Guide for makers
How to find a unique shoot location
The right location does half the work. The wrong one costs you a day. With these seven questions you choose faster and better, indoors or out.
1. Where does the light come from?
Scout at the same hour as your shoot. Watch the sun and the weather: they decide the quality of light, the shadows and the contrast. Apps can show the sun’s path through the day.
2. How much space do you really need?
Count the crew, the set, the clothes rail and a place to eat. A space that looks big in photos is full with five people and a light stand.
3. How do you get in?
Lift or stairs, loading and unloading, parking. A first floor without a lift is fine, as long as you know in advance.
4. What do you hear?
Listen for five minutes with your eyes closed: traffic, neighbours, ventilation. For video, sound counts as much as light.
5. What is included?
Cleaning, energy, wifi, set-up time, extra hours. A low hourly rate with lots of extras costs more than an honest day rate.
6. Are you allowed?
Permission from the owner or the city is no detail. Private locations are often the easiest choice: one agreement and you know where you stand.
7. What if it rains?
Always keep an indoor location up your sleeve. Or start there.
Rentaloft
Seven times yes?
Rentaloft: 220 m², a 6-metre atrium, light from above and two sides, everything included. Mini from €219 for 4 hours.