Swimming Pool Photo Tips
Here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot:
Lighting is Key: The best time to photograph a pool is during the "golden hour" – just after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light enhances the water's color and adds a natural glow to the surroundings. Landscape lighting turns on manually or automatically based on time or lighting conditions. If it’s set for a specific time, have them come on at least an hour or two before normal. If they turn on when it’s dark, turn them on manually. “Dark” is usually too dimly lit for good exposure. Pool designers and pool builders love dusk images.
Use Reflections: Pools offer amazing opportunities for reflective shots. Experiment with angles to capture reflections of the sky, trees, or nearby architecture in the water. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance the water’s clarity.
Focus on Details: Zoom in on pool tiles, coping, and any time of hardscapes. These close-ups add texture and interest to your shots.
Incorporate Movement: Capture the dynamic aspect of a pool with a slow shutter speed and water movement. You may also like to keep the water calm for the slick, glass effect.
Consider Composition: Use leading lines, like the edge of the pool or diving boards, to draw the viewer’s eye into the frame.
Stage: Stage, stage, stage. A swimming pool without staging can be sterile and unwelcoming. Add matching towels, plants, or flowers. Skip the wine and cheese from the 1970’s. You can transform a concrete hole in the ground into a backyard resort with proper staging.