Skatepark images

Today some images we shot last week during a video shoot on the skatepark.
For me this will be one of the last times I’m shooting in this location. I’ve done some great work there but as I always tell people don’t go back too often because it will become a “sure success” and I love to challenge myself to find new locations. I won’t say I will not shoot there again with different things but for now the models will not see this place for some time.

Now let’s talk a bit about this.

 Some locations are awesome, they are very photogenic and you can actually shoot there all day long, well this is one of these locations, the problem however is also that at one point you know the location, you’ve done everything and as soon as you arrive you know the people, you know the angles, positions and you can create the images you want in a heartbeat, so why should you stop shooting there?

Well let me first differentiate something.
If you’re a wedding photographer, shooting families, shooting seniors etc. you can of course re-use locations, although I also think it’s not a very good idea to always use the same location because people want something unique and not something that everyone has on their wall. And this is exactly where the same goes for shooters that work for their own portfolio.

If you’re shooting on a great location, or doing something that works (for example working with flower, water etc.) you will get great responses online, and this is addictive, in other words you know it works so you keep doing it, the problem with this is that people will very soon start labeling you as the “water shooter”, “the skatepark shooter” etc. and let’s be honest you are probably much happier when you are labeled as “a good photographer” right?

By changing locations or techniques (even if they are killer and make you a lot of money) you are actually challenging yourself, you are learning to shoot in situations that are new. This way you will have to learn to adapt really fast to new situations and trust me this is something that will have a HUGE impact on your shooting style. And don’t be afraid that there are not enough good locations…. you have to learn to see through the lens, learn to block off areas that are not interesting, but more importantly “focus” on the areas that are, and in my opinion there are not many locations where it’s impossible to make a good photograph, you just have to learn to see it. By constantly moving away from your comfort zone you will not only get a very varied portfolio but you will also learn to adapt incredibly quickly. Look at photographers like Joe McNally for example who is able to work out something in (I think) every location big or small that is really turning peoples heads, if it’s a satellite dish park or an CT scanner, Joe will figure something out. If Joe would always stay in his comfort zone I’m sure he would not be able to figure out some of the things that he does.

So the next time you’re on location choose a different location, challenge yourself and FORCE yourself to do it differently. You will see it will get easier and your photography will really grow.

If you like this blog post but want to read something that is MUCH more in-depth, more intense and covers many more aspects make sure to check out my new book “Mastering the modelshoot” it’s available from all stores and of course Amazon, you can order it here.