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Photography Location Guide: What to Look for and Why

By: Cranberry Township and Mars Area Photographer

Scouting with Story in Mind – A Whimsical Guide to Finding the Right Location

When it comes to planning a truly magical children’s portrait session, props and wardrobe set the stage—but without the right location, the story can fall apart.

Here’s what I’m always on the lookout for when scouting locations:

1.  Safety First
More than anything, I want children to feel safe! The very first thing I ask a child is, “Do you feel safe?” If the answer is no, we shift the plan—simple as that.

One of my favorite locations is a big old tree on my property, with a tire swing hanging from a sturdy limb and a ladder leaning against the trunk. It felt like the perfect setting for two brothers I was photographing. I imagined the little one swinging joyfully while his big brother gave a playful push.

But the little one wasn’t quite sure about the swing.

So—we flipped the idea. The big brother hopped on, and the little one climbed up the ladder beside him.
It wasn’t the moment I had planned, but it was something even better: a sweet, unscripted memory that told their story.

That’s the beauty of the right location—it gives us space to pivot, follow the child’s lead, and let the story unfold naturally.

2. Depth and Distance
When I’m scouting locations, I’m always on the lookout for depth. A background that gently fades into softness makes all the difference. That dreamy blur—created by distance, texture, and light—draws the eye right to the child, where the story truly begins.

Take this scene, for example: a little boy with a vintage red airplane, seated in a wide-open field. The forest in the background is just far enough away to melt into a soft green haze. That separation lets him pop right off the image, keeping the focus on his expression, his pose, and his imagination at work. It turns a simple moment into a full adventure.

Depth helps every detail feel intentional. It’s what gives a portrait that magical, storybook quality—like you could step right into the picture and keep turning pages.

Little boy in a sunlit field holding a red vintage toy airplane, with soft background blur and distant trees adding dreamy depth. Storytelling children’s portrait taken near Cranberry Township, PA.

3. Catching Sunbeams: The Art of Light and Location

Light is always dancing—changing with the clouds, the weather, and the seasons. When scouting locations around Mars and Cranberry Township, I recommend visiting your chosen spot a few days before your session, ideally at the same time of day you plan to shoot. It’s the best way to see where the light falls and find those perfect pockets of sun and shade.

But life gets busy, and sometimes that’s not possible. When you arrive and the light isn’t quite what you expected, don’t worry! Often, just a few steps one way or the other can reveal a hidden nook or patch of sunlight that transforms the scene.

One of the perks of choosing my own property near Mars, PA, is that I’ve explored every corner of my 40 acres in all kinds of light. I know exactly where the morning glow wraps gently around the trees, which fields sparkle under golden hour, and where shade offers a perfect spot for pictures on a sunny day. Still, weather and clouds keep me on my toes! So I always plan for what might be—and stay ready to move to a new spot to keep the magic alive.

4. Creating the Scene

Creating the Scene
The perfect backdrop brings everything together—but sometimes, it’s not just about the location. It’s about the vision.

For this portrait of a little fairy at the base of a tree, I photographed her close up for that dreamy blur, then expanded the background in post-processing to deepen the storybook feel.

Years of experience—and learning from some of the best children’s photographers—help me turn small moments into something magical.

✨ Learn more about my Outdoor Fairy Sessions near Mars, PA »

Tiny Places, Big Magic

Sometimes, the smallest spot—when the light is right and there’s just enough distance behind—can become the perfect location. A patch of daisies along the road, with the right angle, becomes a wildflower field. It’s not always about finding a big space—it’s about seeing the magic in the little ones.

Location, Wardrobe and Prop = Magic!

 

Every session I plan begins with a theme or idea, and the location helps bring that vision to life. For this portrait, the mother brought a vintage knicker set for her little boy. I knew the old dirt lane that runs along the country road by my property would be the perfect setting—a spot where a small suitcase could suggest a visit to Grandma’s or a boy off on a grand adventure as he holds his favorite teddy bear!

With the wardrobe chosen, the prop in hand, and the perfect light, we created a story in a single frame.

Want to see how wardrobe, props, and location all come together? Read this post about planning a storytelling session »

 

🌿 Behind the Lens: A Fine Art Photography Journey

Week 1: Week One:   How I Choose props for Children Photography Sessions.

Week 2: Wardrobe carefully selected for storytelling.

Week 3: Photography Location Guide: What to look for and why.

Week 4: Letting Kids Lead: Personality-Focused Children’s Portraits

Week 5: From Digital to Art: The Power of Printed Portraits

 

💛 Let’s Make Magic Together
Every childhood holds a thousand little stories — some whispered in smiles, some caught in a twinkle of the eye. Whether it’s a storybook album to treasure forever or one breathtaking portrait for your wall, I’d love to help you preserve those moments before they flutter away.

✨ Begin Your Portrait Story Here CONTACT ME!

contact me for more information on how you can schedule a fine art session!
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