After the backyard portrait session with my daughter Whitley (which you can read about here), it didn’t take long for my son, Bryce, to ask for his own photo shoot. He had been begging me for his turn, excited to have the same special attention his big sister had received. Of course, I couldn’t say no! Bryce has such a BIG personality—he loves to ham it up and make people laugh with his infectious energy.
What surprised me, though, was how nervous he was at first. Bryce, who usually thrives in the spotlight, was a little unsure of himself in front of the camera. But once he settled in and got past his jitters, his true self came shining through. His laughter, his playful expressions, and his signature charm made the session not just productive but so much fun.
For this session, I wanted to push myself creatively by scouting new locations in our neighborhood. As photographers, it’s easy to fall back on tried-and-true spots, but this shoot was a chance to think outside the box while still drawing inspiration from places I already love. If you’re looking to expand your list of go-to photo spots, here are a few tips for turning old favorites into fresh inspiration:
1. Start With What You Know
Begin by listing your favorite photo spots. What makes them special? Is it the lighting, the textures, or perhaps the unique framing opportunities? Once you identify what you love about these locations, you can look for those same elements in new settings.
For instance, in Whitley’s backyard session, I loved how the natural light filtered through the trees and how the textures of the fence and garden added character to the photos. With Bryce’s shoot, I looked for similar elements in our neighborhood—tree-lined paths, interesting fences, and areas where the light played beautifully on his bright personality.
2. Think Like a Local Explorer
Sometimes, the best photo spots are hiding in plain sight. Walk or drive around your area and pay attention to places you might overlook during your daily routine. For Bryce’s shoot, we found spots that I’d passed a hundred times but never considered—a neighbor’s ivy-covered fence, a cul-de-sac with colorful landscaping, and even a quiet park with unique textures.
3. Reimagine the Familiar
Even locations you’ve used before can feel fresh when you change your perspective. Shoot from a lower angle, experiment with tighter framing, or use a new lens to highlight different features of the location. Bryce’s playful energy inspired me to try angles that emphasized his movement and spontaneity, which added a new dynamic to otherwise simple settings.
4. Look for Seasonal Changes
The time of year can dramatically alter a location’s vibe. Autumn leaves, spring blooms, or even the stark beauty of winter can make an old spot feel brand new. Bryce’s shoot took place in the fall, which added warm tones and cozy textures that gave the photos a completely different feel from similar summer sessions.
5. Involve Your Subject
Bryce was thrilled to help me explore, and his excitement led us to some unexpected gems. Letting him pick a spot or suggest a pose made him feel like part of the creative process, which brought out his confidence and personality. Involving your subject—especially kids—can make the session more fun and collaborative.
Creating Moments That Matter
Bryce’s session wasn’t just about the photos; it was about spending quality time together, sharing laughs, and creating memories. Exploring new locations added an element of adventure to the shoot and reminded me that inspiration is everywhere if you take the time to look.
So the next time you’re planning a session, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Start with what you know and let your creativity guide you to discover something new. You might just stumble upon your next favorite spot—and create unforgettable moments in the process.
Have a favorite photo spot or a tip for scouting locations? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
leave a comment