“Jenny! I want to book a shoot, but I have no idea where to go… suggestions?”

Girl, sit down, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s chat!

This might be one of my most asked questions, and honestly, I love it.

Choosing a location is such a fun part of the process because the location sets the entire mood for your session. It is not just about finding somewhere pretty to stand. It is about choosing a place where you can relax, connect, laugh, and actually enjoy the experience.

I am a huge fan of meaningful locations. Maybe it is where you had your first date, your favorite place to take walks together, a family spot you visit all the time, or simply somewhere that feels like you.

Those locations will always have my heart.

But I also understand that meaningful does not always mean practical.

Maybe your favorite place does not allow professional photography. Maybe it does not match the vision you have for your photos. Maybe you are booking a shorter portrait session and your options are a little more limited.

And that is totally okay.

The truth is, the “perfect” location is not always the most epic view or the place you have saved 47 times on Pinterest. The perfect location is the one that allows you to feel comfortable, confident, and completely you.

So whether you are planning engagement photos, maternity portraits, family photos, or just documenting this season of life, here are a few things I always recommend thinking about when choosing your location.

1. Choose Somewhere That Feels Like You

First things first, think about the feeling you want your photos to have.

Do you want something romantic and dreamy? Adventurous and playful? Classic and timeless? Cozy and nostalgic?

For my couples especially, I always encourage you to think beyond what simply looks beautiful.

Is there somewhere you love spending time together? Somewhere that reminds you of this season of your relationship? Somewhere that feels like home?

Because those places create something special.

You are not just taking photos in a pretty location. You are stepping into a space that already feels familiar, and that comfort translates beautifully on camera.

The same goes for families. A location where your kids can explore, where you can laugh together, and where everyone feels at ease will always create more genuine moments.

Your photos should feel like your story, not a Pinterest recreation.

2. Think About Accessibility and Ease

Okay, hear me out on this one.

Photoshoots can be absolutely dreamy without requiring a two-hour drive, a mountain hike, and an Olympic-level packing list.

If you love adventure and everyone coming with you is excited about the adventure too, then let’s go! I love a beautiful destination and am always down for an adventure…

But if the thought of coordinating outfits, packing snacks, bringing all the things, managing little ones, or adding a long drive already feels stressful, choosing somewhere easier might actually be the better choice.

The preparation is half of the experience.

You know yourself and your people best. Choose something that sets everyone up to have fun.

And I promise, you do not need the most dramatic location to create beautiful images. We will make magic wherever we are.

3. Let Your Location and Your Outfit Work Together

Your outfit and your location are part of the same story.

A flowing dress on the beach, cozy sweaters in the mountains, or a classic outfit downtown all create a different feeling.

Think about the overall look you are drawn to and choose a location that supports that vision.

But also, please choose something you can actually enjoy wearing.

If we are hiking through the mountains, maybe save the stilettos for a different adventure. Unless we are intentionally creating a full editorial moment, then by all means, bring the heels and let’s have fun!

But for most sessions, comfort matters.

If you are worried about your shoes, fighting the terrain, or unable to move naturally in your outfit, it can make it harder to relax.

The best images happen when you forget about the camera. When you are walking, laughing, holding hands, snuggling your babies, and just being together.

Choose a location and an outfit that allow those moments to happen.

4. Consider the Weather (and Be Honest About What You Love)

Weather plays a bigger role than people realize.

If you love cooler weather, let’s choose somewhere that feels refreshing. If you hate what the ocean breeze does to your hair, maybe the beach is not your dream location. If you love the look of Joshua Tree but hate wind… it is not you, it is Joshua Tree… let’s go somewhere else.

The goal is not just beautiful photos. The goal is a beautiful experience.

If you are uncomfortable the entire time, it is much harder to relax and enjoy the people standing next to you.

Also, light matters. This is where I come in. I am always thinking about the season, the time of day, and how we can use natural light to create images that feel soft, romantic, and timeless.

5. Choose a Place Where Something Can Happen

This might be one of my biggest pieces of advice.

Do not just choose a location because it looks pretty. Choose a location that allows you to experience something.

Can you walk together? Explore? Sit somewhere cozy? Laugh? Hold hands? Pop champagne after your engagement session?

The best photos are often the moments that happen in between.

The way you look at each other when you forget the camera is there. The laughter after something unexpected happens. The tiny moments that cannot be perfectly planned.

Give yourself room for those moments.

6. Think About Privacy and Your Comfort Level

Some people love a busy beach at sunset with everyone around. Others would rather have a quiet trail where it feels like it is just the two of you.

Neither is right or wrong.

Think about what helps you feel comfortable.

Especially for couples, being photographed is vulnerable. You are laughing, cuddling, kissing, and showing affection in front of someone with a camera. Choosing a location where you feel relaxed makes such a difference.

The goal is not to find the most impressive location.

The goal is to find the place where you can be yourselves.

7. Trust Your Photographer’s Guidance

And finally, remember this:

You do not have to figure everything out alone.

You do not need to show up with the perfect location, perfect poses, or anything else.

That is what I am here for.

Part of my job is helping you choose a location that fits your vision, your season of life, your personalities, your outfits, and the overall experience you want to have.

Because at the end of the day, the location is just the beginning.

The real magic happens when you feel comfortable enough to laugh, connect, and be fully present with the people you love.

Years from now, you will not just remember where your photos were taken, you will remember this season of life. The way you loved each other. The little moments. The memories you created together.

And that is what makes a location truly special.