Beautiful Photographs and Meaningful Portraits On Location in Southern California

Tired of the same old studio portrait photographsyou will end up with a snapshot. Ask the
with the same lighting, same background, same,photographer to see their portfolio or gallery of
same, same? Find a photographer that will goOn-Location Photographs.
on-location, get out, go play, make it a day of funThe next thing to do is choose a place, weather,
somewhere that you love!time or all three. This may be a bit trickier. Everyone
Taking pictures on-location isn't a new concept.has their personal favorite place that holds deep
However professional, on-location still photography ismeaning for them. Often these places are beaches,
usually reserved for fashion or magazine lifestylemountains, the desert or even a time of year or a
pictures. Why is that?type of weather. Usually these places bring out a
Well for one, it's much easier for the photographer topassion and a certain beauty in a person that is
stay in the studio and spend an hour or so with eachunique to their experience in that location. There in
client. Take their pictures and move to the nextlies the magic of On-Location Portrait Photography.
customer. Also, it's much easier for clients to just goTo find such a place you may need to spend some
into a studio for their annual family pictures and thentime thinking about what inspires you as a person,
head out on their daily routine. Yet pictures of thisfamily, couple etc. Do you love to go beach combing
nature typically only capture a well lit, relativelytogether? Does riding a horse make you feel free?
uninteresting and dispassionate image of theDoes the city inspire you? Or maybe the deep blue
customer.sky at 7000 feet is your inspiration. These are the
Imagine however if you were to be able to go tothings you need to think about before choosing a
your favorite spot, someplace you have a passionlocation. If a place eludes you, yet you know the
for and have your portraits taken? Wouldn't you befeeling you want to capture, use your photographer's
more likely to enjoy the experience? Wouldn't theknowledge of their location surroundings.
photographs show you and others who you were atFor example, Southern California and the Palm Springs
this time in your life? This type of photography isarea specifically contain some of the most stunning
called On-Location Portraiture.natural areas in the world. Ranging from the surreal
On-Location Portraiture is the Art of taking beautiful,windmills along I-10, the 8000 foot peaks surrounding
meaningful, unique photographic images of people,the desert, the majesty of Joshua Tree and Santa
families, friends, lovers, in a visually unique &Rosa National Monuments, the dunes of Kelso, the
personally meaningful setting. This style ofPacific Beaches to the desolation of the Salton Sea,
photography is really a fun family friendly experience.Southern California has plenty to choose from.
Additionally people find it to be very spiritual, intimateOnce you have your photographer and your location,
and romantic. The resulting images and memories areplan the date. If you would like to have your
unique because each location and each trip is a uniquemake-up done professionally, schedule an early
adventure. Generally you will find that you will receive:morning appointment at a make-up counter or a
- Images as art that tell a story about them.salon. If the location requires permits now is the time
- An exciting and fun experience to remember.to get them, not the day before. Got maps? Don't
- Photographic memories that have real meaningget lost.
beyond simply a beautiful picture.The time of day is absolutely critical to the quality of
Does this sound fun or what? So how do you getlight available to you at your location. Typically the
started?best light is either early morning or late afternoon
The first thing to do is find a photographer thatevening. Make sure your photographer knows the
offers this kind of service, such as Scott Campbell, alocation you have chosen and knows the light at
Palm Springs Photographer. Once you've founddifferent times of day. Work with them to plan the
someone willing to do this type of photography,timing to capture the best light time possible.
interview them. You are going to spend a good partThe day before your photography session eat well
of a day with them so you better make sure youand get good sleep. Being tired and hungry on a long
like them. Additionally, your pictures are guaranteedhike definitely shows up in pictures.
to turn out better if you like the photographer.On the day of make sure you and your
Another key aspect about your photographer is theirphotographer are well prepared for the elements of
ability to use natural light in their photographs. Naturalyour location. Bring water, some extra food, extra
light is perhaps the hardest and yet most rewardingclothing and any portable beauty items you may
lighting a photographer can work with. Used correctly,need.
and the photographs will inspire emotions and feelingsMake it a great fun day and you'll come back with
in the viewer that are nearly impossible to recreatesome amazing pictures to mark this time in your life.
with a studio lit photograph. Or used incorrectly and