TL;DR – What You’ll Learn in This Post

• Why your environment is part of your personal brand identity
• The three pillars I use to evaluate location: resonance, light, and aesthetic
• Common mistakes clients make when choosing locations without creative direction
• How location supports both Identity Alchemy and Elevated Realism™
• Real client shoot examples + how I guide the process

Your Location Isn’t Background — It’s Identity

Where you shoot isn’t just about what looks cool.

It’s about resonance. It’s about embodiment. It’s about visually designing a space that holds your energy.

“Your brand visuals don’t just show who you are — they show the world you live in.”

Location is one of the most important storytelling tools we have. If you shoot in a space that doesn’t feel like you — or where your energy can’t breathe — the images will fall flat.

That’s why I consider location as essential as wardrobe or creative direction.

The Three Layers of a Powerful Shoot Location

1. Resonance: Does the Space Reflect Them?

The first thing I ask clients: What locations represent you?

• Is it your home? A certain style of space? A sacred outdoor place?
• Do you work from a gorgeous studio? Frequent a favorite cafe? Train in the gym?

This is about identity. What places make you feel the most like you?

If I can feel their vibe through the space, we’re in alignment.

2. Light: Is There Enough Natural Light?

My visual style leans heavily into natural light.

So I look for spaces with:

• Big windows
• Sunset access
• Directional light that brings dimension

“Natural light = natural expression. It’s easier to move, breathe, and feel like yourself.”

Of course, I still shoot some studio looks with artificial light. But most of my favorite moments come from natural light setups that let us move and play.

3. Aesthetic: Is It Visually Aligned?

Even if a space feels good in person, that doesn’t always translate to photos.

So I look for:

• Design-forward spaces with clear style
• Visual depth and texture (vs. flat or cluttered)
• Color stories that support wardrobe and energy

“A location doesn’t have to be minimalist — it has to be intentional.”

Some clients have maximalist homes that are stunning. Others thrive in sparse, curated spaces. Either works — if it’s done well.

Should the Location Reflect Their Current or Future Self?

Both.

Sometimes we shoot in the client’s current space — like their home or office.

Other times, we rent a space that reflects their future self.

“A location can hold the identity you’re stepping into — before you fully arrive.”

For example, I recently shot a client in a high-end garden estate in Miami that aligned with the upscale energy of their next-level brand. That wouldn’t have made sense if we were only thinking about where they are now.

Identity Alchemy means capturing who they are and who they’re becoming.

How I Help Clients Choose Locations

1. I ask brand-aligned questions on their pre-shoot form
2. They tell me what spaces feel like them
3. I review any of their personal spaces they’d like to use (via photo)
4. If needed, I help source rentals on Peerspace or Giggster
5. I approve all final options before we shoot

“The mistake is choosing a place that feels good to you, but won’t look good on camera.”

I don’t typically do physical scouting in advance, especially since most clients fly me to them — but I’m deeply involved in choosing.

What Makes a Location Elevated vs. Basic? 

Elevated = curated. Intentional textures, design, composition, and feeling.

Basic = default. Generic, middle-of-America cookie-cutter houses with no story.

“The location doesn’t have to be expensive. It has to feel like something.”

Some of the most magnetic locations I’ve shot in were simply styled well.

On the flip side, cluttered spaces with poor light, tight quarters, or visual noise are hard to work around — and create friction instead of flow.

Real Example: Cuiva’s Castle + Helicopter Shoot

For Cuiva Harrison, we flew to Ireland. We shot:

• In a literal castle to express mystical femininity
• In a helicopter, in flight
• On the Cliffs of Moher for vastness, sovereignty, and power

That shoot wouldn’t have worked in a city apartment.

“Her story required epic. Her brand required scope. Her identity required space.”

That’s the power of location.

FAQs

Do you shoot in client homes?

Yes, but only if they send me photos and I approve it first. Many of my clients have beautifully designed spaces. But if it’s cluttered, dark, or doesn’t reflect the brand, we won’t use it.

Do you shoot in multiple locations?

Depends on the package. Bigger shoots include 2–4 locations (like the Creator package). Smaller shoots typically use one strong, flexible space.

What if I don’t have a good space?

I’ll help you find one. I have a deep library of inspiration from past shoots and tools to help us locate aligned rentals.

The Final Truth

“Where you shoot shapes how people see you.”

If you want to be perceived as polished, powerful, editorial, grounded, expansive, your location should whisper those truths without you saying a word.

When we align space, light, energy, and identity — that’s Elevated Realism™.

Ready to Shoot in a Space That Reflects You? 

Your space tells a story. Let’s find the one that reflects your next chapter.

👉 Apply for Your Elevated Realism™ Shoot