Why Location Matters: Choosing the Best Natural Backdrops for Your Ourdoor Brand Photography
Glencoe By Wendly
In brand photography, the location you choose is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a powerful storytelling tool that can make or break the visual narrative of your brand.
The setting you select plays a pivotal role in conveying your brand’s message, evoking the right emotions, and establishing a deep connection with your audience. Whether your brand is adventurous and rugged, serene and calming, or modern and urban, the right natural backdrop can elevate your imagery, making it not only visually stunning but also emotional.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why location matters so much in brand photography, how to choose the best natural backdrops, and offer practical tips to ensure your photoshoots are not only successful but also aligned with your brand’s unique identity.
The Norfolk Broads By Wendly
Understanding Your Brand’s Identity
Before you start scouting for locations, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of your brand’s identity. The backdrop you choose should be more than just visually appealing—it should be a natural extension of what your brand stands for. Whether your brand is rooted in luxury, sustainability, adventure, or tranquillity, the location should reflect these values and resonate with your audience.
For example, a luxury skincare brand might find that a serene beach or a lush garden perfectly captures the essence of relaxation, indulgence, and natural beauty. Meanwhile, an outdoor adventure brand could lean towards the ruggedness of mountains or the wild beauty of dense forests to really drive home that sense of exploration and authenticity. The setting should align with the emotions and values that your brand wants to evoke in its audience.
Think of a sustainable fashion brand, for instance. You’d want a setting that reflects the brand’s commitment to the environment—perhaps an untouched forest or a meadow filled with wildflowers. Not only do these backdrops align with the brand’s ethos, but they also resonate with eco-conscious consumers who value natural, sustainable practices. By choosing a location that mirrors your brand’s values, you create a visual narrative that speaks directly to your audience’s beliefs and desires.
Derwent By Wendly
The Impact of Natural Elements on Visual Storytelling
Natural elements are more than just a backdrop—they’re powerful tools in visual storytelling. They evoke specific emotions, enhance the narrative, and help your audience connect with your brand on a deeper level. A windswept coastline might stir feelings of freedom and adventure, while a tranquil forest could inspire calm, reflection, and a connection to nature.
Different landscapes come with their own emotional vibes. Mountains often symbolize strength and resilience, forests can represent mystery, growth, and renewal, while water bodies usually evoke tranquillity, reflection, and a sense of endless possibility. By choosing a natural backdrop that aligns with the story you want to tell, you can create images that truly resonate with your audience and reinforce your brand’s message.
For example, the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, with their towering peaks and misty valleys, are perfect for brands that want to convey a sense of adventure, challenge, and endurance. On the other hand, the gentle, rolling hills of the Lake District might be more suited to brands that focus on tranquillity, relaxation, and natural beauty. Each of these landscapes brings its own unique character and mood, which can significantly enhance the emotional impact of your brand photography.
The UK is home to some incredible natural backdrops that can bring your brand photography to life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of landscapes and what they can offer, along with specific location ideas that you can consider for your next photoshoot.
Mountains and Forests
Scottish Highlands:
Glencoe: If you’re after dramatic landscapes, Glencoe is your spot. With its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and mist-covered peaks, it’s perfect for brands looking to evoke a sense of adventure and raw natural beauty. The sweeping views and intimidating atmosphere make it ideal for brands that want to create a powerful, impactful visual narrative.
Isle of Skye: The Isle of Skye is like stepping into another world. Think of the Quiraing landslide, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools. These spots are ideal if you’re aiming for mystical, ethereal imagery that feels magical and untamed. The otherworldly landscapes here can help your brand stand out by associating it with a sense of wonder and exploration.
Lake District:
Scafell Pike: The highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike offers rugged terrain and panoramic views—ideal for adventure-focused brands. The journey to the summit and the surrounding landscape captures the essence of endurance and exploration, making it perfect for brands that align themselves with challenge, achievement, and the great outdoors.
Tarn Hows: Known for its enchanting woodland scenery and tranquil tarns, Tarn Hows is a serene location that’s perfect for brands looking to convey harmony, nature, and timeless beauty. The calm waters and lush greenery offer a peaceful, idyllic backdrop that’s ideal for brands centered around wellness, mindfulness, and natural living.
Beaches and Water
Lake District:
Derwent water: Surrounded by fells and woodlands, Derwent water is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Lake District. The serene water, combined with the dramatic Skiddaw Mountain in the background, offers a perfect setting for peaceful and reflective brand photography. The soft, natural light at sunrise and sunset adds to the tranquillity, making it ideal for brands focused on relaxation, luxury, and nature.
Scottish Highlands:
Loch Ness: Beyond the legend, Loch Ness is surrounded by serene waters, rolling hills, and ancient ruins. It’s a tranquil and atmospheric setting, perfect for brands focusing on serenity, history, or a touch of mystery. The expansive water and lush surroundings create a peaceful yet powerful environment, ideal for brands that want to evoke a sense of calm and continuity.
Cornish Coast:
The Cornish coast, with its rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and blue seas, provides a stunning backdrop for brands looking to convey a sense of freedom, vitality, and connection to the elements. The interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the dramatic waves, can add a dynamic and invigorating feel to your brand’s imagery.
