I love the studio — the control, the calm, the consistency. But some of the most memorable images I make happen well beyond it. On-location photography opens up something a studio can’t: a sense of place, of context, of real life going on around the subject.
Why location matters
A photograph taken somewhere meaningful carries an extra layer of story. A business photographed at its actual premises looks credible and rooted. A portrait shot in a landscape someone loves feels personal in a way a plain backdrop never will. And some subjects — a sweeping view, an industrial site, an event in full swing — simply can’t be brought into a studio.
I’ve shot in all sorts of places, from client workplaces across Merseyside to the open landscapes of the Lake District. Each location brings its own character to the final images.
The trade-offs (handled properly)
Working on location does mean adapting — to changing light, weather and surroundings — which is exactly where experience earns its keep. Reading available light, finding the right spot, and knowing how careful editing will bring an image together afterwards all come into play. The unpredictability is part of the appeal; it’s also why it pays to work with someone who’s comfortable away from the controlled conditions of a studio.
Studio or location?
Neither is “better” — they’re different tools for different jobs. Headshots and many portraits suit the consistency of the studio; commercial work, events, weddings and certain personal portraits often come alive on location. If you’re not sure which fits your project, that’s an easy conversation to have.
Popular locations across Liverpool and Merseyside
Liverpool has more to offer as a photography backdrop than most people realise. The waterfront and docks bring an industrial grandeur that works beautifully for commercial imagery and personal branding. The Georgian Quarter has texture and character that gives portraits a timeless quality. Parks and open green spaces u2014 Sefton Park, Calderstones, Croxteth u2014 work well for relaxed personal and family portraits. And for something more urban, the city’s back streets and warehouse architecture offer a grittier aesthetic that suits certain styles of commercial and creative work.
Beyond Liverpool itself, I regularly shoot in the wider North West u2014 the Lake District, the Wirral coastline, and rural Lancashire all offer landscapes that simply can’t be replicated in a studio.
How to prepare for an on-location shoot
The key practical difference with location work is that conditions change. My job is to plan for that u2014 scouting locations in advance where possible, building in buffer time, and arriving with the right lighting equipment to supplement whatever nature provides. Your job is simpler: arrive in good time, wear what we’ve agreed, and trust that we’ll find the right spots together.
For business and commercial location shoots, I’ll typically visit the site in advance, so there are no surprises on the day and we can hit the ground running when it matters.
Combining studio and location work
Many clients find the best result comes from a combination of both u2014 a studio session for the clean, controlled shots that work well for headshots and professional profiles, and a location element that adds personality and context. It’s something I can advise on once I understand what you’re trying to achieve. The images tell different stories, and both stories often have a place.
Thinking about a shoot somewhere specific? See my commercial and location work or get in touch to talk it through.
