Choosing a location
As you can see from my own photographs, location is essential to many of the pictures which I take. If you're thinking of developing your own photography portfolio, then here are a few things which you may wish to bear in mind when choosing your location.
Firstly you will want to think about how practical a certain location actually is. For example, you may been keen to capture a stunning shot of a popular tourist destination, but if it is extremely popular then you may find it almost impossible to find a frame without people appearing in your image. It should also be somewhere that you will not find too difficult to get to at a convenient time. For example, if you will need to travel all day to reach your location, then you may not have long to take photographs before the natural light begins to fade. In such situations, planning can be essential.
You will also want to think about the purpose of your photographs. If you are taking wedding shots, for example, then you may want to choose a location which is considered traditionally romantic, or at least somewhere which offers the opportunity to position a couple effectively within a number of shots. If you are taking a photograph for commercial purposes, then this can also have an impact upon your choice of location. If your photographs were to be used by a company such as O2, for instance, then you could try choosing a location which reflects the style and colours of their existing brand image. While these are by no means hard-and-fast rules, they are certainly worth bearing in mind.
Lastly, you will also need to remember that some locations require a permit in order for you to be allowed to take photographs there. Often, it is relatively straightforward to obtain a permit for a particular area or location, but this must be done before you begin shooting.