When it comes to planning a branding shoot, one of the most important (and most stressful!) decisions is where to have it. Indoor or outdoor? Chic café or nature walk? Your workspace or a street with great vibes?
In my humble opinion, your brand photoshoot location can make or break your final images. It influences the tone, mood, and versatility of your shoot – and ultimately, how excited you’ll be to share your new photos across your website, social media, and marketing.
So, indoor or outdoor? My answer – let’s try both! So let’s dig into how to choose the perfect backdrop for your personal branding photography session.
How to Choose the Best Location for Your Brand Photoshoot
When you book a branding photoshoot with me – whether it’s a personal brand session or a small business shoot — we always start with some thoughtful prep. You’ll receive a detailed questionnaire that helps me get to know your business, your goals, and your vision. It also encourages you to reflect on your brand in a deeper way.
From there, we’ll jump on a planning call to talk through everything – outfits, vibe, your shot list, and of course, locations for your brand photoshoot. If I know of places that match your vision, I’ll suggest them right away. If not, we’ll both research options and put together a curated list to choose from.
Can I Have My Brand Photoshoot Indoors and Outdoors?
Yes – and I usually recommend it! Most of my branding sessions include at least two locations, and if you’ve booked a longer shoot, we can often fit in more.
Having a mix of indoor and outdoor brand photos gives you variety and makes your final gallery more versatile. We want your photos to reflect the full personality of your brand – sometimes that means a cosy cafe and a vibrant city street, or a peaceful forest and a modern workspace.
To make it efficient, I always aim to find locations that are close together, so we’re maximising your time in front of the camera (not stuck traveling between spots).
Outdoor Brand Photoshoot Location Ideas
Outdoor locations offer natural light, dynamic backgrounds, and loads of personality. The best setting will always depend on your brand aesthetic, tone, and message – but here are some of my favourite ideas:
Urban Outdoor Locations
- Outside unique or modern buildings
- Historic buildings or architecture
- Colourful murals, graffiti or street art
- Painted or textured walls that match your brand colours
- Glass buildings for a sleek, contemporary look
- Picturesque streets or alleyways
Natural or Environmental Outdoor Locations:
- Seasonal backdrops (e.g. blossom trees, autumn leaves, or Christmas tree farms)
- The beach (sand, sea, barefoot vibes!)
- Forests and woodlands
- Local parks or botanical gardens
- Rivers, lakes, or waterfalls (yes – you can dip your toes in!)
- Open fields or meadows
Each of these can bring a different mood or energy to your shoot, from bold and urban to soft and natural.
Indoor Brand Photoshoot Location Ideas
Indoor shoots are perfect for capturing lifestyle vibes or a more curated, branded environment. Think about the spaces where your brand feels most at home. Some great indoor branding photoshoot location ideas include:
- Trendy cafes or coffee shops
- Co-working spaces with great natural light
- Boutique hotels with interesting interiors
- Styled homes or studio spaces
- Your own workspace or home office
Indoor sessions are often great for storytelling – showing you in your element, working or creating.
What to Consider When Choosing a Brand Photoshoot Location
Whether you go for indoor, outdoor, or a mix of both, here are a few key questions to ask when planning your branding shoot locations:
1. Do I have permission to shoot here?
Some public and private spaces require permits or permission to shoot. Always check in advance – some places are totally fine, others have rules, and some may charge a fee.
2. How close are the locations?
Keep it local! We want to make the most of your time in front of the camera, not spend it stuck in traffic or travelling between locations.
3. What’s the cost?
While many outdoor spaces are free, some indoor options (like rented studios or styled homes) may have hourly rates. Budgeting for location fees upfront avoids any surprises later.
4. Does the location fit your brand aesthetic and message?
Your environment should support the story you want your visuals to tell. We’ll ask: Does this place reflect your tone – e.g. calm, creative, vibrant, luxe, quirky?
Final Thoughts: Indoor vs. Outdoor for Your Branding Photos
So, when it comes to brand photoshoot locations, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The best option is a thoughtful mix of both – tailored to your brand’s personality, tone, and goals. With the right planning (and a photographer who helps you map it all out!), you’ll end up with a stunning gallery that works hard for you and truly tells your story.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Brand Photoshoot?
Whether it’s your first foray into personal branding photography or you’re thinking of a refresh, I’d love to help you create a session that feels aligned, authentic, and beautifully you.
Get in touch to book your shoot or ask a question!
