Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Don’t worry if it takes several years to
create the perfect outdoor setting for your clients. Offering even a few out-
door sets can help differentiate you from the competition.
The most popular set in the past few years has been the waterfall scene.
The waterfall is 20 feet wide and cascades in three tiers, starting at a height
of 7 feet. It was built using a kit from Aquascape Waterfalls. I actually or-
dered the kit online. The pond’s natural look comes from covering the
rubber pool liner with plants, rocks, and other landscape features. A pump
at the base recycles water all day. I turn off the pump at night or on days
when I’m only shooting indoors. This helps reduce evaporation, save en-
ergy, and save wear and tear on the pump. Use a high-quality, commercial-
grade sump pump for best results and reliability. The waterfall provides
nice background noise and helps relax my clients. It’s the signature fea-Above—I use a Larson or Photogenic re-
flector to bounce light and fill in shad-
ows.Top and bottom right—These two
images were photographed using Bron-
ica film cameras. I did not have the tech-
nology available to digitally enhance
these images. These images were shot
using late afternoon light, which was fil-
tered through the trees. The only sup-
plemental light source was provided by
a large silver reflector, which I used to
highlight the subject’s eyes. Early morn-
ing and late-afternoon light conditions
are the most favorable for my outdoor
area. I schedule my sessions based on
this fact.