How I Approach a New Location for the First Time | 5 Steps

Every new location is a blank canvas for a photographer, an opportunity to explore, discover, and create. As I step into an unfamiliar setting with my camera in hand, I follow a series of steps to ensure that I capture the essence of the place and tell its unique story through my lens. In this article, I'll take you through my approach to a new location, step by step.

Step 1: Go Handheld and Review the Scene

My initial approach is to go handheld and take a moment to absorb the scene. I like to think of it as meeting the actors before the play begins. I look around, taking in the surroundings, and identify what I consider the "star of the show" – the focal point of the composition. I also note its supporting actors, elements that enhance the story without stealing the spotlight.

Step 2: Decide on Composition

Once I've identified the star and its supporting actors, I start thinking about composition. I experiment with different heights, angles, and distances to ensure that the star of the show truly shines. It's all about finding the right balance and framing to convey the scene's beauty and character effectively.

Step 3: Choose the Right Settings

With my composition decided, I move on to the technical aspects. I consider the speed of my shot, deciding whether I want to freeze the action or capture motion. Shutter speed comes into play here, helping me convey the feeling I want in the final image.

If I'm aiming to create a dreamy background or emphasize my subject, I think about the aperture and how it affects depth of field. A lower f-stop can create a beautiful bokeh, blurring the background and making the star stand out.

Step 4: Utilize Filters

Filters are often indispensable in landscape photography. They help control light, manage reflections, and enhance the final image. Depending on the scene, I might use a polarizing filter to reduce glare or a graduated neutral density filter to balance exposure between a bright sky and a darker foreground.

Step 5: Capture the First Shot

Now that everything is set, I take my first shot. It's like the opening scene of the play, setting the tone for the rest of the production. As I click the shutter, I know there's more to come, but this is my starting point.

Repeat the Process

Photography is a journey of discovery, and it often involves refining and adjusting your approach. In this particular scenario, I was on a jetty with the tide going out. I initially framed the shot with the subject placed in the middle of the frame, using the jetty and surrounding rocks as leading lines to draw the viewer's eye into the scene.

Then, I decided to change my perspective. I stood on the jetty itself to create a symmetrical image, adding another layer to the story. As I was capturing this moment, a man decided to go swimming, providing an unexpected, candid shot as he dived off the jetty right in front of me. It's these unscripted moments that make photography an adventure.

With the tide going out and still significant waves, I decided to put on my long lens to capture the waves as they crashed against the red bars at the end of the jetty, adding drama and energy to the overall narrative.

After that, it’s time to edit and this is where you can run wild if you wish, in fact for some of the images I decided to go dark and moody in my edits and I like those too.

In conclusion, approaching a new location as a photographer involves a series of steps that balance artistic vision with technical precision. But it's also about staying open to unexpected moments and embracing the ever-changing nature of photography. Each shot is a new act in the play, and every location tells a unique story.