Hot Take: Coastal Locations
Directing a shoot on location can get a little more complicated than shooting in a controlled studio setting. I’d say about ninety percent of the shoots I directed for my bohemian boutique business took place at or near a beach location. Here a few hot takes from my personal styling experience that I learned the hard way over the years.
The wind is not your friend, so look at the forecast. When there is wind, your shoot can quickly turn into the wild west. Sand everywhere, hair ruined, props blowing, and camera gear getting debris. Back up locations are always a good plan, even if its a building that blocks the gust or an inlet location across the street. Scout some out before hand, you’ll be glad you did.
Styling photoshoots on the east coast of Florida I have found the wind generally tends to stay calm in the early morning and pick up in the afternoon with the daily summer thunderstorm. This creates a beautiful 10mph wind in the morning which makes for glassy waters and a calm setting to shoot. My personal limit is 14mph. Anything over that is a bit unpredictable for a small shoot team.
Consider your light. Work with your photographer to set a time that is best for their desired lighting based upon your concept. Soft light in the early morning or evening, harsher shadows mid day in bright sun.
Check the tide. Learn to work with the water not against it. Failure to pre plan this element can really leave you and your team short on shoot time, off on visuals and cause stress when theres really no need for it.
Prep your models. Are they hiking to a location or changing looks out in the natural setting? Give them a heads up beforehand so they can know what they are signing up for.
Utilize natural elements. I started a habit of arriving 20 minutes early to a shoot location to do a little walk about. I’d eye out tidelines, dune paths and crowds of people. I would also pick up a few natural elements to incorporate visual interest within the shoot. Driftwood, palms fronds, coconuts,
A little pre planning can really simplify your on location styling. Any opportunity you have to scout locations and get a feel for it’s natural elements is a win.
