Finding the perfect location can transform a good photo into a breathtaking one—and choosing where to photograph can be easier than it sounds! In this post, we’ve gathered tried-and-true location tips and advice from Lis Warren and Kate Cullen, two photographers who’ve mastered the art of capturing spaces: from hidden gems in your own home to how to frame and light your on-location photos.

Advice from Archipelago Team Member Lis Warren

You might know Lis from her timeless, cinematic, and vintage-inspired photographs she shares in the Archipelago Collective and on her Instagram (follow her @imagesbylisawarren). I asked her to share some of her tips and personal experiences photographing different locations, both intimate, indoor spaces and public outdoor ones.

Image by Lis Warren
Edited with Quest 51 Aubade (Coming Soon)

“Shooting in interesting places doesn’t always mean packing your bags and finding some epic location; it’s often about making the most of what’s already available to you.

For example, one of my favorite little “studios” is actually my friend’s house. When she’s away, I feed her guinea pigs, and in return, I get free rein of her lovely rooms. She’s got great shutters, stacks of candles, quirky props and textiles, and I can create little scenes there. It costs nothing, and yet I get so much variety just by shaping the light differently—closing shutters to get that moody drama, moving candles around to create layers of highlights and shadows, and playing with natural and artificial light. For me, it’s all about creating depth and interest that helps to tell a story.

I’m always asking myself questions: where’s the coolest perspective here, and how can I push it further?”

“Shadows are another thing I’m obsessed with. They add dimension, mystery, and can completely shift the mood of an image.

Don’t be afraid to block light with objects (or even your hand!) to carve out more shape. Light becomes way more interesting when it isn’t flat. Sometimes I find that interesting light can transform an otherwise mundane space and make it completely cinematic.”

Image by Lis Warren
Edited with Quest 50 Pathfinder

“Because I often shoot in familiar places, I try to keep things fresh by changing up the time of day,

experimenting with different styling on my subject or setting a new mood. Maybe it’s soft morning light one day, and golden evening light the next. Those subtle shifts can make the same location feel completely new with a whole different vibe.”

“Recently, I was at my daughter’s on the English coast, and I found a vintage-style bus stop that I fell in love with. I was lucky enough to have some fog roll in and took some pictures there of my son and daughter that I love!

Who knew a rather dirty Bus stop could be so interesting?!

From experimenting with angles and finding unexpected frames I believe we are surrounded by so many interesting places we just have to recognise the potential!”

“And of course, editing plays a huge role in how I bring the story together.

I’m a big fan of Quest and Archipelago tools—they honestly feel like a photographer’s playground. I love imagining how something like Quest Tools 08 - ExF Light Leaks will enhance a scene even as I’m shooting it. Grain, dust, scratches—all those little layers in post can carry the emotion of the moment even further and give each set a unique vibe.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about having fun. You don’t always need an exotic location or fancy props, just, a willingness to play with what’s around you, and the desire to let shadows, layers, and light tell a bit of a story.”

Capturing Spaces with Character

Tips from Photographer Kate Cullen on Capturing Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

Kate Cullen is one of our Archipelago Collective moderators and a Cotswold-based brand photographer and coach. She is also the co-founder of Fablefaine, a boutique location agency showcasing beautiful properties in Britain to brands, film crews and retreat organisers. You can find Kate’s work on her website and Instagram @katecullenstyle and Fablefaine on their website and Instagram @fablefaine. Kate has generously provided her tips for capturing locations based on her years of experience!

Image by Kate Cullen
Edited with Quest 50 Pathfinder

1. Make the Most of Natural Light

“I really consider natural light my best friend when it comes to photography. If there’s time for a pre-shoot wander, I love exploring rooms, gardens, or landscapes and seeing how the light shifts throughout the day. It’s all about patience, waiting for just the right moment to catch that ancient stone floor or the warm glow of a sunset that breathes life into an orangery.

When shooting indoors, I prefer the soft touch of north-facing windows and always turn off those harsh overhead lights to let the room's vibe come through. For outdoor shots, I aim for the early morning or golden hour; those times give everything a warm glow and dreamy shadows—plus, I can skip the hassle of dealing with harsh highlights and shadows later!

I always stick with natural light when I can- it's the easiest way to make a space feel cozy and well-loved.”

2. Identify the Star of the Scene

“Every photo has a story to tell. I usually focus on one main element, whether it’s a striking piece of art, a vibrant piece of furniture, or fresh-cut flowers from the garden. Outdoors, that might be a winding path or a view peeking through orchard leaves -I let everything else support that key detail. That’s your “hero,” anchoring the scene and inviting the viewer in.

I like to think of it as storytelling - what’s that one detail that really pulls you in?”

3. Tidy Up Thoughtfully (But Keep Some Character)

“A clean setting brings a sense of calm and lets the architectural features shine (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dashed around, moving things out of my shot!), but don’t strip away the personality. A slightly messy throw, a well-loved book, or a drooping flower—these little things add authenticity. Embrace the imperfections; they’re what give a space its life.

The best spaces have a pulse. A touch of life in the shot makes it feel real.”

Image by Kate Cullen
Edited with Quest 51 Aubade (Coming Soon)

4. Experiment with Framing & Angles

“Avoid the obvious; interior photography can get kind of repetitive if you’re not careful. So, I like to switch up my angles - sometimes getting low to create intimacy or climbing higher to showcase structure. You can use doorways, branches, window frames, or even oddly placed textiles as foreground frames to add some depth and intrigue.

I really enjoy framing a scene with something - it makes you feel like you've just stepped inside.”

5. Let Color & Texture Shine

“Color and texture play a huge role in setting the mood of an image and can really change how a space feels. Indoors, I favor harmonious tones, like terracotta cushions, rough walls, and linen drapes. Outdoors, I celebrate the seasonal colors, looking at the contrast between rugged bark and delicate blooms, or the subtle changes in greenery under different light.

Nature always gets the color scheme right -I love taking cues from what’s already out there.”

“At its core, photographing spaces is all about capturing the atmosphere and telling a story, not about achieving perfection. Let light, texture, and simple narratives work in harmony.

Spaces have their own rhythm - whether shaped by nature or the people who inhabit them. Slow down, pay attention to the light, and let the beauty unfold.”

Kate’s Quick Tips:

Quick Tips

Utilize natural light: Observe how it changes throughout the day.
Focus on a hero detail: Build your composition around a single focal point.
Tidy up without losing warmth: Keep hints of life for a cozy, authentic feel.
Experiment with perspective: Use framing elements and different angles to create depth.
Embrace color and texture: Allow the palette and tactile contrasts to shape the mood.

At the end of the day, the magic of photographing spaces and locations lies in how you see and interpret them. With the right framing, light, and creative eye, even the simplest corner of your house or familiar spot in the garden can be transformed into something extraordinary. By applying these tips, you’ll not only discover new potential in the places around you but also develop a stronger ability to tell stories through the environments you capture.

Thank you to Lis Warren and Kate Cullen for sharing their tips!

Find Lis’ work on her Instagram: @imagesbylisawarren

Find Kate’s work on her Instagrams: @katecullenstyle and @fablefaine
And her websites: https://www.katecullen.co.uk/ and https://fablefaine.com/

Photography Location Tips

Advice from Archipelago Team Member Lis Warren

Capturing Spaces with Character

AUBADE - Early Look