1. Define Your Vision & Subject:
* What story do you want to tell? Are you aiming for edgy, romantic, powerful, vulnerable, futuristic, nostalgic, or something else entirely? The location should complement this story.
* What are your subject's characteristics? Consider their personality, style, and what they're wearing. A shy, introverted subject in a harsh, industrial setting might feel uncomfortable, while an outgoing person might thrive. Similarly, consider how the location interacts with their clothing – clashing patterns can be distracting.
* Consider the purpose of the portrait. Is it for a professional headshot? A personal project? A romantic engagement photo? The purpose will guide the formality and setting.
2. Location Scouting & Key Elements:
* Lighting: This is paramount!
* Time of day: Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides warm, soft, flattering light. Blue hour (just before sunrise and after sunset) offers a cool, ethereal mood. Midday sun is harsh and can create unflattering shadows (avoid if possible, or find shade).
* Direction of light: Consider backlighting (subject lit from behind), sidelighting (subject lit from the side), and front lighting. Each creates a different mood and emphasizes different features.
* Availability of shade: Look for buildings, trees, or overhangs that can provide shade on sunny days, allowing you to avoid harsh shadows.
* Reflections: Look for reflective surfaces like windows, puddles, or polished buildings that can add interesting light and depth.
* Background:
* Simplicity vs. Complexity: A simple, uncluttered background can isolate the subject and draw attention to them. A complex background can add context and visual interest, but be careful not to overwhelm the subject.
* Colors: Consider how the colors in the background complement or contrast with your subject's clothing and skin tone. Neutral tones are often safe and versatile.
* Patterns and Textures: Brick walls, graffiti, concrete, metal, and glass all offer unique textures that can add visual interest.
* Leading Lines: Use lines (roads, buildings, bridges) to guide the viewer's eye to the subject.
* Compositional Elements:
* Framing: Use architectural elements like doorways, windows, arches, or bridges to frame the subject and draw attention to them.
* Depth of Field: Consider how shallow or deep you want the depth of field to be. A shallow depth of field can blur the background and isolate the subject. A deep depth of field can keep the background in focus and provide context.
* Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to position your subject off-center and create a more dynamic composition.
* Urban Elements to Consider:
* Buildings: Modern skyscrapers, historical architecture, rundown warehouses – each evokes a different feeling.
* Street Art/Graffiti: Can add pops of color and edginess, but consider the content and whether it aligns with your subject and the overall story.
* Bridges: Offer unique perspectives and leading lines.
* Parks/Green Spaces: A contrast to the hard lines of the city, providing a softer, more natural feel within the urban context.
* Stairways: Create interesting angles and compositions.
* Alleys: Can be gritty and atmospheric, but be mindful of safety and lighting.
* Transportation (buses, trains, subways): Adds a sense of movement and urban life.
* Waterfronts (docks, piers, harbors): Offer reflections and a sense of vastness.
3. Practical Considerations:
* Permits & Permissions: Check if you need a permit to photograph in a specific location, especially for commercial use or if using professional equipment (lights, stands).
* Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy or potentially unsafe areas. Go with a friend if necessary, especially when shooting at night or in less populated areas.
* Noise Levels: Be mindful of background noise, especially if you plan to record audio or need a quiet environment for posing.
* Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the location for both you and your subject. Is it easy to get to? Are there any obstacles or hazards?
* Crowds: Be prepared to deal with crowds, especially in popular tourist areas. Consider shooting during off-peak hours or finding less crowded locations.
* Time of Day: As mentioned before, the time of day heavily affects the lighting and the mood of the location.
4. Creative Approaches:
* Experiment with angles and perspectives: Don't be afraid to shoot from low angles, high angles, or unusual perspectives.
* Use the environment to interact with the subject: Have them lean against a wall, sit on a bench, or walk across a street.
* Incorporate movement: Capture your subject walking, running, or dancing.
* Tell a story: Use the environment to add context and narrative to the portrait.
In Summary:
Choosing the right urban landscape is a process of understanding your subject, defining your vision, and carefully scouting locations that offer the right lighting, background, and compositional elements. Consider the practical aspects of safety and permissions, and don't be afraid to experiment and get creative! Good luck!