Outdoor spaces are increasingly important to buyers, especially since the pandemic. A well-photographed garden can significantly boost a property's appeal.
Timing
Gardens look best in the morning or late afternoon when the light is warm and directional. Avoid midday when harsh overhead sun creates unflattering shadows. Overcast days work well for even lighting, though the sky may need replacing in post.
The hero garden shot
Shoot from the house looking out into the garden. This shows the garden in context with the property and gives buyers a sense of what they'd see from the back door or patio.
For the reverse angle, shoot from the bottom of the garden looking back at the house. This shows the rear elevation and the garden's relationship to the property.
What to include
- Patios and decking (clean and tidy)
- Garden furniture (arranged invitingly)
- Lawns (freshly mowed with neat edges)
- Planting and borders
- Any features (pond, summer house, pergola, fire pit)
- Views beyond the garden (countryside, sea, etc.)
What to remove or hide
- Wheelie bins
- Garden tools and hoses
- Children's toys (unless they add to the family appeal)
- Dead plants and weeds
- Washing lines
- Trampolines (they dominate small gardens in photos)
Seasonal challenges
- Winter: Bare trees and brown lawns are unavoidable. Focus on evergreen planting, hardscaping, and the property itself. A light frost can actually look beautiful.
- Autumn: Fallen leaves can look messy — rake them before the shoot. But autumn colour in trees and borders can be stunning.
- Spring: Blossom and fresh growth make gardens look their best. Time your shoot to catch the best of the season.
- Summer: Lush and green, but watch for harsh shadows and overexposed skies.
Shooting technique for gardens
Unlike interior photography, garden shots often work best handheld. You can move quickly between compositions, adjust your height for different features, and capture candid angles that a tripod would slow you down for. Use a faster shutter speed (1/250s or above) and slightly higher ISO (200-400) to compensate.
For formal garden compositions — symmetrical paths, structured planting, water features — return to the tripod for precision. These shots benefit from the careful levelling and exact framing that tripod work provides.
Water features and pools
Swimming pools, ponds, and water features deserve special attention. Shoot when the water is still and clean — early morning before wind picks up is ideal. A polarising filter reduces surface reflections and reveals the depth and colour of the water. For swimming pools, ensure the cover is removed, the water is clear, and any pool furniture is arranged invitingly.
Outbuildings and structures
Garden offices, summer houses, workshops, and annexes are increasingly valuable selling points. Photograph them as you would a room — show the interior if it's presentable, and capture the exterior in context with the main property. These spaces often have their own lighting, so turn everything on.
Night and twilight gardens
If a garden has landscape lighting (path lights, uplighters, festoon lights), a twilight shoot can be spectacular. The combination of a deep blue sky, warm garden lights, and the glow from the house windows creates an emotional, aspirational image that daytime photography can't match. Coordinate with the homeowner to ensure all outdoor lighting is switched on, and shoot during the 20-30 minute window after sunset when the sky is deep blue but not yet black.
Key Takeaways
- Shoot gardens in morning or late afternoon for the best light
- Show the garden from the house and from the garden looking back
- Mow the lawn, tidy borders, and remove bins before shooting
- Each season has advantages — work with what nature gives you
- Garden features (patios, pergolas, ponds) deserve their own shots
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