need some help on photos

[JamesB]

first off these are not my photos, but I will be re-shooting the subjects.

My brother in-law builds pools and is entering several of his pools in an industry design contest (submit by photo). he has asked me to take some better photos.

The rules state "no touch ups" so Im not sure what they mean by that, but they do spell out image size and type and all that fun junk.

Here is a link to the pools I will be shooting and want to get some ideas on better angles to show off the design or main features of the pools.

the one with the night shot will be done in night time as well, he does not have a tripod and he feels this one has a good chance of wining the night shot competition award

http://www.james-benton.com/pool/index.html

Thanks for looking

James

[texxter]

James, it would help to have some insight about the criteria for this contest - is the idea to show the best design? Or to show the most creative image of a pool? I'd create very different images depending on whether they want a very compelling image of any pool, or a very compelling design, even if the picture is not too good. So if you could capture the beauty of the design, with a creative image, and solve the background problem, you'll be on your way!

Here are some suggestions - note that I am not an architectural photographer, or a pool photographer, but hopefully some of these ideas are valid:

• The problem with pools is obviously the background, normally a not very pretty fence. Have to worry about hiding or minimizing the background. This problem is compounded by a wide angle lens.
• Night time shots are a lot more interesting and the background problem is easy to deal with - you can leave it dark. Make sure the pool lights are on, and the landscape lights too. I would be careful with a very long exposure because the effect on the water is too obvious
• I would use a wide lens, like 12-24mm to make the pool look bigger than it actually is
• I would also get in the water and shot from inside the water for some nice perspective and a feeling of "being there"
• You can create your own landscape lighting with flash and gels for a truly unique feeling
• Shooting from above the pool, especially at night, creates an image with strong graphic design, and also one that shows off the pool design. The trick is getting above the pool - if you can solve that problem, it may be worthwhile to try.
• Putting a couple of pretty people in the jacuzzi, with champagne glasses and big smiles may give more life to the image, but, again, not knowing exactly what the best criteria for winning is, I'd be hesitant to include models.

Good luck and share your results, please.

[JamesB]

the contest is for over all pool design, the photo is just for the judges to look at. No people are allowed in the photos. and other stuff. Basically it should be an add photo for the pool, something that wants you to look at it

Its not a photo contest by any means, but a good quality photo will really help show off the design.

Thanks for your ideas.

[texxter]

Understood. Another suggestion to deal with fences is to shoot from the fence to get the house in the background, as opposed to the fence in the background. Or shoot from the roof of the house to get a nice top view. Try to shoot from above, a ladder for example, to eliminate fences from the shoot and show more of the structure of the pool

For example, for this pool below from the website, I would shoot it from the side closest to the house, from a platform about 6 feet high, at about 18mm focal length, at night, with a tripod on the platform, showing the grass behind it, but not the fence. I would set the camera to high saturation and high sharpness if post is not allowed. This nice, symmetric pattern would give you a nice image without distractions.

Just some thoughts.

[JamesB]

Thanks again....

James

[rschramm]

James,

I have a little experience in this. I worked for a pool builder for 5 years, in fact he has won over 170 International and Regional Design awards. Two tips, 1. overcast is good (as with regular shots) pools photo well on overcast days. 2. Make sure there are no Toys (floats, etc.) or here's the biggie that most people forget.. the POOL CLEANER and hose. Make sure you take it out before you shoot, and it also helps to hose down the deck before the shot..
Try to find out which category he is submitting each pool for.. that will help you make the right choice on angle etc.. Which Industry contest is this for?

edit.... no matter what you do, your images should be better than those... try to keep rooflines, sat. dishes out of the photo.. and get the whole pool in the photo.. unfortunatley great landscaping and the back of a GREAT house ( putting the pool between you and the house) usually fairs very well, it's not supposed to, this is supposed to be all about the pool, but the judges look at the image also, if that makes sense to you., PM me if you are interested and I will send you a link to the most recent Nationide winners in our industry.

Good Luck

R.