Fall is a terrific time of year to shoot landscapes and building exteriors. Plants have recovered from the intense summer heat and landscapes are at their best. Building construction tends to finish in the fall so you will be shooting completed projects while everything is new and fresh, with easy access to the premises. Importantly this year’s projects can be photographed and utilized for marketing purposes during winter and spring.
Green Landscape
Once September arrives plants have had a full growing season behind them and have recovered from summer dryness. Lawns are greener, plants look healthier and the landscape is more lush. If your intent is to make the best impression these are important considerations.
The Business Cycle
Often, project exteriors are completed in the fall while interiors will be finished over the winter. Taking fall shots of a building exterior allows you to make it appear farther along than maybe it is and provides the opportunity to merchandise a project in advance. A good example is apartment buildings or condo complexes where you will be pre-selling prior to project completion. Photos go a long way toward helping people visualize your project, making for an easier sell. By combining shots of a building with the surrounding area we can create an excellent presentation even if things are still under construction.
Dramatic Light
Less moisture in the air means cleaner crisper shots and more vibrant color. Lighting is also a consideration. During summer the sun is higher in the sky and more intense. There are fewer shadows and less contrast so midday photography can be a little harsh on landscapes and buildings. The addition of shadows, contrast and dappled light adds great dimension to your photos. For those needing twilight shots of buildings (magic hour) the shorter days of fall generally prove advantageous.
Fall Foliage – or Not
Landscape photography in the fall doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to include fall foliage. The great thing about fall is that you can get the best of both worlds – a nice summer feel or a colorful fall foliage scene. Your subject matter and the purpose of the photo will be the guiding factor. For example, a college campus with fall foliage says back to school and makes a lot of sense to the target audience. Conversely you may want a residential shot to convey the entirety of the outdoor season so a summertime feel is most appropriate. Fall photography affords both.
Don’t Wait Until Spring
It’s often tempting to wait until spring but there are downsides:
· Late spring photography means you can’t show off what you did last year. That is particularly important when considering the winter / spring selling period in your marketing and project bidding.
· Early spring photography can be difficult for landscapes as plants need to leaf out and lawns must recover from snow cover damage before shooting.
· Wet spring weather can create scheduling problems for outdoor photography combined with the fact that it is frequently difficult to get back on-site months after completion.
If you have completed or nearly completed projects give shooting this fall strong consideration. Your marketing collateral, website and sales materials will show a property at its best. The landscape will be pristine and fresh just the way you want it and importantly you will be ahead of the curve – showing your most recent projects now vs. later.
Here at ShupeStudios we’re experts in architectural photography, both residential and commercial. We have years of experience shooting building interiors and exteriors – including landscapes. Want to get a head start on next year – give me a call and let’s discuss fall photography.