I’ve been a photographer for more than 5 years now. In this time, I’ve done over a hundred photo and video shoots for clothing brands, products, and advertising campaigns. Most of these shoots happened inside my studio, where everything is organized and under control.
Working in a studio is simple and comfortable. We have complete control over the lights, shadows, and setup. If a client calls, we can get the set ready within a day or two. We don’t have to worry about weather or sunlight. We can adjust everything like brightness, background, and mood to match the idea perfectly. In short, the studio gives us freedom and flexibility. It saves time and helps us achieve the exact look we want. But everything changed when I started doing outdoor shoots.
Outdoor shoots are a completely different experience
Outdoor shoots are more exciting, but also much more challenging. First, finding the right location takes a lot of effort. It’s not just about beauty; the place has to match the theme and mood of the shoot. Once we find a good spot, we can’t just start shooting right away. I visit the location at least two or three times before the shoot to check how the sunlight, wind, and shadows behave during the day. It helps me plan the timing and angles for the final day.
The Golden Hour
On the day of the shoot, everything starts early — really early! For one of our shoots, we woke up at 2 AM to set up and be ready by 5 AM, right in time to capture the Golden Hour — that brief moment in the morning when sunlight turns soft, warm, and magical. Outside, we lose control over many things. The sun keeps moving, and that changes the light every few minutes. We have to keep adjusting our cameras, reflectors, and diffusers to get the right exposure. We also have to carry a lot of equipment—lights, stands, cameras, reflectors, and sometimes even props. In the studio, everything is just a few steps away. Outside, it’s all on us to carry and protect our gear. And then comes food and water. If we’re shooting in a hilly area or far from the city, we can’t just order lunch. We have to bring everything for the team—food, water, and even extra batteries.
The weather can also turn against us. Sometimes it rains, or strong winds start blowing. We have to make sure our expensive equipment doesn’t fall or get damaged. There are moments of tension, but also fun ones—like exploring new places, meeting local people, and trying new food after a long day of shooting. Those small moments make the hard work worth it.
Both worlds have their own beauty
Studio shoots are comfortable and controlled. Outdoor shoots are tough but full of life. In the studio, I learned how to control light. Outdoors, I learned how to adapt to it. Both worlds have their own beauty. Studio shoots give perfection, while outdoor shoots bring real, natural magic. No matter where I shoot, one thing remains the same—good planning, patience, and passion always lead to the perfect shot.
~POV BY~
Himanshu Gaur
