SNWA Landscape Awards Photo Tips

As Landscape Awards entries are received, a judging panel comprised of landscape and irrigation professionals, horticulturists and gardening experts begin to narrow the field using the photos submitted along with each entry. The experts judge landscape entries on four major criteria: aesthetics, irrigation system, plant selection and mulch.

Because the photos submitted with entries play such a large part in the judging process, photo quality is important. There are several ways you can improve your photos and make a lasting impression on the judging panel.

Helpful Hints

Here are a few tips to improve your photos:

1. Take photos on an overcast day, clouds even out the light and reduce harsh contrasts.
   
   
2. For the best light, take photos in the early morning hours or around sunset.
   
   
3. The more photos you take, the better. While you can only submit up to six photos, you will have a larger variety to choose from and can delete the ones you don't use.
   
   
4. If possible, wait until your landscape is in bloom to take photos.
   
   
5. Move yourself around and try different angles to capture various points of view. Try kneeling in addition to standing.
   
   
6. Avoid shooting the camera into the sun.
   
   
7. Experiment with a flash to illuminate shady areas and even out lighting.
   
   
8. Remove clutter or trash from the area being photographed.
   
   
9. Pick out important elements in your landscape and focus on them.
   
   
10. Make sure images are focused and clear.