Photo Tips

Photo Shoot Location Tip: Parking Lot Magic

Me Ra Koh

Parking lots may be the last thing that come to mind when considering a photo shoot location. Β So, why do I love shooting in parking lots over parks?Β  I know not everyone can come to a CONFIDENCE Workshop (although I hope you ALL can at some point! :)).Β  So how about if I show you why I loveΒ parking lots as a photo shoot location?

During the model shoot at our Sacramento CONFIDENCE Workshop (with the most lovely ladies!), I noticed one group was photographing their mom and baby in the grass.Β  Perfect time to demonstrate why I love parking lots over parks!

Grass eats up the light!Β  When the sun hits the grass, the light is sucked up instead of bouncing back up in to the person’s face.Β  Sometimes the light will even have a green hue to it.Β  Anyone ever experience this?Β  This doesn’t mean you can’t ever photograph people in grass, BUT if there is a big parking lot with lots of cement, even an alleyway, I may consider going there.

Here is an “unedited” example of how the light isn’t bouncing back up into baby’s face.Β  Instead, you can almost see the shadows on baby’s face around the eyebrows, cheeks and chin.Β  Does everyone see what I’m talking about?

Found this great photo shoot location tip from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

But look what happens when we move mom and baby into the alleyway and have them sit down on the concrete!Β  The concrete is white/gray and the sunlight bounces off the concrete and illuminates their faces–no shadows anywhere!Β  Just gorgeous light!Β  This photo is straight out of the camera with no editing.

Can you see the difference?Β  It’s your own Fill Light happening without needing a flash or reflector!

Found this great photo shoot location tip from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

During Day 2 of the workshop, we walk the ladies through our system or organizing images and post process.Β  I show the ladies how I edit my images and talk about my reasoning behind the editing choices I make.Β  You could take this image into Lightroom, and accentuate the colors just a bit. (Isn’t this mama gorgeous?!)

Found this great photo shoot location tip from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

 

But I like it in Black and White too!

This photo shoot location tip is one favorite tricks that we teach at the CONFIDENCE Workshop.Β  The weekend gives you a bag full of tricks Β so you can walk away from the workshop in confidence, both inside and out!

 

xoxo,

m

Found this great photo shoot location tip from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

 

p.s. Β Okay, I have to do this too!Β  I was editing Mini Session photos, and I have to show you a couple sneak peaks!

ANNIE!!!Β  I was FREAKING OUT on the plane when I got to this series from our Mini!!

Find family photo inspiration from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

And the Sossaman Clan of SEVEN singing their hearts out!!Β  SO MUCH FUN!!! I first met Sharon when she came to our Sonoma CONFIDENCE Workshop years ago. Now she is this AWESOME Photographer! Check out her beautiful new website!Β  And their family has become the dearest friends.Β  (love you guys!)

Find family photo inspiration from Me Ra Koh, The Photo Mom

 

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  1. jeramy says:

    ha!!!! love that shot! that was SUCH a fun moment. πŸ™‚

  2. jeramy says:

    p.s…..I’m glad your heart is light. I CAN hear it. πŸ™‚

  3. ajira says:

    Glad your dad’s doing well, Me Ra! And LOVE that photo of the Sossaman clan. What a beautiful family!

  4. Glad to hear your dad is doing well. Just a quick question. When taking pictures of a larger family like the Sossamn picture (which I love) what do you like to have your aperture on and are you going to be having any Discovery workshops again?

  5. jeramy says:

    @nickie……hmmmm……discovery workshop……great question. πŸ™‚

  6. Amanda Mays says:

    How sweet is that mother son image! Awesome!

    LOVE the Sossaman picture!!! The beans face is the best part. Love the bangs Sharon!

  7. MYRIAM ACFALLE says:

    I am sure that was all a reaction to something that beautiful Maggie did or said..

  8. Carrie Yuan says:

    …waiting patiently! πŸ™‚ Have a great workshop in DC!!!

  9. Annie Piros says:

    Thanks Me Ra! I love it and can’t wait to see the rest. Such a cute, sweet little guy I’m so lucky to have!

  10. andrea S says:

    I’m so glad to hear your dad is doing well after his surgery. I hope it brings him some long lasting relief. My thoughts and prayers are with him, your sweet mother, and your family. I can definitely ‘hear’ the lightness in your words πŸ™‚