When you’re ready to take your brand’s visual marketing up a notch, a brand photoshoot is the best way to do it. But what are the best locations for your Auckland brand photoshoot? How do you choose which ones will work best for your business?

Here are a few essential things you’ll need to take into consideration for any location:

1. The overall aesthetic of the location. Does it fit with the look and feel that the brand is going for and will it appeal to your ideal client? If your ideal client is someone who loves the finer things in life and is aesthetically/design-driven, then your location needs to reflect this. So if a location isn’t aesthetically pleasing, then it may not be a suitable location.
2. The layout of your space and whether it will work for the types of shots that the photographer is looking to capture. Is there a good variety of settings in the location.
3. Is there enough natural light available? Natural light is always best, so if the location has plenty of windows, that’s a plus.

Try to find a location that reflects the essence and aesthetics of your brand. If you sell products that are associated with nature or the outdoors, consider shooting in a park or garden. If your brand is all about luxury and sophistication, look for a luxury home location. By taking the time to find a location that matches your brand image, you’ll be able to create photos that capture the spirit of your business.

Check out these 8 ideas to get started!

PHYSICAL LOCATION OF YOUR BUSINESS

If your business has a physical location that your clients/customers visit, then your shoot should ideally be held there. This is because it will help potential customers to get a feel for the atmosphere of your business, and it will also allow you to take advantage of any features that make your premises unique.

For example, if you have a beauty salon, pilates studio or interior design studio, then holding the shoot at your business location will allow potential customers to see the décor and layout, as well as get a feel for the experience you offer.

Similarly, if you run a retail business, then holding the shoot in-store will give customers a sense of the layout and help them to visualize what it would be like to shop there. Ultimately, holding the shoot on-site is the best way to give potential customers a true sense of what your business is all about.

YOUR CLIENT’S LOCATION

If you work with clients at their location, then a location that illustrates this will be ideal. So if you are a pilates instructor that visits clients for one-on-one sessions in their home, it may be best to use a home location that will be a beautiful setting for an in-home pilates session.

If you are an architect, then you will often work on location at your clients’ homes, so you may like to consider asking a client if you could include their home as a shoot location.

YOUR HOME

If you work from home, then your home may be a suitable shoot location. This might be a specific room or area that you use as an office, or it could be a separate space altogether.

Consider the aesthetics and lighting in your home. Will your interior decor appeal to your ideal client? Do you have good natural light (plentiful windows) in your home?

Also consider whether your home has a few different rooms or outdoor settings that will offer some variety for photos.

HIRED SPACE/AIRBNB/STUDIO

You may like to consider hiring a space for your shoot. This could be a photography studio or a hired property (e.g. Air BNB). There are several photography studios in Auckland that are available to rent on a half or full-day basis.

If a home location is more suitable, then you could search AirBNB for homes that have an on-brand aesthetic. You will need to check the property rules and seek written permission to have a photoshoot there (some owners do not allow photography).

Some homeowners specifically market their homes as photoshoot locations and they have been styled for this purpose.

Bear in mind that if you do choose to hire a space, you will need to pay the associated rental fees.

BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER’S STUDIO

Some brand photographers have their own studio space which may be available for your photoshoot.

Some brand photographers have invested significant amounts to purchase furniture, props, and styling items for clients’ brand photoshoots. For example, I have invested many thousands of dollars purchasing high end decor items for brand photoshoots. My clients’ brands are generally aesthetically driven and so need beautifully designed styling and props – cheap mass market products are not suitable for styling their shoots.

There may be an additional charge for use of your photographer’s studio to reflect this additional service.

URBAN/LOCAL AREAS

Urban and city streets can make for an interesting backdrop for a brand photo shoot, especially if your community is a key market area for your business. The key is to find the right location that will complement your business.

If your brand is a local business, then shooting in your local area can be a great way to show off your connection to the local community. Alternatively, if your brand is more global in nature, then a city location can help to communicate that feeling of sophistication and cosmopolitanism.

CAFE

A cafe with beautiful interior decor can make a good location for shots that show some personality and you as a person outside of work.

If you’re thinking about using a cafe as a location for your brand photo shoot, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Consider the overall feel and aesthetic of the cafe. Is it bright and airy, or dark and cozy? Does it have a modern or vintage vibe? This will help you determine whether or not the cafe is a good match for your brand’s aesthetic.

Bear in mind that cafes are private spaces and you are not entitled to take photos as of right – especially for use in marketing your own business. You will need to speak to the cafe owner/manager to ask for permission for you to have brand photos taken there. Some cafes have specific policies. They may not want to disrupt their business and other customers’ enjoyment.

BEACH

A beach can be a great choice for brands that want to project an air of relaxation and natural beauty.

You’ll need to consider the time of day and weather conditions that will be present on the day of the shoot. The lighting and temperature can have a big impact on how your photos turn out, so it’s important to plan accordingly. The sun at the beach can be very harsh and unflattering except during the hour after sunrise and hour before sunset.

It’s also important to keep in mind that beaches can also be quite crowded, so you will likely be working around other people and your photographer will have to deal with trying to avoid them being in your photos.

The weather can be unpredictable at the beach, so you’ll need to be prepared for any eventuality. In New Zealand, beaches are often windy which can be problematic for those beautiful hairstyles.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT,

8 great Auckland brand photoshoot location ideas.

You just need to consider what will best reflect the aesthetic and message of your business. With a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect location to showcase your brand and inspire your ideal clients to work with you.

As it is such an important aspect of a successful brand photoshoot, I work with each of my brand clients to help them choose the best location for their brand.

If you are interested in booking a brand photoshoot in Auckland to uplevel your business’ website and social media, please read more about my brand photography services. I would love to discuss your vision for the shoot and help you bring it to life.

Cheering you on always.

Sarah