need your opinion- disappointing results
May 1, 2012 14:45:32 #
First, I am shooting interiors with a Sony a-100; if in hurry use auto etc., but now doing lots better after reading various posts here in UHH. Yeaterday , shooting at noon, i had tons of bad photos. My setup: A-100, Sigma EX-10-20MM wide angle lens, having best results with SonyHLV-F24AM flash (horrible results without flash, 1600 ISO).
Anyway, I got 12 useable pictures out of 61. Problem with flash- not distributed evenly, hot spots etc. I have had lots better experience with this camera using my Sony zoom (3.5-5.6/18-70 zoom lens. I dropped a lot of dough on the Sigma wide angle , want to learn how to use it better. I am attaching one example of my hideous photography. BTW, my Sony flash senses the wide angle, but something seriously wrong. My batteries in the flash were low- could that be it?
Anyway, I got 12 useable pictures out of 61. Problem with flash- not distributed evenly, hot spots etc. I have had lots better experience with this camera using my Sony zoom (3.5-5.6/18-70 zoom lens. I dropped a lot of dough on the Sigma wide angle , want to learn how to use it better. I am attaching one example of my hideous photography. BTW, my Sony flash senses the wide angle, but something seriously wrong. My batteries in the flash were low- could that be it?
May 1, 2012 15:27:11 #
I'm no expert for sure but after looking this last month of photos by real estate agents in Ft Myers, FL I'd love to have you take photos of properties there with your setup.
You would not believe the junk I have to look at in the listings.
I think the photo is good regardless of your view.
Sarge
You would not believe the junk I have to look at in the listings.
I think the photo is good regardless of your view.
Sarge
May 1, 2012 15:41:24 #
I think the photo is pretty good. One thing you might look into is a softbox for your speedlight. This will soften the light and reduce hot spots. You can make one with white paper or tissue. You can buy one for your flash for under 50.00.
May 1, 2012 15:50:39 #
have you tried off camera and placing more than one speedlight around the room?
May 1, 2012 16:50:33 #
you guys all made useful comments- thank you! I have used a cheap slave flash , especially in very deep rooms. I bought the Sony "super flash" ($200--arghh) in hope it would do the trick. I will try my slaves again and get a soft box. ty , all!
May 1, 2012 17:32:27 #
I don't know how tall you are, but your rusults mat look even better if you shoot from a bit below eye level with that wide lens.
May 1, 2012 18:09:57 #
Having viewed locally what some real estate people have the nerve to call photography. Your work, as it stands, is as good as any.
Sell it and keep going
Sell it and keep going
May 1, 2012 22:12:18 #
First of all, no flash unit is going to match the 10mm wide angle lens you are using without some method of spreading that flash out. I've done real estate photography and here is how I handle it.
Bounce the flash off the ceiling and use a reflector on the back of the flash. I use a Rogue "flash bender". (expoimaging.com) That directs whatever flash that would go behind you to the front. It is flexible and maintains its shape so you can control the light, if needed. Use a second flash, hidden, and bounced off the ceiling about half way to the far wall if you have a long room. Adjust the exposure so that you are balanced with any windows having an outdoor view. You really need to play a little with it to get everything to balance out but once you get the jist of it, it will become second nature.
One other thing: Make sure the camera is level and plumb so that walls aren't keystoned. No one wants to buy a crooked house. Use a tripod!
Bounce the flash off the ceiling and use a reflector on the back of the flash. I use a Rogue "flash bender". (expoimaging.com) That directs whatever flash that would go behind you to the front. It is flexible and maintains its shape so you can control the light, if needed. Use a second flash, hidden, and bounced off the ceiling about half way to the far wall if you have a long room. Adjust the exposure so that you are balanced with any windows having an outdoor view. You really need to play a little with it to get everything to balance out but once you get the jist of it, it will become second nature.
One other thing: Make sure the camera is level and plumb so that walls aren't keystoned. No one wants to buy a crooked house. Use a tripod!
May 2, 2012 07:21:44 #
Rather than spending a lot for one flash that will melt down areas close to the camera, use multi low cost slaves. Each slave has low output and will thus not cause hot spots. If hot spots accrue, put a couple of layers of tissue over the flash tube area.
I suggest low cost flashes like the Neewer which costs $11 on Amazon. I have 4 of these units. The virtue of these particular units besides low cost is that you can eliminate firing on pre/red-eye multi camera flashes by a 1,2,3,4 preflash switch located on the back of the unit. The unit ignors preflashes and does not fire until the main flash.
Details: go to http://www.slrcameracritic.com/ and search neewer flsh OR>
http://www.slrcameracritic.com/digital-slr/neewer-digital-slave-flash-bracket-set-for-digital-slr-dslr-cameras-or-any-digital-camara-fires-without-wires-no-camera-connection-required-automatically-synchronizes-and-fires-with-your/
I suggest low cost flashes like the Neewer which costs $11 on Amazon. I have 4 of these units. The virtue of these particular units besides low cost is that you can eliminate firing on pre/red-eye multi camera flashes by a 1,2,3,4 preflash switch located on the back of the unit. The unit ignors preflashes and does not fire until the main flash.
Details: go to http://www.slrcameracritic.com/ and search neewer flsh OR>
http://www.slrcameracritic.com/digital-slr/neewer-digital-slave-flash-bracket-set-for-digital-slr-dslr-cameras-or-any-digital-camara-fires-without-wires-no-camera-connection-required-automatically-synchronizes-and-fires-with-your/
May 2, 2012 07:59:08 #
I agree with birdpix I would bounce light off the ceiling this will soften and spread out light, if you can do it off camera and locate it in the center and point up to ceiling that would be even better I am not familiar with your camera or flash but have used this method in the past. You can try this method in your own house and see how it works.
May 2, 2012 08:45:26 #
Y'know, with all the negativity going around in Wahington these days, is is easy to forget what a great people are Americans. I ask a rather complex queastion, and so far, 8 of you replied to help me out. I love the spirit in UHH- talented people going out of their way to help others. The quality and thoughtfulness of the replies bowled me over. Thank you all!
I am off to buy slave flashes, but first, one of the suggestions was to strighten the picture for openers, I am attaching it to show you all what great advice that was!
I am off to buy slave flashes, but first, one of the suggestions was to strighten the picture for openers, I am attaching it to show you all what great advice that was!
May 2, 2012 08:56:27 #
BobInNJ wrote:
Y'know, with all the negativity going around in Wa... (show quote)
Hey Bob,
If you straighten every wall and use " shadow/highlight"
you might be (happily) surprised at what you get
May 2, 2012 10:07:32 #
"Shadow/highlight" not familiar to me. I use Microsoft Digital Image Suite for post processing (have Photoshop Elements 8.0 on my system, have avoided switching 'cause usually in a rush etc., so still avoiding learning it.); Anyway, I do modify shadows regularly, can adjust shadows, contast, saturation in same screen. I think I am on top of this one. (maybe)
May 2, 2012 11:08:18 #
May 2, 2012 12:50:52 #
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