I find that photographing public spaces during early summer offers a unique opportunity to capture their vibrant and dynamic essence. This time of year is ideal because newly completed public spaces from the previous year or early spring will tend to have matured, their plantings growing in, but still lush and green, without the browning effects of summer heat. The infrastructure—such as pavements, swing sets, play areas, and bike paths—appears fresh and new, providing a clean, well-maintained photo backdrop. The interplay of natural and built elements is at its peak, with trees and flowers in full bloom and the overall environment looking inviting and well-cared for.
Lighting
Lighting during early summer is particularly favorable for photography. The days are long, offering extended periods of natural light. This means I can capture very early or late-day shots in soft, warm tones but have plenty of time with bright overhead light late morning and early afternoon. This natural lighting can enhance the colors and textures of the natural landscape and man-made structures, making the photos more vibrant and appealing. I also find that this time of year is ideal for “magic hour” shots near dusk, where you capture stunning images that highlight the beauty of public spaces as they blend from day to night.
Human Elements
With school out, public spaces teem with people enjoying their leisure time in colorful summer attire, adding life and movement to the scenes. Capturing these interactions highlights the spaces' usability and the community's engagement with them. Families picnicking, children playing, cyclists and joggers on paths, and friends gathering create dynamic and relatable images that convey the joy of summer. These human elements not only animate the space but also tell stories of community and connection, making the photographs resonate on a personal level.
The increased foot traffic during this season also provides opportunities to capture spontaneous, candid moments that showcase the use of these spaces. From impromptu games and playful interactions to quiet moments of relaxation, these scenes offer a glimpse into how people interact with their environment. Such images can be particularly powerful in illustrating the success and popularity of public spaces, highlighting their role as essential hubs of activity and socialization within the community.
Perspectives
Photo perspectives offer diverse and compelling viewpoints. I use a variety depending on my objectives and the nature of the space. Ground-level shots effectively showcase the design and functionality of parks and playgrounds as we experience them. Occasionally, I will shoot from a bicycle to more efficiently cover large areas or capture the connectivity of bike paths and other features with a reduced time investment.
Aerial photography from helicopters can reveal the grand scale and layout of public spaces, providing a comprehensive view that ground-level photography cannot achieve.
Lastly, photographing from a boat can offer unique angles for spaces near water, such as bridges and waterfront parks, presenting them in a novel and often picturesque light.
An Artform
Shooting public spaces tends to be an art form. To do it correctly, I must successfully capture the interplay of people and natural and built elements. Each by itself paints a nice picture, but not until you combine them do you truly capture the essence of public spaces. As I do this, each perspective—ground, bicycle, air, or boat—brings a distinct narrative, enhancing the visual story of public spaces and their role in the community.
If you have public paces that you would like to photograph, whether in an office complex, residential living setting or public lands, please contact me so we can schedule you at this perfect time of year.