Difference Between On-location and Studio Photography

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Photography is a passion for many and some among them go ahead and make that their profession. What can be better than building a career out of your passion? Here are some of the nitty-gritty’s that one has to handle when one takes it up professionally. There are two types – on-location and then there is the studio photography.  Location photography can be a valuable exercise posing a variety of challenges, giving you the opportunity to work on landscapes and portraits. It is challenging because the light and weather conditions will not be under your control and you will have to overcome them and deliver good quality photographs. The rewards are great as the outcome of it will be a powerful collection of extremely insightful images. Thus, select a location that adds to the subject and gives ample opportunity to you to shoot. On-location photography also requires planning. You must make yourself familiar with the location and the subject matter that it has the potential to provide; also, the potential sources of light, both natural and artificial, and the angles that it would provide. This would also mean that you have to be ready with the correct kind of lenses. Of course, location photography depends a lot on individual response, quickness in reacting to sudden changing situation and a good share of luck. The landmarks and the nature of architecture in that area would also determine the kind of shots that can be taken. For example, an area with a lot of high rises would give you the opportunity to take plenty of low angle shots of the buildings. You could also try and go atop the building and try and get a bird’s eye view of the area. While it is important to capture an area on a large scale, it is also important to capture some of the smaller details, maybe using a macro lens in this case. It is unlikely to plan these out and therefore one has to keep his or her eyes open. Location photography also requires you to be a people person. It is indeed a daunting task to approach absolute strangers asking for permission to photograph their home, property or sometimes even them. However, at the end of the day if you manage it, it will be a rewarding experience. While location photography most of time means taking pictures of objects and people in the location, it can also involve fashion photography with people and objects not belonging to that location naturally. Family photographs can also be taken on-location, that is, at your home. This brings a sense of belonging and provides a lasting record of your personal history. Studio photography requires investment of capital upfront for setting up the studio and other requirements. It seems easier than on-location for most of the conditions are in your control. However, it becomes a daunting task to recreate natural light conditions, when required in a studio. If you are a highly creative person with a good knowledge of using studio equipment, then you will get wonderful results. Studios are floor or ceiling based depending upon where you want to place your lights and equipments. If there is one source of natural light, then that also takes care of your natural light requirement. However, a studio fails to give you the thrill that a location does. Thus, one needs to figure which conditions one is more comfortable with and then set up your own studio business.