We are SO thrilled to take you behind the scenes of our location scouting for wedding photography on a wedding day! Come join us at Northern Pacific as Cam scouts out locations. See the locations we chose, Cam’s pro tips for scouting, AND see the final products of photos in our locations. Trust us, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will help you nail the art of finding fantastic wedding backdrops.

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Before we even set foot at the wedding venue, we do our homework. First up, we dive into the treasure trove of blog posts about the location. These are goldmines of information, providing a comprehensive view of all the beautiful spots other photographers have chosen for their special day. Don’t forget to check out blogs from photographers with a similar style to yours – they might prioritize the same things you do, making location scouting a breeze for you!

Step 2: Let There Be Light with Lumos

Next, we bring out the big guns – an app called Lumos. This nifty tool uses augmented reality to show you where the sun will be at every hour of the day. You can scan the location, and it’ll display the sun’s path and lighting conditions throughout the day. This helps us plan our locations with precision and take full advantage of the available natural light.

Step 3: Google Maps for the Win

Good old Google Maps never lets us down. We switch to satellite view to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the venue. This helps us map out the locations, figure out their proximity to each other, and plan our route for the day.

Our Priorities on the Big Day

Now, let’s talk priorities. When we’re scouting locations, our number one concern is clean lighting. This takes precedence over any cool or iconic backgrounds. We aim for full shade in the early hours to ensure soft, even lighting.

Of course, we do love those unique and artistic venue features that drew the couple to the location in the first place. We just pick the right moments to incorporate them into the day, ensuring they shine when they’re meant to.

A bonus we always keep an eye out for is a reflective surface in front of our subjects. Whether it’s light pavement, gravel, or snow, it can bounce light back up, adding that extra touch of magic to our shots.

Group Dynamics and Weather

We also consider the practical aspects. How many people can we fit in one spot? What’s the weather like, and how far can we transport everyone from the venue? We even ask our couples about any accessibility needs in our couples final questionnaire to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.

If you’re looking for an amazing questionnaire for your couples, look no further! We have one in our shop that is truly game-changing for preparing for your couples big day with all of the information you could need! Check it out in our shop HERE!

Now, let’s take you behind the scenes with Cameron as he scouts out the locations bright and early on the wedding day!

Cameron’s Scouting Adventure

Cam begins by explaining how the Lumos app works. It’s all about that augmented reality magic, and it helps him plan his shots with precision. We’re at the stunning Northern Pacific in Brainerd, MN, which is known for its variety of vibes and truly amazing backdrops.

Clean Backgrounds and Reflective Surfaces

Cam’s first priority is finding a clean background in full shade. He locates a spot where the sun will be tucked behind a building by family portrait time, featuring a reflective surface that checks all the boxes for family portraits. Bonus tip: He seizes this scouting time to capture some venue detail shots, ensuring every aspect of the location shines.

Versatility of the Venue

One remarkable thing about this venue is its diversity. It offers everything from nature-inspired greenery to rustic charm and even some beautifully weathered buildings. It’s a guest experience paradise with it’s spaciousness and just how dang beautiful it is.

Wedding Party and First Look Spots

Then, Cam scouts out the perfect spot for the wedding party. It might have a slightly darker reflective surface, but it’s bathed in full shade and complements the venue’s facade beautifully. The private first look location is a touch tight on lighting but ticks all the couple’s boxes: privacy, protection from the wind, and a great sense of the venue.

Plot Twist: Rain

Of course, things don’t always go as planned. When rain suddenly pays a visit, we’re grateful for the venue’s spacious indoor options. Skylights offer stunning natural light, and we make the most of the bridal suite for some intimate indoor portraits. Once the rain clears, we’re back outside, making use of all our carefully scouted spots.

So there you have it, a sneak peek into our location scouting process. We hope you’ve picked up some handy tips and enjoyed our journey through this beautiful wedding venue. Remember, preparation is key, but a dash of creativity can turn any location into a photography paradise. Happy shooting! 📷🌟

P.S. Keep scrolling for some ooey-gooey sunset photos from Josie & Logan’s day!