How to choose locations for an outdoor shoot

Choosing the right place for an outdoor shoot is half the work before you even take out the camera. Whether you're preparing a session for a brand, a personal portfolio or simply some lovely holiday photos, here are the criteria that really make a difference.

Think about light first

Light changes everything. Outdoors, the best slots are often early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is lower and softer — what's known as the “golden hour”. In the mountains, the orientation of a valley can also play a huge role: one slope may be in shadow while the other is in full light.

Mountains or ocean: two different atmospheres

A mountain location such as the surroundings of the Pic du Midi or the Tourmalet offers strong lines, relief and contrasting textures between rock and vegetation. A coastal spot like Hossegor or Biarritz brings depth with the horizon, movement with the waves, and light that is often more changeable because of clouds coming in from the Atlantic.

Check accessibility and terrain constraints

• The walking time to reach the spot, especially if you're carrying equipment.
• The weather on the day and a plan B in case of rain or strong wind.
• Access rules: some natural sites or trails impose restrictions, particularly during nesting season or out of season.
• Safety: cliff edges, tides, slippery areas.

Treat the setting as a complement, not a distraction

A good outdoor setting enhances the subject without overwhelming it. A background that's too busy (car park, signs, crowds) draws attention away. We often favour simple, graphic elements: a ridge line, a winding trail, a stretch of sand, a lone rock.

A few pointers for composition

Place the subject on a third of the frame rather than in the centre, use the natural lines of the landscape to guide the eye, and don't hesitate to vary the shooting height — from ground level often gives more character than a shot at eye level.

In the end, the best location isn't necessarily the most spectacular on paper, but the one where light, access and atmosphere come together on the day.

Have a plan B for unpredictable weather

In the mountains as by the sea, the weather can change very quickly. It's always useful to have a second spot in mind, more sheltered or easier to reach, so you don't have to cancel a whole day of shooting in case of rain or strong wind. Some places even offer several atmospheres just a few minutes' walk apart, which lets you adapt without replanning everything.

Finally, don't overlook the human factor: a very busy place may require more patience to capture images without passers-by, while an isolated place means bringing your own safety and communication equipment, especially in the mountains.