Light Up Your Shoot: Tips for Finding Great Locations for Video Interviews"

I’ve definitely made my share of lighting and background mistakes over the last 28 interviews or so. Most of the time it came down to having barely any time to check out the location, then rushing to set up cameras, lighting, sound, and get the person ready.

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the three seasons I’ve worked with STORYHIVE. These work really well for photoshoots too.

If you can scout the location, do it. Try to find places with a mix of natural and artificial light. Think about what time of day you’ll be there and how the light will hit your subject and the background. I always look for something interesting behind them too, like architecture, nature, or even a mural (just make sure you get permission if you’re using one).

Make sure you’re allowed to film there. Some places need permits or have rules about filming, and it’s better to know ahead of time than get shut down halfway through.

Public spaces can be great. Parks, streets, plazas, anything with some character to it. Trees, water, or unique buildings can add a lot without you having to do much.

Pay attention to natural light. Big windows or open shade are usually your best friend. I try to avoid direct sunlight when I can because it creates really harsh shadows. That said, I’ve had shoots where I had no choice, and you just make it work.

Sound matters more than you think. Try to avoid noisy areas, foot traffic, cars, fans, furnaces, anything constant in the background. It’s easy to overlook in the moment, but it shows up later.

If you have time, test the spot. Even just a quick photo or short video helps you catch problems before you’re fully set up.

That’s pretty much it. A little planning goes a long way, and even when things aren’t perfect, you can usually still make something great out of it.