Log Locations on the Go!

Location will make or break every shoot, so creating a location file is a vital for any photographer who likes to get out of the studio.  Having a go-to file of location ideas for any given situation will impress your clients, whether they need an idea for wedding party photos or a commercial product shoot.

When I first started pursuing my photography degree, I kept a Word document with location ideas but failed to update it regularly.  Deciding to get with the times, I searched for the perfect iPhone app to track locations while out and about and have included reviews for the three best below.  For each review, I have added the location "Sauganash Trail" to show how it looks in the app.

#1 ShootLocal

Cost: Free!

Pros:

• Has a familiar social media-style stream to share location images from photographers and videographers around the globe.
• Search nearby for tagged locations.
• Create “hunts” for the ideal location with the help of others on ShootLocal.
• Use tags to easily find the right location and save new locations for later.
• Add multiple photos for each location.

Cons:

• Some people load general images like “shots from the Chicago area” that clutter up the stream when searching nearby.
• You need to input the address or search for the location in the map instead of using geo-tagging.
• It doesn't appear that a great deal of users take advantage of the "hunt" feature, but that could change as more people join the community.

Summary: A great-looking app to connect with local photographers and share locations, and it’s hard to beat the price!

#2 Map-a-Pic

Cost: $4.99 for full version.

Pros:

• Use simple geo-tagging to map pictures when you take them, or map images you’ve taken in the past.
• Lite version allows you to try it before you buy it.
• Includes sunrise, sunset, and golden hour data for any given location.
• Android version available.
• Add multiple photos for each location.

Cons:

• Premium version has a high cost.
• Not as sleek in appearance as ShootLocal.
• Lacks a social media aspect, which means the only locations you'll see are your own and two default locations.

Summary: The golden hour feature is something the other apps lack, though I'd suggest buying The Photographer's Ephemeris for more detailed lighting information if that's your only reason for purchasing Map-a-Pic.

#3 PocketScout

Cost: $2.99

Pros:

• A feature allows you to get directions from your current location to any saved PocketScout location.
• Another feature shows you the time the scouting images were taken and the direction in which you were faced.
• Custom GPS coordinates can be entered for precise locations.
• Ability to share location entries via email.
• Ability to export locations to a CSV file.

Cons:

• Instead of inputting an address, the app requires coordinates (this makes for precise locations as mentioned above, but can also be a pain to enter after the fact).
•  Only one image can be added at a time, which can be tedious.
• Appearance is nothing special.
• Lacks a social media aspect, so again you will only see your own location and two default locations.
• Android version still in development.

Summary: The exporting and sharing features would be useful when working in a team, but various elements make navigation and location entry a bit tedious.

Bottom Line

The free application, ShootLocal, is the most interesting and versatile.  The ability to interact with other photographers is a huge benefit, and it could be a blast to participate in location hunts.  It might even get you shooting more for the fun of it!  With more users, the app will continue to improve and I can see the developers realizing they could easily charge for it since it is among the best - download it while it’s free!  Its intuitive design and ease of navigation were the first elements to hook me, but the social aspect truly elevates it above the other apps tested.  With such a versatile app available for free, there is no reason to spend your hard-earned money on something else.  Whatever you decide, having a location file in your pocket will allow you to easily add and reference new backdrops for your photographic needs.

References:

Digital Surgeons, LLC. "Location Scouting App for Photographers | ShootLocal." Location Scouting App for Photographers | ShootLocal. ShootLocal, 2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. 

Sea To Software, LLC. "Map-A-Pic | Location Scouting and Note-Taking App For Photographers." MapAPic. Map-A-Pic, 2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. 

"The Photographer's Ephemeris - It's All About the Light." The Photographer's Ephemeris. Crookneck Consulting LLC, 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

Watts, Danno. "PocketScout | Snap. Save. Share. Location Scouting On Your IPhone Made Simple!" PocketScout App. PocketScout, 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.