How to Choose the Right Location for Photoshoot or Film Production in the West Midlands

"A good location isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a character in the story." That’s what a producer once told me during a shoot, and I’ve thought about it ever since. Because it's true. The right setting can elevate a concept from good to unforgettable. And in a region as varied as the West Midlands, your options are endless, but not all are equal.

So let’s get tactical. Here’s how to actually choose the right one.

Define Your Visual Concept Before Searching for a Photoshoot Location

Start with clarity. What are you trying to communicate visually?

If you're shooting a luxury bridal campaign, you’ll need elegance, light, and timelessness. A gritty music video? You’ll want texture, depth, and edge.

Don’t fall into the trap of “we’ll find the vibe once we’re there.” That’s a fast track to wasted hours and frustrated creatives. Define your visual language first — then look for a space that speaks it fluently.

Prioritise Natural Light When Choosing a Filming Location in the West Midlands

Natural light can make or break a shoot. And yet so many locations overlook it.

Visit the space in person if you can. Or at the very least, ask for detailed photos or video walk-throughs at different times of day. Large sash windows, south-facing rooms, high ceilings, these details matter. So do the weather patterns of the region.

Here in the West Midlands, overcast days are common, so bright interiors and light-reflective surfaces are gold.

Evaluate Practical Features of the Film or Photography Location

A stunning location that’s impossible to work in? Pass.

Here’s what to check:

• Access & Parking: 

Is it easy for crew and equipment vans to get in and out?

• Facilities: 

Are there private spaces for wardrobe changes, breaks, or makeup touch-ups?

• Noise Levels: 

Are you near a busy road or flight path? If you're shooting video, this matters.

• Power Sources: 

Especially for lighting rigs or video shoots. Are there enough sockets? Will you need generators?

A professional venue will be ready with answers (and workarounds) for all of these.

4. Look for a Flexible Photography Location That Can Adapt to Your Shoot

Can the space adapt to your creative needs? Moveable furniture? Blank canvas walls? Period charm that’s rich in character but not cluttered with distractions?

Flexibility lets you scale up or down, from tight portrait setups to sweeping wide shots. Bonus points if the location offers indoor and outdoor options, so you're not at the mercy of weather changes.

5. Understand Permissions and Regulations for Your Chosen Film Shoot Location

Don’t wait until the day of the shoot to figure out what's allowed. Check for:

• Insurance requirements

• Drone usage permissions

• Fire safety and risk assessments

• Exclusivity (will other guests or shoots be present?)

• Copyright implications if the property appears in commercial work

Professional venues will have this streamlined. If you're getting vague answers or delays? Walk away.

6. The Right Shoot Location Should Inspire Your Team

Yes, proximity to your crew or client team matters. But beyond the commute, think about how the place feels. Some locations just put people in a creative state of mind.

It could be the sound of gravel underfoot, the way the light hits the stairwell, or that quiet moment in the garden. If your team feels inspired the second they arrive, that’s your sign.

Book a Historic Shoot Location in the West Midlands That Has It All

At The Location House, we’ve hosted everything from BBC period dramas to luxury fashion editorials, high-energy music videos, and intimate engagement shoots.

Our 19th-century manor in the heart of the West Midlands blends historic charm with creative flexibility:

• Natural-light-filled rooms with original period features

• High ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and traditional architecture

• Exclusive-use bookings for full privacy

• Convenient location near the M42

• Flexible hire options from hourly to multi-day productions

We offer support, adaptability, and a team that understands the production process inside out.

Ready to book your shoot or arrange a visit? Get in touch today and let’s bring your vision to life.