Scouting in architectural and interior photography

Scouting is an important stage in architectural and interior photography. It allows me to understand the space, anticipate any constraints and predefine the different points of view. There are two main approaches: location scouting on a different day from the shoot, and location scouting just before the shoot. Each has advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider.

Advance on-site scouting: the art of preparation

Scouting on a day other than the shoot offers a host of advantages for both photographer and client:

- Detailed planning of the shots: this will make it possible to define the shots to be taken and the composition of the photographs to be done. It is often useful to take reference photos.

- Identifying constraints and opportunities: this will identify any constraints that need to be taken into account (cleaning an interior or exterior space, mowing the lawn, moving furniture, unwanted reflections, work in progress, etc.) and any architectural or decorative features that need to be highlighted.

- In-depth discussion with the client: this extra time will allow me to about the client's expectations and any specific requests, and to validate the points of view (if the client so wishes).

- Flexibility and peace of mind: this allows me to arrive on the day of the shoot with a clear plan, which reduces stress and allows me to concentrate fully on the quality of the images. Planning the shoot as far in advance as possible also reassures the client.

- Preparing the equipment: the early location scouting will enable me to identify exactly what equipment is needed.

Disadvantages :

- Additional travel: advance location scouting involves additional travel to the location, which can lead to additional costs.

- Potential change in conditions: between the day of spotting and the day of the shoot, items may have been moved, work may have been carried out, or the weather may be different from what was anticipated.

Immediate location scouting: the cost and effectiveness of the present moment

Scouting just before the photo shoot also has its advantages, particularly in terms of efficiency:

- No extra travel: this limits the cost of extra travel

- Immediate adaptability: the points of view can be adjusted according to the current state of the location and the lighting conditions at the time.

Disadvantages:

- Risk of surprises: sometimes constraints or problems are discovered at the last minute, which can affect the progress of the shoot and sometimes limit the choice of points of view.

- Less precise preparation of equipment: it is therefore necessary to think ‘big’ in terms of the equipment to take with me, and there is a risk of not taking some specific items.

Choosing the best approach

The choice between an early approach and an immediate approach depends on a number of factors:

- The complexity of the site: a large site, with multiple spaces and specific constraints, will generally require advance scouting.

- The size of the project: for major projects or with specific requirements, an in-depth inspection is strongly recommended.

- The time and budget available: early detection implies additional cost and time.

As a general rule, for major architectural and interior photography projects, early identification is often the preferred approach. It allows for meticulous preparation, better anticipation of challenges and greater peace of mind on the day of the shoot, guaranteeing images that fully meet the client's expectations. However, in certain simpler or more urgent situations, a scouting just before the shoot may be sufficient.

Don't hesitate to discuss the location scouting approach with me beforehand, so that I can recommend the method best suited to your needs and the specifics of the location.