As photographers, one of the most important parts of our job is scouting the right location for our sessions. It can make or break the vibe we’re going for and is key to making our clients feel comfortable and excited about their photos. Based in North Dakota, with the occasional venture down to Arizona, I’ve learned a few tricks on how to find the perfect locations for your sessions, here are five tips that have helped me and can hopefully help you, too.

1. Start With What You Know

Begin by thinking about places you’re already familiar with. Local parks, open fields, downtown streets, or even those hidden trails you’ve hiked on weekends. Sometimes the best spots are the ones you’ve passed by a hundred times without a second thought. Knowing the lay of the land gives you an advantage, especially in unpredictable weather. In North Dakota, I have a few go-to spots that I trust when the forecast looks iffy, and it’s great to have those reliable locations in your back pocket.

2. Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Instagram, Pinterest, and even TikTok can be gold mines for location ideas. Look up local hashtags, or even browse through location-based posts to see what others have discovered. I often search #NorthDakotaPhotography or #ArizonaDesert to get ideas, and sometimes I find a spot that I hadn’t considered before. When I find something interesting, I’ll reach out to the photographer who posted it and ask for details—most of the time, people are happy to share.

3. Leverage Google Maps and Street View

Google Maps isn’t just for directions; it’s a powerful tool for finding new locations. Drop into Street View and virtually explore areas you might want to shoot in. I’ve found some incredible spots this way, like a random dirt road in North Dakota that turned out to be perfect for a moody, rustic session. If you’re planning a trip to Arizona and can’t do a pre-session visit, Google Maps can give you a decent preview of what the area looks like.

4. Ask Your Clients for Ideas

Your clients might have a location in mind that holds special meaning for them. Maybe it’s where they got engaged, a family ranch, or just a place they love to visit. I always ask my clients if there’s a spot that’s significant to them, and sometimes their suggestions turn out to be better than anything I could’ve found on my own. Plus, it adds a personal touch to the session that your clients will appreciate.

5. Visit During Different Times of Day

A location can look completely different depending on the time of day, so it’s worth visiting potential spots at various times to see how the light changes. Early morning might give you soft, diffused light, while late afternoon can bring those warm, golden tones we all love. In North Dakota, where the skies can be vast and dramatic, timing your visit just right can make all the difference. In Arizona, on the other hand, you might want to avoid the harsh midday sun, unless you’re going for that high-contrast, desert vibe.

Finding the perfect location is an ongoing process. It’s all about exploring, experimenting, and sometimes getting a little lost along the way. But when you find that spot that just clicks, it’s all worth it. Whether you’re in the plains of North Dakota or the deserts of Arizona, there’s always a new location waiting to be discovered—so get out there and start exploring, and remember, the key to a successful session often lies in how to find the perfect locations for your sessions.

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Kind Words

“The quality of her photos are far superior to other well known photographers in the area. Olivia’s enthusiasm, professionalism and sheer excitement for my husband and I on our wedding day was so lovely and genuine. I would highly recommend LivByGrace Photography for any and all your photography needs! Thank you Olivia, you captured our day perfectly!”