6 Tips For Garden And Landscape Real Estate Photography
Some homes have truly incredible gardens and landscapes. As real estate photographers, we have to know how to capture photos that show off the natural beauty of these spaces since they can be major selling features.
In this article I’ll share 6 tips for garden and landscape real estate photography.
Table of Contents
1. Understand the Property’s Outdoor Features
Before you start photographing, take the time to understand what the garden or landscape offers. Is there a meticulously manicured lawn, a rustic garden path, or perhaps a water feature like a pond or fountain?
Recognizing these features will help you plan your shots and highlight the best aspects of the outdoor space.
Highlight Unique Features: If there’s a unique element like an ornate gazebo, a charming flowerbed, or an impressive outdoor installation, make sure it’s prominently featured in your shots.
Gauge the Space: Understand the size and layout of the garden or landscape. This will help in choosing the right lenses and angles to capture the space effectively.
2. Choose the Right Time of Day
Lighting plays a pivotal role in outdoor photography and since you’ll need to use all natural light, the sun is extremely important. The time of day can dramatically alter the appearance and mood of a garden or landscape.
Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon, known as the golden hour, provides soft, diffused light that can add warmth and depth to your images.
Avoid Harsh Midday Light: Midday light tends to be harsh and can create unflattering shadows and highlights. If shooting during this time, look for shaded areas or use a diffuser to soften the light.
3. Highlight Specific Features Properly
Every photo should have a focal point or a feature that draws the viewer’s eye. In gardens and landscapes, this could be anything from a striking tree, a vibrant flower bed, to an elegant sculpture.
Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots, placing the focal point at one of the intersecting points for a balanced composition.
Lead the Eye: Use elements like paths, fences, or rows of plants to lead the viewer’s eye through the image, adding depth and interest.
4. Capture a Variety of Angles
To truly showcase the beauty and diversity of a garden or landscape, it’s important to capture a variety of angles. The rules are less strict when photographing gardens and landscapes than with interiors, so feel free to experiment.
Eye-Level Shots: These give a realistic view of the space as one would see it when walking through the garden.
High-Angle Shots: Elevated shots can provide an overview of the layout and are particularly effective in showing the design of the garden or landscape.
Low-Angle Shots: Shooting from a lower angle can make certain features more prominent and add a sense of grandeur to the space.
5. Make Sure to Show Context in the Photo
While close-ups of flowers or plants are beautiful, it’s important to show the garden in the context of the entire property.
Include the Property: Ensure some of your shots include the house or property in the background. This helps potential buyers visualize the garden as part of the whole property.
Seasonal Context: If possible, show how the garden changes with the seasons. This can be a selling point for properties where the landscape plays a big role in the overall appeal.
6. Pay Attention to the Details
The beauty of a garden often lies in the details. Close-up shots of flowers, the texture of leaves, or the pattern of a stone path can add variety to your photo set and showcase the meticulous care of the garden.
Use Macro Lenses: For detailed shots of plants and flowers, use a macro lens to capture the intricacies and colors up close.
Mind the Background: Even in close-up shots, be aware of the background. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the subject.
Additional Resources
If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.
You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.
If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.
