Consider collecting ground-level photos of your home’s main approach, angled views, visible obstructions and daytime surroundings, then note the areas and occasions you would like to discuss. The design process starts with the homeowner's address and photos.
Start with the main approach
Consider taking a ground-level photo from an accessible place where you usually approach or view your home. You might include the full front elevation and the roofline in the frame, then add a closer view if you want to point out a particular portion. If a parked vehicle, seasonal decoration or other temporary item appears, consider noting that it is temporary. You could name the files “front view” or “main approach” to make them easy to identify during a remote conversation. Heartland uses satellite imagery and shared photos to plan the roofline lighting.
Add angled views of the home
Consider taking additional ground-level photos from accessible positions to the left and right of the main approach. You might include views of side-facing roof edges, porch areas, attached structures or transitions between sections, choosing only angles that are easy and safe to reach. If a view is partly blocked from your usual approach, consider noting what is out of frame rather than moving to an inaccessible location. You could group these pictures in a folder named “side angles” and give each file a short label describing the direction or part of the home.
Include visible obstructions and context
Consider making a separate set of ground-level photos that shows visible features near the roofline, such as trees, neighboring structures, porch details or items you would like to discuss. You might take a wider view with the feature in context and a closer view from an accessible position. If a tree or other item changes seasonally, consider adding a note rather than relying on the photo alone. You could also label images “tree near front” or “porch area” so you can refer to them during the conversation. Keep photo-taking to places you can access safely from the ground.
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Capture daytime surroundings
Consider including a few daytime photos of the home and its surroundings, taken from accessible ground-level positions. You might photograph the front, side-facing areas and any outdoor living space you want to discuss, without trying to document every detail. Add a brief note for anything the pictures do not show, such as a view you use often or an area you prefer not to emphasize. You could keep those notes in a single document alongside the image names. The design process starts with the homeowner's address and photos. Consider having the address ready for your discussion.
Write down the look you want to discuss
Before the conversation, consider noting which parts of the home you would like to make the focus of the discussion. You might describe preferences in everyday language, such as emphasizing the front entry, discussing roofline areas, or keeping attention on an outdoor living space. Consider listing occasions that matter to your household, including holidays, game day or family memories. The consultation asks homeowners about everyday curb appeal, holidays, game day, outdoor living and family memories as possible lighting goals. You can plan a consultation and bring your photo folder and notes.
Organize photos and questions
Consider putting the main approach, angled views, obstructions and daytime context in clearly named folders or arranging them in a short image sequence. You might prepare questions about the proposed layout, product coverage and service options, and write down your project preferences and investment range for discussion. Heartland maps the lighting to the customer's home and provides a visual plan and an individualized quote before approval and scheduling. You can explore permanent lighting and discuss the proposed layout, product coverage and service options with Heartland before choosing a system. Exact terms should be confirmed for the particular project rather than assumed.
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