May 4, 2021
Photographer Spotlight
Jeff McNeill
McNeill Photography
Toronto, Ont.The Photographer Spotlight is a new series from Landscape Trades where we get to know more about leading garden and landscape photographers.
Design and Build: The Landmark Group; Pergola: SolicanadaHow did you get into landscape/garden photography?
My photography career started in the early 1990s in San Francisco, where I worked with advertising photographers doing landscape and automotive photography. Starting in the early 2000’s I worked under Dutch photographer Olaf Veltman who really instilled in me the workflow that I use today.
Design: Eden Tree Design; Build: Pro Land Landscapes; Pool by: Bona Vista Pools; Pergola: Solicanada; Fire Table: Paloform
What catches your eye when you’re photographing a garden/landscape?
I always try to use the natural light of the property as a guide for each location. Waiting for that moment where the light is just right.
Do you have any tips or tricks you can share?
It is not always possible, but I would say having patience is key: waiting to photograph a property for either practical reasons because elements are not there or to let the plants mature another season.
Fire feature: Paloform; Furniture by: GlosterWhat are some of your favourite gardens you have photographed?
Are there any you would like the chance to shoot? My favourite projects are the ones where all the boxes are ticked. So great location, design, workmanship, plantings, and furniture.
What is your favourite camera gear for shooting gardens?
There is so much great gear out there now. I’m using Canon bodies with prime lenses.
SEE MORE AT JEFF MCNEILL'S WEBSITE