Urban Nature
For brands that want a blend of city life and nature, urban green spaces like city parks, rooftop gardens, or riversides offer a unique backdrop. Integrating natural elements into urban environments can symbolize a balance between modernity and sustainability, making it perfect for brands that aim to appeal to eco-conscious urban dwellers.
Peak District:
Dovedale: A stunning natural landscape perfect for luxury brands or those looking to convey elegance and a deep connection to nature. This picturesque location is renowned for its limestone ravines, the tranquil River Dove, and iconic stepping stones, all surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Dovedale’s serene and timeless beauty makes it an excellent choice for creating imagery that reflects sophistication, tradition, and a harmonious relationship with the natural world.
The UK’s diverse seasons offer something different all year round. From the vibrant colours of spring to the warm, golden hues of autumn, each season brings its own unique charm and atmosphere. This allows you to align your brand’s message with the time of year, creating a more relevant and timely visual narrative.
Mam Tor: Known as the "Shivering Mountain," Mam Tor offers sweeping views of the surrounding Peak District. It’s a perfect location for brands wanting to capture the strength, resilience, and grandeur of nature, particularly as the seasons change. The varying light and weather conditions can add drama and depth to your brand’s imagery, making it more compelling and impactful.
Yorkshire Dales:
Aysgarth Falls: These cascading waterfalls on the River Ure are a sight to behold, especially in the autumn when the surrounding woodlands are rich with colour. The dynamic movement of the water and the rich, earthy tones of the foliage create a vivid, energetic backdrop that’s perfect for brands focusing on vitality, freshness, and the natural cycle of renewal.
How we’ll help you choose the right location:
Selecting the right natural backdrop involves more than just finding a beautiful spot—it takes planning, foresight, and a deep understanding of both the location and your brand’s needs.
Scouting
When you work with us, we prioritise exploring potential locations before your shoot to ensure the perfect setting. We understand how light changes throughout the day and how it impacts the scenery, with early morning and late afternoon often providing the most flattering natural light, adding warmth and depth to your images.
However, different locations may offer unique lighting challenges—forests can be darker and more shaded, while open landscapes might have more direct sunlight. At Wendly we plan your shoot around these lighting conditions to ensure you get the best possible results. If our extensive knowledge of an area is limited, we collaborate with local guides who know the area well. Our thorough scouting process ensures that every detail aligns with your brand’s vision, making your photoshoot as successful as possible.
Accessibility and Logistics
Consider how easy it is to access the location, especially if you’re bringing a team and equipment. Remote spots like the Isle of Skye or Mam Tor might offer stunning views, but they can also be challenging in terms of transportation and setup. Make sure the logistics align with your shoot’s needs, and always have a backup plan in case weather or other factors make the location less accessible on the day of the shoot. Here at Wendly we can get your products to locations that others cannot, we utilise our experience in navigating fells, canoeing and wild swimming to take your products to the perfect place!
Matching the Location to Your Brand’s Identity
Leaning on our experience of brand design here at Wendly we prioritise the natural colours of your chosen location to complement your brand’s colour scheme. A coastal scene could be ideal if your brand's palette is cool and muted. The soft blues and greens of these settings can enhance your imagery's calm, serene atmosphere. On the other hand, if your brand favours warm, earthy tones, a forest backdrop in Swaledale (Yorkshire Dales) or Tarn Hows (Lake District) could be a perfect fit, with rich greens, browns, and golds adding warmth and depth to your photos.
Advise on considering Weather and Seasonal Changes
The weather and season can significantly impact the mood and tone of your photos. For instance, a misty morning in Glencoe can add a sense of mystery and drama, while a sunny day on the Cornish Coast can convey vibrancy and energy. We always check the weather forecast leading up to your shoot and have contingency plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Additionally, we think about how the season will affect the landscape—spring brings fresh greenery and blossoms, while autumn offers rich, warm tones that can add a cozy, inviting feel to your imagery.
Ensuring Consistency Across Different Locations
If your brand photoshoot spans multiple locations, we ensure there’s a visual consistency that ties all the images together. This is achieved through consistent editing, similar composition styles, or using the same models, outfits, and props across different settings. Consistency is our key in maintaining a cohesive brand identity for your brand, even when the locations vary.
Obtaining Necessary Permissions
Some locations, especially private estates or protected natural areas, may require permissions to shoot. We make sure that we research any legal requirements before your brand shoot and advise on how to avoid any complications on the day.
Maximizing the Location’s Potential
Once you’ve chosen your location, we think creatively about how to maximize its potential. We consider different angles, perspectives, and compositions to capture the location’s unique features. For example, shooting from a low angle can emphasize the height and grandeur of mountains, while a wide shot can capture the expansive beauty of a beach or coastline. We explore the chosen location thoroughly to find the best spots for your shots.
As you plan your next photoshoot, consider how the natural environment can enhance your brand’s message. Embrace the beauty of nature, and let it guide your storytelling—because when it comes to brand photography, the right location really does matter. By carefully selecting and planning your shoot in stunning natural settings, you can create images that not only capture attention but also forge a deeper connection with your audience, reinforcing your brand’s values and message.
