LOCATION,  LOCATION,   LOCATION!

I'm tempted to say, "Much ado about nothing."  In reality, choosing a location can be fun and have brilliant results.  But equally true, the location you choose does not have to be breathtaking to have images that are stunning.  As confusing as this may sound, it's really not.  If you consider the following points and trust your own instincts, you'll decide on a suitable location for you.

•  Which came first, the outfit/style or the location?  Start with the one that's more important to you, then choose the other to enhance your priority.  If you want your engagement session shot at the cafe where you first met, location is your priority, then choose your outfits to compliment your location choice.  If you have your heart set on wearing cowboy boots, then outfit/style is your priority, so you'll choose a location to compliment what you've decided to wear.  You don't have to be cliche (cowboy boots at the ranch), you can go boldly in opposition (cowboy boots in an urban setting).  You can think outside the box, but think it through.
• Is there a place that's important to you?  The place you met as a couple; the track that made you famous in high school; your garden or deck; first kiss; the hang-out of your youth; someplace symbolic of your after graduation aspirations; if you're not sure whether your special place would make a good location, talk to your photographer, I'm an experts and figuring out how to utilize the important stuff.
• Choose a quiet place.  Most people are self-conscious and struggle to relax when they find themselves in front of a camera.  Having an audience only exacerbates those feelings.  If you want your pictures taken near a pretty fountain in a busy city, consider going on a Sunday at sunrise.  If you wait any later, you'll be waiting as people move in and out of your photos.
• Choose a comfortable place.  This is especially important with children.  Will they be able to explore and take breaks to burn off energy?  The stress of insuring your children don't fall from complicated backdrops will show up on your face.  Make sure the location is one where you and your children can be reasonably relaxed.    
• Have you thought about staying at home?  Newborn sessions almost always take place in the home, but family and senior "lifestyle" images can be lovely.  A senior sits on her bed with her headphones on painting her nails or trying on hats from her closet.  A family on their deck relaxing.  A mother and baby in a rocker reading a book.  These lifestyle pictures are special and 20 years from now they are treasures.  Recently my sisters and I were looking at snapshots from our childhood.  Conversation was all about, "Remember that old turntable!" &  I loved that doll! & "Look how little the trees in the yard were!"  Is a lifestyle session in your own little garden perfect for you? 
• If none of the above ideas appeal to you and/or you are new to the area, Google: Beautiful spots in (blank).  That's it!  Find a pretty place.

I've included some interesting and beautiful locations in the St. Louis Area below. You'll find the pictures on their websites helpful in making your choice.  And as always, never hesitate to ask me for assistance.

Tower Grove Park (be sure to download the visitor's guide):   www.towergrovepark.org

Forest Park (everything forest park):  forestparkforever.org

Forest Park Boat House (rent a kayak for your shoot):   www.boathouseforestpark.com

St. Charles Historic Main Street'    www.historicstcharles.com  &  www.stcharleschristmas.com  

Frontier Park, St. Charles:   www.stcharlesparks.com/143/parks/frontier-park.php

Elsah's Landing, IL (great fall colors):   www.greatriverroad.com/cities/Elsah/elsahCover.htm

Labyrinth at Zion United Church of Christ (pretty garden year round):  zionucc1.org/labyrinth.htm

City Garden:  www.citygardenstl.org

Laumeier Sculpture Park:  www.laumiersculpyurepark.org

Missouri Botanical Garden (some free admission mornings):  www.mobot.org

The City Museum (a wonderland for kids and adults):   www.citymuseum.org

Faust Park and Carousel:  www.stlouisco.com/Parksand Recreation/stlouiscarouselatfaustpark 

Downtown Riverfront to Cherokee Street (not recommended for children but excellent for seniors):  A mini roadtrip of photo opportunities.  Old buildings, graffiti, riverfront, arch, Lemp brewery etc...  See Carla for details.