Real Estate photography lighting
Dec 15, 2019 07:40:26 #
Dec 15, 2019 08:12:56 #
When I did my own Real Estate Photography, in teh film daze, I used a dedicated Canon Flash and a few inexpensive manual flashes with optical triggers. And plenty of reflectors. The window see through effect can be done by matching the outside ambient exposure (measured in spot mode), set the camera exposure to that value and then let the dedicated flash as the main light control the flash exposure to match the outside ambient. This is not as good as using a flash meter, which I have. With the trial and error possibility of digital, even without the dedicated flash, you should do well.
My pet peeve was flash shadows on walls behind furniture. I always used a small unit hidden behind a sofa or bet or whatever, to "wash the wall" with light. Simply pointing the head up the wall will separate the furniture from the wall and avoid the annoying shadow. A wit table cloth will do wonders for the dining room (SET THE TABLE!) and a white cloth will reflect enough light to soften shadows form counter top stuff onto the back splash in teh kitchen.
Use at least reflector--those foam core "Flats" are great-- to fill in the foreground lighting when you have a strong outside light from patio doors or "Picture" windows. Even if teh windows aren't in the frame and they may even be from the side.
Shoot bedrooms from outside the door, and most bathrooms. Watch for mirror reflections of YOU, and put the toilet seat cover DOWN.
Outdoors, keep a low camera angle most of the time, and consider HDR, especially for a night or sunset/rise shot if the property is lit nicely. Romance Sells!
De-clutter to the MAXXXXX! Have the Homeowner or Agent do that with you. Sonny's 1973 Graduation photo may be the only precious memory mom has of him, but buyers don't want to see it, and especially listing and brochure viewers who are deciding to see or SKIP a home.
Advanced tip: If you can tether to a laptop, you will be able to see the images better and assess teh impact of changes right away. It is a time consuming thing, but on big higher paying jobs, it can make a HUGE difference.
Post Processing: Straightening and keystone corrections were my #1 nemesis for film. A SNAP in Digital.
Do it, re-do it if you're not satisfied and enjoy the assignment. The Real Estate Model doesn't allow agents much up front cash expenditure beyond advertising and brochures. So except for high end agents with a "deal flow" most agents don't have the cash to pay for an extensive photo shoot. A hybrid pricing approach with a cover your cost up front charge and a variable fee based on sell time and % of list price achieved, may net more money. But that's outside the norm and most Realtors don't play there. They're being pressured from all sides today.
C
My pet peeve was flash shadows on walls behind furniture. I always used a small unit hidden behind a sofa or bet or whatever, to "wash the wall" with light. Simply pointing the head up the wall will separate the furniture from the wall and avoid the annoying shadow. A wit table cloth will do wonders for the dining room (SET THE TABLE!) and a white cloth will reflect enough light to soften shadows form counter top stuff onto the back splash in teh kitchen.
Use at least reflector--those foam core "Flats" are great-- to fill in the foreground lighting when you have a strong outside light from patio doors or "Picture" windows. Even if teh windows aren't in the frame and they may even be from the side.
Shoot bedrooms from outside the door, and most bathrooms. Watch for mirror reflections of YOU, and put the toilet seat cover DOWN.
Outdoors, keep a low camera angle most of the time, and consider HDR, especially for a night or sunset/rise shot if the property is lit nicely. Romance Sells!
De-clutter to the MAXXXXX! Have the Homeowner or Agent do that with you. Sonny's 1973 Graduation photo may be the only precious memory mom has of him, but buyers don't want to see it, and especially listing and brochure viewers who are deciding to see or SKIP a home.
Advanced tip: If you can tether to a laptop, you will be able to see the images better and assess teh impact of changes right away. It is a time consuming thing, but on big higher paying jobs, it can make a HUGE difference.
Post Processing: Straightening and keystone corrections were my #1 nemesis for film. A SNAP in Digital.
Do it, re-do it if you're not satisfied and enjoy the assignment. The Real Estate Model doesn't allow agents much up front cash expenditure beyond advertising and brochures. So except for high end agents with a "deal flow" most agents don't have the cash to pay for an extensive photo shoot. A hybrid pricing approach with a cover your cost up front charge and a variable fee based on sell time and % of list price achieved, may net more money. But that's outside the norm and most Realtors don't play there. They're being pressured from all sides today.
C
Dec 15, 2019 09:16:59 #
billnikon wrote:
If windows and outside scenes are in your future. Get a flash with a movable head that you can aim up and behind you. Manual meter the outside light, use this setting for your shot, make sure you are shooting at 1/250 sec. or slower. Use manual on your camera and TTL on the flash, aim the head up and back. The result will be a well balanced shot showing the interior and outside with the same exposure.
Thank you
Dec 15, 2019 09:32:41 #
Leitz wrote:
If you're qualified for the job, you know how to light it.
Isn't that being sort of snarky? Don't we all have to start somewhere? Should the OP give up an opportunity to advance in life simply because he is asking questions on how to do something better? Were you born knowing how to do everything without ever asking questions to advance your learning on a specific subject?
Dennis
Dec 15, 2019 09:54:58 #
Dec 15, 2019 10:17:02 #
Try with bracketing, the Nikon D750 has up to 9 plus/minus light settings, and then process it w/PS. It looks very natural.
Dec 15, 2019 11:09:58 #
One of the best ways to do real estate is using HDR, which will require no lighting and give a very natural look, but there is a learning curve.
Dec 15, 2019 11:21:04 #
I am a Real Estate broker in NC I use Canon and I have 2 Canon lenses for the purpose. A 17mm and a 24mm both tilt and shift lenses. I use the 17mm mostly inside and the 24mm for the outside shots. Nothing looks worse to me as a building falling over backwoods, that's where the shift comes in. I also have a 16-35 f2.8 that I also carry with me on shoots. It's amazing how you can get yourself out of the mirrors when shooting bathrooms with a T/S lens and yes don't forget to put the toilet seat down.
I use ambient light and a gray card for color balance for each shot. The rest of the magic is done on LR. Don't forget to keep the camera level.
I use ambient light and a gray card for color balance for each shot. The rest of the magic is done on LR. Don't forget to keep the camera level.
Dec 15, 2019 13:21:58 #
Dec 15, 2019 13:58:31 #
Dec 15, 2019 13:59:27 #
Dec 15, 2019 14:00:17 #
dennis2146 wrote:
Isn't that being sort of snarky? Don't we all have to start somewhere? Should the OP give up an opportunity to advance in life simply because he is asking questions on how to do something better? Were you born knowing how to do everything without ever asking questions to advance your learning on a specific subject?
Dennis
Dennis
Thx Dennis
Dec 15, 2019 14:03:48 #
Dec 15, 2019 14:04:23 #
Dec 15, 2019 14:07:12 #
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