Seasonal Timing for Landscape Photos: When to Capture Your Best Work
Timing is everything when it comes to capturing landscapes at their peak. The right season, lighting conditions, and plant maturity can make all the difference in how your projects are perceived by potential clients. Scheduling your photoshoots strategically ensures that your portfolio showcases your best work in the most flattering way possible. Here’s how to determine the best timing for your landscape photography.
The Redbud trees in the distance take center stage during the spring.
Spring: Fresh Growth and Vibrant Colors
Spring is an excellent, yet tricky time to capture landscapes as gardens come to life with fresh greenery and colorful blooms. Consider photographing projects when:
Turf grass has begun to show its green vibrancy, avoiding the sparse look of early spring on a lawn.
Bulbs, select perennials and understory trees are in peak bloom, adding pops of color to your images when summer foliage can mask those details otherwise.
Soft spring light creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere.
📸 Best time of day: Early to mid morning or late afternoon for soft, diffused lighting.
Summer: Lush, Full Landscapes
Summer showcases landscapes at their fullest, with mature plantings and vibrant foliage. This is often the ideal time to photograph:
Outdoor living spaces in use, with furniture staged for summer entertaining.
Pools sparkling in the sunlight.
Plant material in all beds and lawns looking full and lush.
Night sky with landscape lighting and the rising Milky Way.
📸 Best time of day: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) to avoid harsh midday shadows.
Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ is in full swing during the summer months in Northern Michigan.
Late Summer/Fall: Warm Tones and Seasonal Interest
Amelanchier trees have amazing fall color.
Autumn is perfect for capturing landscapes with rich color palettes and textural contrasts. The golden hues of changing leaves, ornamental grasses, and fall-blooming perennials create stunning visuals. Ideal scenarios include:
Properties with trees that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Hardscapes revealing their unique textures by low angled light.
Cozy outdoor fire features and patios set for fall gatherings.
📸 Best time of day: Mid-late afternoon to capture the warm glow of autumn light.
Winter: Structural Beauty and Frosty Charm
While winter isn’t the first choice for some, it has its own unique appeal if captured appropriately. Consider winter photography if:
Your project features strong architectural elements like stonework, buildings, or evergreens.
Snow-covered landscapes reveal the structure of woody ornamentals not often appreciated during the growing season.
Outdoor lighting is a key feature, including firepits and fireplaces that create dramatic contrast to the snowy environment.
📸 Best time of day: Almost any time of day can work for great winter pictures, but my favorite is early morning, when temperatures allow snow and frost to still cling to plant material.
Hoarfrost is best found when the temperatures plummet in early morning hours in wintertime.
Final Thoughts
Each season brings unique opportunities to showcase different aspects of your landscape projects. Consider how you can show potential clients the possibilities of their proposed landscape when showing off the beautiful seasons. By planning your photoshoots around seasonal highlights, you ensure that your portfolio captures the full beauty and versatility of your work.
