To capture stunning photos of gardens and outdoor spaces, it's crucial to shoot in the best light, typically during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon, to avoid harsh shadows. Focus on the area's best features by tidying the space beforehand and using compositional elements like pathways to create depth and guide the viewer's eye. Highlighting specific assets such as a new patio, vibrant flower beds, or a well-kept lawn will further enhance the property's appeal in listings.
As a property photographer with over 17 years of experience covering the beautiful landscapes of Somerset, Bristol, and Bath, I can tell you that a stunning garden is a huge selling point. It’s not just about showing the space; it’s about selling a lifestyle. Whether it’s a sprawling country garden in the heart of the Mendips or a chic, compact courtyard in Clifton, the right photographs can make a buyer fall in love before they even step through the door. Somerset gardens are some of the most beautiful in the country. As a property photographer in Somerset, I always make outdoor spaces a priority.
In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for garden and outdoor space photography, helping you to present your home’s exterior in its very best light.
01Timing is Everything: The Importance of Seasons
The time of year you choose to photograph your garden can have a dramatic impact on the final images.
- Spring: This is a fantastic season for garden photography. Everything is bursting into life, with fresh green leaves and colourful blooms. It’s a time of renewal, and that feeling can be powerfully conveyed in your photos. Think of the beautiful gardens in places like Frome or the picturesque villages around Wells – spring brings them to life.
- Summer: The classic choice. Long, light-filled days and lush, established foliage make for vibrant and inviting photos. This is the time for showing off outdoor living – barbecues on the patio, lazy afternoons in a hammock. I find that the golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, is perfect for capturing that warm, inviting summer glow, especially using my preferred natural light and HDR techniques to capture the full range of light and shadow.
- Autumn: Don’t underestimate the power of autumn. The rich, warm colours of the changing leaves can create a wonderfully atmospheric and cosy feel. Imagine a property in the Quantock Hills, surrounded by the fiery colours of autumn – it’s a strong selling point for those looking for a country retreat.
- Winter: While more challenging, winter can still work. A crisp, frosty morning can create a magical, Narnia-like scene. If you have strong architectural elements in your garden, like a well-designed patio or interesting trees, winter can be a great time to show them off without the distraction of dense foliage.
02Preparing Your Garden for its Close-Up
A little preparation goes a long way. Before I arrive to take the photos, I always advise my clients to do the following:
- Lawn Care: A well-maintained lawn is essential. Mow the grass a day or two before the shoot, and make sure the edges are neat. A striped lawn always looks fantastic in photos.
- Tidy Up: Remove any clutter – children’s toys, empty pots, gardening tools. The aim is to create a clean, inviting space.
- Weeding and Pruning: Get rid of any weeds and prune back any overgrown bushes or trees. This will make the garden look well-cared for and loved.
- Clean Patios and Decking: Give your patio or decking a good sweep or even a power wash. This is especially important for properties in urban areas like Bristol or Bath, where these spaces are often a key feature.
03Staging for Success: Selling the Dream
Staging isn’t just for interiors. Thoughtful staging can transform your outdoor space from a simple patch of grass into an aspirational lifestyle.
- Furniture: Set up your garden furniture as if you’re about to welcome guests. A table set for an al fresco meal, a couple of sun loungers with a book and a cool drink, or a cosy seating area around a fire pit can all create a powerful sense of invitation.
- Pops of Colour: Add some colourful cushions to your furniture, or place some vibrant potted plants strategically around the space. This can add a real lift to the photos.
- Water Features: If you have a pond, fountain, or even a simple bird bath, make sure it’s clean and topped up with water. The gentle movement and reflection of light on water can be a beautiful feature in a photograph.
04The Magic of Light: Day and Night
Light is everything in photography, and I’m a huge advocate for using natural light wherever possible. My HDR (High Dynamic Range) technique involves blending multiple exposures to capture the full detail in both the bright highlights and the deep shadows, which is perfect for the challenging lighting conditions of outdoor photography.
Don’t forget the appeal of an evening shot. If you have outdoor lighting, a well-lit garden at dusk can look incredibly magical and luxurious. It suggests a space that can be enjoyed at all hours, extending the living area of the home.
05The Drone’s Eye View: Capturing the Bigger Picture
This is where drone photography really comes into its own. An overhead shot can show the full extent of the garden, its layout, and its relationship to the house. It can also highlight features that are difficult to appreciate from the ground, like a large, mature tree or an intricate planting scheme. All of my photography packages include drone shots as standard, because I believe they offer an invaluable perspective for potential buyers.
Related reading: Exterior Photography Techniques | Spring Photography in Somerset
06Somerset’s Gardens: From Rural Retreats to Urban Oases
One of the things I love about working in this part of the world is the sheer variety of properties. From the sprawling gardens of country manors near Glastonbury to the cleverly designed courtyards of townhouses in Bath, each space has its own unique character. The key is to identify what makes your garden special and to make sure that’s what the photographs highlight. Is it the stunning view over the Somerset Levels? The sense of privacy and seclusion? The clever use of a small space? Whatever it is, that’s the story we need to tell.
Ultimately, great garden photography is about creating an emotional connection. It’s about helping potential buyers to imagine themselves in that space, enjoying a morning coffee on the patio, a summer barbecue with friends, or a quiet evening under the stars. If you’re thinking of selling your property in Somerset, Bristol, or the surrounding areas, get in touch to find out how I can help you capture the heart and soul of your home.
Want to see these techniques in action? Browse my property photography across Somerset, Bristol and Bath or get in touch for a quote.
