxiety, tension and a feeling of being trapped. It doesn’t matter if the
session is for kids or adults, getting your photo taken can be stressful.
There’s the worry of how you look, a new place, a person you don’t really know,
whether your kids are going to behave, and so on. But for some reason meeting
at a location you choose and often outdoors seems a lot more relaxed and a lot
less intimidating.
This reduction in stress makes an on-location
session much more fun than a studio session. Another benefit of on-location
photography is that it gives you a chance to pick a location that holds meaning
for you. It puts you in a picturesque location that will trigger an emotional
connection every time you look at your photos.
Of course there’s also the benefit of natural
props. In a studio you’re most likely sitting on stools or standing on boxes to
create this perfectly organized group of people. But in an on-location session
you’ll be utilizing the things that are present at your location. It may a
tree, a bench, a little cafe table, or maybe it’s just the ground. Using these
natural pieces makes your photos seem more like they framed a moment in your
life. They weren’t posed; they were a spontaneous capture of your life.
While studio photography will always be a
beneficial option, and sometimes a far better option than an on-location shoot,
for those who prefer to maintain complete control of their session, on-location
photography is becoming a much greater factor in professional photography
sessions. Whether it’s for family photos, senior sessions, or portraits, you
just can’t beat the natural beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors.
