Exterior photographs help establish a property’s first impression whether it’s a residential listing, vacation rental, or architectural portfolio.
Ninety-two percent of realtors recommend that sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home, according to a survey from the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
Fall offers several advantages for exterior photography, including lower-angle sunlight, seasonal color, and more comfortable shooting conditions.
Lower-Angle Sunlight Creates New Opportunities
Summer sun sits high and hard, washing out detail and casting sharp shadows across rooflines and siding. In the fall, because the sun follows a lower path across the sky, it creates longer shadows and brings out architectural textures that might be less visible under full summer sun. Depending on the property’s orientation, fall’s changing light can provide additional opportunities to capture exterior details throughout the day.
Landscaping Can Offer a Seasonal Advantage
In many regions, including the Ozarks, cooler temperatures and autumn rainfall can revive landscaping stressed by summer heat. Early fall offers an opportunity to photograph mature plantings before winter dormancy sets in. Healthy landscaping can add depth and context to architectural photographs, helping viewers understand how a building relates to its surroundings.
Cooler Temperatures Make Outdoor Sessions More Comfortable
Cooler temperatures can make outdoor photography more comfortable, particularly for larger properties that require extensive walking, equipment setup, or multiple shooting locations. Milder weather can make it easier to devote time to different angles, architectural details, and the property’s surrounding landscape. On clear autumn days, reduced atmospheric haze can also benefit drone photography.
Autumn Foliage Adds Color and Context
Trees and shrubs that display autumn color can provide a natural frame for a building, adding visual interest and helping distinguish the property from its surroundings. For vacation rental photography, seasonal color is a real game-changer because it can convey a property’s setting and atmosphere to prospective guests.
Preparing a Property for a Fall Photo Session
A little preparation can make a big difference in exterior photographs. It’s smart to clear fallen leaves from walkways and remove seasonal debris, as well as making sure windows and outdoor surfaces are clean. Consider trimming overgrown shrubs that obscure architectural details, but avoid removing foliage that contributes to the property’s seasonal character. It’s also worth checking the weather forecast and discussing the best time of day with your photographer, since changing sunlight and shorter daylight hours can affect scheduling.
Fall Photography Can Support Future Marketing
Photographing a property before winter can provide owners and designers with an updated collection of exterior images for websites, portfolios, and promotional materials. For vacation rental owners, shooting exterior photography in the fall can also help make sure that updated images are available for upcoming seasonal promotions. A fall session can provide a useful foundation for future marketing although additional seasonal photographs may be appropriate as the property or landscape changes.
Fall presents a valuable opportunity to photograph properties under different lighting and landscape conditions. With thoughtful scheduling and attention to seasonal changes, exterior photographs can highlight a property’s architecture, setting, and distinctive features.
For more information about exterior photography, please reach out to us.