Model Naly Prachansithi in Forest Park Portland, OR
As a photographer, I believe it’s part of my job to know some cool places where I can take clients for their photo session. It’s also one of the things that is an important aspect of the experience my clients receive. If you’re a photographer, or you’re taking your own photos, it can be hard to know where to go to get great photos. But finding fun locations to take photos is really easy, even if you’re traveling and don’t know the city you’re in! I would love to share super easy methods I use to research photography locations.
Google maps search and scan process
The first thing I do when I’m looking for a location is to open up the Google maps app. The area I pick to look just depends on what type of photoshoot I’m planning. For example, if I want to go somewhere that has a waterfall, I can just type in “waterfall” and all of the ones nearby will show up.
Sometimes I’m not looking for anywhere super specific so I just pick an area, maybe based on an area I want to know more about or that is close to my client. Then I zoom into all the areas that are green. This shows me parks, natural area, botanical gardens, anywhere that’s green, obviously. The most important part of using Google maps is that there are pictures of every location so I can see what places look great to me and also plan exactly where I would like to take my shots before I even arrive at the location. Now, I’m not saying this is a replacement for actually going to the place in person. I always arrive early to see it because I have been surprised before by a park being super small or something in the location changed but the photos weren’t updated. But using Google maps in this way helps me narrow down the places that are worth going to in person and I find probably 80% of my photo locations this way.
2. Image search on Pinterest or Google
Indoor location searching can be a bit trickier. Some places don’t allow photography or charge a photographer fee. However, my process for this is similar. I do a search on Pinterest or an image search on Google. For any large cities, there are so many articles that have already been written about things like “Cutest cafes in San Diego” or “Secret Hikes in Portland.” Again, the key is to sort through the images and find something that matches the style you’re looking for.
My search formula is: “Best insert adjective (cute, quirky, hidden, underrated) insert place (hotel, cafe, hiking trail) in insert city.
3. Facebook groups
Getting to know locals that know their neighborhood best can be a great way to find photo locations. There are city-specific Facebook groups where people share interesting things and places that they see. In my city, Portland Oregon, there are lots of groups for photographers where people collaborate on planning a great experience for their clients. I also really enjoy being a member of a group called “Hidden Portland for the Curious.”
4. Instagram location tags
This method can be hit or miss as far as practicality goes because of course people have to tag a specific place for you to find it. It might not help just to see that there’s a beautiful creek somewhere in Colorado. But when I see an amazing place that’s not tagged specifically enough to find it, I scan the comments to see if someone asked where it is. There’s also no shame in asking the person yourself!
I found this sunflower mural in my city through a location tag on Instagram!
There you go, these are the main ways I find interesting places to take photos. I hope these ideas inspire you to explore your city and if you ever come to Portland, let’s create together!