Working with a Difficult Photoshoot Location | Photography Tips
How To Work With A Difficult Photography Location:
Become the peace and create a relaxing energy - make the couple feel comfortable
Look for areas that change the angel and frame the couple - pockets of light or trees
Embrace movement and the adventure
Imperfection is beautifully real as well.
Everything about this photoshoot had me excited. I originally imagined it taking place on a dock or along a quiet woodland trail. I had a clear vision in my head—but I made one mistake.
I wasn't completely confident in the location.
I'd visited the area beforehand, but none of the spots really stood out to me. Instead of choosing a location I knew would work, I decided to figure it out on the day.
The couple had hiked this trail before, so I trusted their recommendation without properly scouting it myself.
As it turned out, it was an amazing hiking trail... just not the best place for a photoshoot.
The ground was covered in sticks, branches kept finding their way into the frame, and there wasn't a clear path where the couple could comfortably walk barefoot like I'd originally planned. We'd also carried everything we needed for a picnic all the way up the hill, only to discover there was hardly anywhere flat enough to set it up.
It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'd never had to work in a location that fought me at every turn, and my biggest priority became making sure the couple still felt relaxed and enjoyed the experience, even while we were carefully scrambling along the trail.
Looking back, it was a good reminder that not every location is going to be perfect. Sometimes your job as a photographer isn't to find the most beautiful place.. it's to find the beauty in the place you've got.
The Imperfect Moments
Not every photoshoot goes exactly to plan—and this one definitely kept us on our toes.
The bugs were biting us the entire time.
We were climbing a steep, dirty hill with sticks poking us from every direction.
We carried a picnic all the way up... only to realize we'd forgotten the cutlery.
Then, just when we thought things couldn't get any more chaotic, a baby bird fell out of a tree and the dog almost got to it. Cue ten minutes of everyone trying to keep Remmy the dog away so the bird didn’t become a snack.
For a moment, it felt like everything a bit stressful.
But that's when I reminded myself that my job wasn't to control every little thing—it was to adapt.
I stopped worrying about everything that wasn't going to plan and went back to what I know. I started looking for pockets of soft light, clean backgrounds, and little moments between them. One frame at a time. One step at a time.
Ironically, those imperfect moments became part of the story.
When I look back at this gallery, I don't remember the bugs, the forgotten cutlery, or the steep climb as much as I remember the chats we had, the teamwork, and how the two of them embraced the adventure together.
Sometimes the best photos don't come from perfect conditions. They come from letting go of the idea that everything has to go perfectly and trusting that the story is unfolding exactly as it should.
Working With This Location:
1. Becoming the Peace
Once I realized we were in for a full-on workout, and knowing this was my couple’s first photoshoot, I knew I needed to create a calm, fun, and relaxing environment. My focus became making conversation, building trust, and helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Tip: It’s okay to feel out of control. The key is to center yourself, stay present, and take one step at a time.
2. Looking for Areas to Frame the Couple
I started searching for opportunities within the landscape — pockets of light, openings between the trees, and unique moments within the foliage. I looked for anything that would allow me to work with the location rather than fight against it.
I began by asking the couple to simply walk ahead of me. This gave me time to adjust my settings, observe the surroundings, and think through my next steps. In that moment, it was less about them needing direction and more about giving myself the space to settle in.
As we continued down the trail, I noticed a natural opening between the trees and knew it was the perfect place to position them. The framing, light, and surroundings came together beautifully.
Some of my favourite images came from this spot, and I’m grateful I pushed through the uncertainty and trusted the process.
3. Embrace the Movement and Adventure
Encouraging the couple to spin, move, and embrace the moment instantly brings more energy and life into the shoot.
Movement helps release any tension or nervous energy, allowing us to reset and create a fresh, authentic atmosphere.
After the movement, the couple naturally reconnects, finding their way back to each other in a more genuine and effortless embrace.
By using these techniques, I was able to gently guide a difficult situation and still turn out with photos that I loved!
I am so surprised and happy at the end result of this, and it’s lead me to trust my abilities more in shoots - if I can handle a difficult location, I can handle anything!
Every location has a story waiting to be told. If you’re looking for images that feel authentic, emotional, and true to your connection, I’d love to help tell yours.
About Me:
Hi, I'm Iz, a wedding photographer based in the Shuswap & Okanagan region. I love highlighting local venues and helping couples discover unique places to celebrate their day. Through these venue features, I share the stories, people, and spaces that make each location special.
Thank you for being here Iz