Creating Impact with Custom Location Shoots: Bringing Your Brand to Life

When it comes to capturing a brand’s story, creativity doesn’t stop with the camera—it extends to choosing the perfect location, too! Every time I get to shoot “on location” in Ottawa, it’s a chance to add depth, personality, and narrative to a session, bringing out the true essence of a brand.

Custom location shoots are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to see why. They allow for more storytelling, give us diverse backgrounds, and showcase people in spaces that feel authentically them. Are custom location shoots the right fit for every brand? Not always. It depends on factors like budget, business goals, personal vision, and your brand’s personality. But for some clients, it’s an incredible opportunity to give their audience a more personal look.

For instance, take Erin’s recent shoot. We chose two locations that deeply resonated with her lifestyle and brand: The Navan Little Market in the East End of Ottawa and a cozy local Airbnb in Chelsea Quebec, near the Spa Nordic. Each spot served its purpose beautifully:

Navan Little Market:

This was an ideal setting to highlight Erin’s passion for fresh, healthy ingredients. The colors, textures, and liveliness of the market aligned with her focus on wellness and creating wholesome meals.

Chelsea Airbnb:

Just a stone’s throw from Spa Nordic, this Airbnb was designed with a warm, welcoming vibe that perfectly matched Erin’s brand. This cozy space allowed us to capture moments that give her audience a peek into her personal life—whether she’s creating in the kitchen, enjoying a glass of wine, reflecting with her Bible, or unwinding after a workout.

In a city like Ottawa and its surroundings, the options for custom brand photography are endless. With so many unique backdrops and venues, there’s no need to settle for just a headshot. These photos reveal Erin in her element, giving her audience a genuine view into her life and brand values. This level of connection is hard to achieve with standard setups alone—there’s just something special about seeing someone in spaces that feel like them.

If the idea of a custom location shoot gets your creative wheels turning, check out my latest Instagram post, where I share more insights into how location impacts brand photography. Let’s find the perfect Ottawa location to showcase your unique story!