Carrying out an outdoor photo shoot relies on finding locations and organizing the photo shoots.
The search for places
She must be methodical in order to find the location that best suits the artistic direction of the shoot. The decor of a place, its architecture, urban design, and even the interplay of natural light are all key creative elements.
The organization of the shooting
Outdoor photo shoots require specific organization. The goal is to create the conditions necessary for producing professional images.
Taking photos on private property, castles, parks, museums, etc. requires obtaining the agreement of the owner. Even if their access is open and free.
When images are taken in the streets, it is often necessary to make a declaration. And sometimes to pay a fee.
Some venues also require that the production company or photographer have liability insurance covering potential damages.
As a general rule, cities or places have a dedicated section on their website with all the information relating to filming.
As an example, here is the link to the city of Paris https://www.paris.fr/pages/preparer-son-tournage-a-paris-16197 In addition, the national monuments center manages around a hundred sites in France such as the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud or the Hôtel de la Marine.
https://www.monuments-nationaux.fr/tournages-et-prises-de-vues . Or the City of London website https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us/filming/film-photography-permissions
Finally, it should not be overlooked that it is forbidden to photograph certain military buildings or embassies…
While the idea of circumventing these obligations is tempting, in the name of creative freedom and saving money, there's little chance of going unnoticed with filming equipment and crews. However, there's also little chance of going unnoticed, especially when you have filming equipment and a crew. In such cases, it's highly likely that, at best, security guards, security services, or law enforcement will ask you to leave immediately. Some countries may even confiscate all of your equipment. Furthermore, they could deport you!
Trying to capture images surreptitiously with limited resources will inevitably lead to disappointing results. Furthermore, outdoor filming requires significant human and technical resources.
It is indeed difficult to do without a space to apply makeup, do hair and change a mannequin, sheltered from the wind and the cold or the heat. Likewise, to create beautiful light, you must equip yourself with substantial equipment such as flash, reflectors, diffusers in order to deal with the sun which constantly varies according to its movement and the clouds.
To organize an outdoor photoshoot in optimal conditions, it's essential to hire a professional photographer who can anticipate and manage all these aspects. So don't hesitate to contact me!
All these spaces require filming/photography authorization. Some locations may also require a financial contribution.
