Making the Camera Your Friend

The role of photography in urban planning should not be underestimated. Visual communication is incredibly important and powerful. Michael Heater provides a guide to using photos to remember, inspire, and create.

1 minute read

October 14, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By michaelheater


"People say a picture is worth a thousand words, but honestly, is that true of your pictures?

Although many planners consider themselves visual thinkers who can easily interpret maps and site plans, a refresher course on photo techniques could be useful.

The role of photography in urban planning should not be underestimated. Visual communication is incredibly important and powerful — and it's also somewhat expected these days. In today's highly mobile world, we are inundated with photographs from social media sites. Everyone can now take and upload images with their smartphones, sharing instantly with the online world. Photography provides an opportunity to remember, wonder, inspire, and create."

Tuesday, October 1, 2013 in APA

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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