Rasmus Rasmussen dot com

One of the coolest things about the city, is that there are so many different things to see and do everywhere and all the time. I play on this when I shoot portraits on location. It’s a strategy I’ve been using for a few years now, out of necessity at first, because it has very little production cost. These days, I just love this way of working. Not only do I get good photos from it, but I enjoy the challenge as well. Allow me to explain.

I spot and use locations on the fly. By that, I mean going somewhere with the subject and letting the scenery inspire me in the moment. You might also say, that I enjoy showing up to a photo shoot unprepared. Which is almost true.

Usually, I will meet a client or model at a coffee shop or similar indoor place (meeting outdoors in Seattle is like asking for rain). Ahead of time, I walk around the neighborhood or general area I have in mind, keeping an eye out for hidden pockets of location goodness. I never take notes or snapshots for later reference. It’s about getting a feel for the area. Details are always subject to change, so I don’t waste too much energy on them at this stage, and there is never a set route. Just a rough idea with room for sudden inspiration.

I tend to get the most out of walking around in areas that have:

• Lots of different façades. A mix of old and new buildings is best.
• Alleys. Narrow and dark as well as long and wide.
• Fences and walls. From new and pristine to rotten and ruined.
• Steps and benches. For posing.
• Parks and Trees. For the rural touch.
• Strong lines and backgrounds. Cityscape views, patterns and perspectives.

On the day of the actual shoot, the subject and I will go for a walk together, stopping here and there to shoot a few frames. Making my way around a couple of blocks is usually enough to get a couple hundred frames. It takes about an hour, going slow enough not to break a sweat, perhaps stopping for a refreshment or to change an outfit. This casual approach makes it easy to converse during the shoot. I get to know my subject a little better, it helps create a relaxed atmosphere, all of which in turn will show in the pictures.

This is really a very simple technique — but it works. Maybe not for every type of shoot, but for single subject portraits and headshots done on location, this is one of my favorite ways to go. I thrive on the random elements of using the city as my studio. I’ve encountered everything from thugs wanting to be in one of the frames to a drunken homeless guy, offering art direction tips. You never know exactly what is going to happen, but so far it has all been good for this photographer.

For shoots like these, I always ask my subject to bring a small bag with extra clothes and accessories, but never more than that. Just like I only carry one bag of gear. Mobility is key to enjoy this way of working. Occasionally, I have brought someone to lend a hand, guard the gear when I’m focused on shooting, hold a reflector and help carry the subjects’ bag. Having an assistant is always helpful, but not really necessary to get a good photograph. Mostly I travel light, stay open minded and let the rest happen naturally.

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