Photographer Gregg Shupe shares simple tips for capturing dynamic images of homes in the fall season.
By Maria Allen
Photography by Gregg Shupe
A professional photographer for more than 40 years, Gregg Shupe, owner of Shupe Studios, specializes in high-tech product photography as well as architectural and landscape photography. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Professional Photography, Shupe often travels all across the South Shore and New England for his work. Whether photographing apartment buildings and corporate offices or restaurants, hospitals, or residential homes, his aim is always to capture spaces in a way that captivates the interest of the viewer.
Shupe skillfully plans out his shoots to represent homes in the best light possible. “One of my benefits is a free pre-shoot walk-through, which allows me to understand the scope and timing of the project and how the sun affects it,” says Shupe. “I often will add a little warmth in post-production as a warm image projects homeyness and good living.”
The way he approaches a photography assignment also changes depending on the season. His advice to anyone looking to photograph a property in the fall is to start early. “Fall can be a magical time for architectural photography and landscapes,” says Shupe. “Less moisture in the air means cleaner, crisper shots and more vibrant color. However, you are dealing with a short window and mother nature can be fickle.”
One of the things Shupe loves most about his job is that every day is different. “That constant change and the very cool locations you end up getting to see, makes it all worthwhile.”
Helpful Tips for Landscape and
Architecture Photography from Gregg Shupe
Landscapes
Once September arrives, plants have had a full growing season behind them and have recovered from summer dryness. Lawns are greener, plants look healthier, and the landscape is more lush. In many respects fall is the best time of year for landscape photography. If your intent is to make the best impression–think fall.
Exteriors of Buildings
Building construction tends to finish in the fall so you will be shooting completed projects while everything is new and fresh, with easy access to the premises. It also means that this year’s projects can be photographed and utilized for marketing purposes during winter and spring. Too many times I’ve seen people wait for spring only to be done in by weather and lose months of promotion.
If your building is still under construction, fall exterior shots allow you to make it appear that the project is farther along and provides the opportunity to merchandise it in advance. Good examples are apartment buildings or condo complexes where you will be pre-selling prior to project completion. Photos go a long way toward helping people visualize your project, making for an easier sell.
Fall Foliage – or Not
Landscape photography in the fall doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to include fall foliage. The great thing about fall is that you can get the best of both worlds–a nice summer feel or a colorful fall foliage scene. Your subject matter and the purpose of the photo will be the guiding factors. For example, you may want your building to say summer, while a cozy outdoor fireplace is perfect with a little fall foliage.
Stick Season
I spend a lot of time in Vermont where they refer to late fall, when the leaves come down, as stick season. You might think that when stick season arrives all is lost, but we can often pull a rabbit out of a hat. Shot at the right time of day with the right lighting, trees are less visible, with the added bonus of showing off the architecture. Another option in stick season is shooting at dusk, i.e. magic hour, where the lack of foliage goes unnoticed and can make for a terrific shot - with your building architecture in full view.
Don’t Wait
If you need a head start on next year for residential structures, commercial buildings, or landscapes, fall photography can provide superb results. However, the window is rapidly closing so the time is now.
To find out more about Gregg Shupe, visit ShupeStudios.com.