One thing us bloggers are always on the hunt for is perfectly instagramable backdrops for our Outfit Shoots! Considering the view behind you in your shot is definitely important. Over the past 2 years of blogging I feel like I've discovered some great ones and you start looking at places you've always known with fresh eyes. Here is an example of an outfit post where I used a multiple of my favourite locations. So I thought I would give you my guide to finding the best locations you can in your local area. Once you've found around half a dozen or so places you can use them on rotate throughout the seasons depending on your outfits and you'll be all set!
Explore Your Local Area | You don't need to travel far to find the perfect photography locations. It's a lot of fun travelling around where you live and actually seeing places in a new light or perhaps discovering hidden gems that you'd never even come across before! The best part about discovering local places is that they will most likely be unique to you and your blog. London is great for locations but let's face it we've all seen 'that pink house' and 'that flower shop' used a backdrops a million times before! Stand out and find spots that match your style and look a bit different.
Gardens, Woods & Fields | One of my favourite places to shoot are gardens because they are full of colour and beauty! You can either try and match the colours in your outfit or create a contrast. Find little benches to sit on or take a picnic blanket & create a little set up! National trust gardens are great to explore as well and some can make for absolutely magnificent backdrops. I've found so beautiful gardens in my local area that work all year round. The one you see me in a lot is called Highdown Gardens and it's definitely a go-to. Woods can create a real moody feel in winter but a more enchanted forest vibe in spring. Try searching for some Cornfields and Lavender Fields as they look absolutely stunning in photos!
Street | We all know 'street style' is such a popular fashion shot and nobody needs to go far to find a street! It doesn't have to be the classic London looking street either if you live in a small town like me try searching for a street with pastel houses or some pretty window boxes. The more candid and natural looking the better so don't worry about being too posed.
Buildings | As well as attractive looking houses and cottages look out for buildings that will add a unique look to your images. For example churches and cathedrals, tea rooms or pastel shops anything that draws your eye. I discovered a ruin of an old hospital in Arundel (see here) which you wouldn't think would look good at all actually makes for a beautiful artistic photography spot that I keep returning to.
Pretty Doors | All instagrammers love a pretty door! So start having a look out for some from colourful ones, pastels and ones with cute little cottages with window boxes and flowers growing all around. Make sure you're respectful that these are people's homes though and they may come out and spring you -this has totally happened to me before! Mostly people are nice though and just interested to know what you're up to.
Steps | Steps can make for a really cool backdrop to your outfit photos whether you're sitting or standing on them. Try searching for grand or ornate looking steps perhaps with some greenery surrounding them. Again make sure you're always careful and respectful if its someone own house though as they may not take kindly to you sitting on their doorstep!
Beach | I'm lucky enough to live 5 minutes away from the beach so I use this a lot as a backdrop for my photos. It's obviously perfect to compliment my summer style outfits. Whether it's on the sand, by the sea or by some boats by a harbour you can create some cute nautical photos or something more exotic and holiday inspired. I love getting photos in front colourful beach huts. There are some amazing ones around if you search hard enough, striped, pastel and brightly coloured. A pier is also a great location to get some shots as well and don't forget to get and ice cream to pose with!
Walls | I have this thing with walls is a very popular hashtag on Instagram and it's incredible the variety of beautiful wall backdrops that are actually out there! Whether it's a single block colour or stunning wall art murals, if you search hard enough you might find some gems. Unfortunately I haven't managed to find anything colourful or arty nearer to me than Brighton but I have found some more natural looking pebbled walls and ones with ivy growing up it which I think look really pretty.
Walls | I have this thing with walls is a very popular hashtag on Instagram and it's incredible the variety of beautiful wall backdrops that are actually out there! Whether it's a single block colour or stunning wall art murals, if you search hard enough you might find some gems. Unfortunately I haven't managed to find anything colourful or arty nearer to me than Brighton but I have found some more natural looking pebbled walls and ones with ivy growing up it which I think look really pretty.
Make The Most Of The Seasons | The changing of the seasons can drastically & magically alter the look and effect of your photos. From fresh bright spring greens, golden days of sunshine, rusty orange autumn hues, edgy grey days and crisp cold snow covered grounds. Use this to your advantage for creating a mood In your images. Also try interacting with the things around you: pick some daisies, grab a fist full of autumn leaves, throw a snowball - it will make for some more playful and fun photos.
Indoor Shots | I generally prefer to get my outfit shots done outside, from a lighting perspective it's usually so much better. However in the winter it's not always practical, when it's hammering down with rain it's difficult to get any shots done! So if you're taking the camera inside here are a view tips I'd recommend.
- Shoot by a window, if you're facing the window you'll usually get the best lighting but play around with angles.
-Look for interesting interiors such as libraries, coffee shops, arcades (remember my arcade ootd?) or even garden centres.
-Look for white walls or furniture as it will reflect light and add brightness to your photo.
Let me know if you found my guide helpful and if you have any other ideas to add!
These adorable retro square polaroids are from Printiki*, get free shipping on your own set by using my code: 7CBNXWYU at the checkout. As well as polaroids you can get regular prints and photobooks too!
Let me know if you found my guide helpful and if you have any other ideas to add!
These adorable retro square polaroids are from Printiki*, get free shipping on your own set by using my code: 7CBNXWYU at the checkout. As well as polaroids you can get regular prints and photobooks too!
*This post contains PR samples however all opinions as always are my own, please see my Disclaimer for details.