photography that honors your outdoor spaces

The Evolving Canvas

Often the design that makes the biggest impact on us in the built environment isn’t a building at all. Outdoor spaces connect us with nature. They can both provide us a place for solitude and bring us together.

The world of landscape architecture photography is changing, and it’s not just about snapping pretty pictures of plants and pathways anymore. Today it’s about telling the story of a space—the textures, the patterns, and the way people experience it.

Eco-conscious designs are shaping landscapes more than ever, and these aren’t just gardens; they’re stories of sustainability and harmony with nature. New tools, like drones, give us fresh perspectives—capturing the scale, layout, and flow of these outdoor environments in ways that reveal their true character.

birds eye view of landscaping showing landscape architecture photography using drones

metal planter at night with Salesforce tower in background

man leaning on railing of a large balcony, with san francisco bay bridge in background, modern fire pit in the foreground

man sitting on a wood bench with large planter filled with succulents

abstract view of metal planters filled with lush plants, and stone pavers around the planters

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

Have you ever looked at a photo and felt like you were standing right there—smelling fresh grass, hearing leaves rustle? That’s the power of a good photograph. It’s not just about what we see; it’s about what we feel. As Marion Brenner once said, “The best photographs of landscape architecture make you feel like you’re in the space.”

Capturing landscape architecture imagery is a form of storytelling. It brings outdoor spaces to life by creating an emotional connection between the viewer and the design. Every shadow, every ray of light, adds a piece to that story. From a quiet backyard to a bustling city park, the right image can transport you there.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing outdoor spaces for firms like Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture, SmithGroup, Jett Landscape Architecture + Design, Tournesol Siteworks, and more. My images have helped these teams showcase their designs in publications, strengthen award submissions, and build portfolios that attract future work.

The Unseen Angles in Landscape Architecture Photography

Perspective is the unsung hero of great photography. Capturing landscapes isn’t only about wide, sweeping shots—it’s also about the small details that often go unnoticed. The play of light on a water feature. The pattern of a leaf. The texture of a stone pathway. These unseen angles bring out the soul of a design.

What makes a photo stand out is often that unexpected angle—the one that makes you stop and say, “Wow, I never saw it that way before.” By exploring these perspectives, we don’t just document landscapes; we celebrate them. Every angle tells a story, and every story deserves to be told.

Blending Nature with Narrative

Picture a bench beneath a tree, a path winding through a garden, or a fountain catching the sunlight. These aren’t just design elements—they’re chapters of a larger story. Landscape design photography captures the moments where life and design meet.

We’re not only framing spaces; we’re framing experiences. A child’s laughter in a park. A couple strolling down a garden path. An old man feeding birds. These human moments add depth to the design’s story, showing how landscapes shape our emotions and daily lives. This is where natural beauty and human presence blend—and where the true spirit of a landscape shines through.

large metal canopy over a lush garden in front of a modern building

man and woman playing ping pong on a modern concrete ping pong table

detail shot of leaves from a climbing vine plant

abstract birds eye view of a modern, landscaped courtyard

The Future in Focus

The future of landscape architecture imagery is as dynamic as the spaces we capture. Emerging technologies and evolving design trends are reshaping not just landscapes, but the way we document them.

Augmented reality and virtual experiences are opening doors to see spaces in entirely new ways. At the same time, sustainable design has become central—meaning today’s landscapes aren’t just beautiful, they’re stories of innovation and responsibility. These shifts don’t just change the way we photograph landscapes; they expand what photography itself can achieve.

Soaring Views - The Drone Advantage

One of the biggest game-changers in landscape photography is drone technology. Aerial shots give us a bird’s-eye view, revealing patterns, layouts, and relationships that can’t be seen from the ground.

From the symmetry of a garden to the expanse of a rooftop park, drones add a new dimension to the story of a landscape. They showcase the scale, planning, and artistry behind each project. More than just wide views, these images highlight the vision of the designer in a way that’s both striking and unforgettable.

The Art of Connection

In the play of light and shadow, landscape architecture photography does more than showcase beauty—it builds connection. It’s a bridge between the creators—architects, designers, landscapers—and the audience experiencing their vision.

A powerful photograph is more than an image; it’s a visual handshake, an invitation to step into a space. These images become essential tools for marketing and brand storytelling. When a designer’s vision is captured with care, it goes beyond aesthetics—it communicates purpose, emotion, and impact.

Crafting Your Visual Signature

For landscape architects and designers, photography isn’t just documentation—it’s part of your brand. Choosing the right photographer is as critical as choosing your materials or palette. You need someone who not only sees your work but understands it, feels it, and translates it into images that resonate.

What sets your portfolio apart is a consistent visual identity. Unique perspectives, bold compositions, and carefully crafted details create that signature look. In a crowded field, this visual signature is what makes your work instantly recognizable, amplifying your design philosophy and distinguishing your practice.

A Glimpse Beyond the Lens

At its core, photographing landscape architecture is more than documentation—it’s storytelling. Each image has the power to preserve a vision, connect with new audiences, and give your designs the recognition they deserve.

As Marion Brenner once said, “You’re not seeing form; you’re seeing light and shadow.” Through that light and shadow, your work can be experienced, remembered, and celebrated long after the project is complete.

Interested in more reading about landscape architecture photography? See this illuminating interview with Marion Brenner published by the American Society of Landscape Architects.