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With the awakening of a new year comes fresh inspiration and a renewed energy, ready to dive into new creative projects and shoots. Although it may be an often overlooked step in the planning process, taking the time to recce a property ahead of a shoot can really enrich the location experience on the day, providing those crucial details that help production run smoothly. But what should you really be looking out for? Let’s dive into five things to remember on your next location recce.
Although images speak a thousand words, they can’t always convey a sense of three dimensional space. That’s why visiting a location and assessing the space in person can be so valuable. Consider the size of rooms and layout, where product or equipment might need to be stored whilst using certain angles and even that ever important pull-back space for the camera. Locations like The Tin House in Norfolk have a vast open-plan space, making it ideal for shoots with large products or multiple models.
It’s also vital to check the access to each area, such as stairways, doorways and corridors to make sure everything can be moved to the desired shooting spot. This includes the outdoor access – is there enough parking for all of the crew as well as transport vans? Country houses such as Cotswold Barn or Church Road have ample parking to make room for all kinds of crews, whereas London properties or smaller cottages may have more limitations to consider.
As you explore your chosen location, take notice of the size and shape of windows in each room. This can help to assess the natural light levels which can be so crucial for stunning imagery. It’s also worth noting the direction the windows face, and how the light moves through the house throughout the day. This can help to form a shot list with timings, allowing you to catch that gorgeous golden hour at the right time, or avoid harsh beams of sunlight in summer.
Properties like The Elms have an abundance of natural light thanks to their numerous skylights and contemporary picture windows, making them ideal for making the most of the waning winter light in the early seasons of the year.
Getting the desired natural elements is always a challenge on photoshoots, particularly for those shooting ahead of season. A walk through the grounds on recce day can give a clearer idea of how the outdoor foliage looks in all weathers, and whether a convincing summer’s day can be created in January!
Even when shooting indoors, it’s worth taking a moment to check the views out through large windows to make sure it fits with the vision for the shoot. Looking out through the gorgeous wood-framed windows of Oxfordshire Barn lies the quintessentially British countryside, from the pretty white florals in the trees to the golden fields beyond.
Most furniture can be carefully moved or rearranged to suit the shoot needs, but it’s also worth checking on those pieces that can’t. This might be something incredibly heavy, such as a pool table or four poster bed, or something fitted into the walls like a log burner.
It may also be worth noting very valuable pieces of artwork or delicate antique pieces that might decorate the property. Rustic properties, such as the eclectic Welsh House, can have so many unique items within it can be hard to assess what should or shouldn’t be moved. Some items such as artwork need to be relocated in a certain, careful way to limit the risk of damage.
It’s always best to be clear of what the owners of a property are happy with, whether that’s protecting floors or limiting flash after certain hours. We are fortunate to have many lovely location owners on our roster who are more than happy to lend their accessories for styling and give free rein to visitors!
Some properties are suitable for painting and decorating too, like the perfect blank canvas that is New Cross. Measuring and estimating timings for this can be a huge help when planning the order of business for the day.
It’s also worth considering looking at Studio Locations for the more elaborate set-builds and large-scale shoots. As well as having large open space and lots of natural light, they also often offer the services of a studio manager as well as more specialist equipment for the crew to use.
From Country Homes to London Apartments, each property has its own unique strengths and limitations that can directly impact how a shoot goes. A recce is the perfect way to learn the ins and outs, allowing you to approach the big day equipped with the knowledge to make the most of your time on location.
If in doubt, the Light Locations team pride themselves on knowing their properties inside and out. Their ethos is to ensure every client makes the right choice for their project and are always on hand to illuminate any missing details to help make magic happen on shoot days.
Take a look at our top tips for How to Prepare for a Location Shoot for both clients and location house owners.
What makes a great location? Check out the Top 5 Locations of 2024 to find out!
Preparation is everything, so we asked stylist Hannah Deacon to talk us through The Run Up to a Shoot Day.
As always, you can use our Find a Location page to find that perfect next property with our keyword search.
