Top 5 Tips for Real Estate Photographers and Videographers
Hi there! As Jake Houglum, owner of Hougified Media and associate for Pacific Property Media, I'm excited to share with you my top 5 tips for real estate photographers and videographers. In this post, I will go into detail about flambient photography, using a gimbal when shooting video, and drone photography and videography tips and tricks.
Tip #1: Flambient Photography
Flambient photography is a technique used in real estate photography to combine ambient lighting and flash photography. The word "flambient" is a combination of "flash" and "ambient". It's an excellent technique to use when the ambient lighting is not sufficient to capture a high-quality photo.
To get started with flambient photography, you will need a camera, tripod, flash, and remote trigger. First, take a photo of the room with your camera's settings adjusted to capture the ambient lighting. Then, add your flash and take another photo, this time with the flash set to a low power level. Finally, blend the two photos together in post-production using software like Photoshop or Lightroom.
Tip #2: Using a Gimbal When Shooting Video
When it comes to real estate videography, using a gimbal can make all the difference. A gimbal is a device that stabilizes your camera and reduces shakiness in your footage. This is especially important when filming walkthroughs or panning shots of a property.
To use a gimbal effectively, you should first balance your camera properly on the device. Then, use smooth and controlled movements when filming to ensure that your footage is stable and steady. It's also important to practice using your gimbal before using it on a real shoot.
Tip #3: Drone Photography and Videography Tips and Tricks
Drone photography and videography can provide a unique perspective on a property and its surroundings. However, it's important to follow the rules and regulations when operating a drone for commercial purposes. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when using a drone for real estate photography and videography:
Always obtain proper licenses and certifications before flying a drone commercially.
Plan your flight path in advance and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the property boundaries and surrounding area.
Check the weather conditions before flying, and avoid flying in high winds or rain.
Use ND filters to reduce the amount of light entering your camera and improve the quality of your footage.
Practice safe and controlled movements when flying your drone to avoid accidents and maintain a professional appearance.
Tip #4: Lighting Techniques for Real Estate Photography
Proper lighting is crucial in real estate photography. Here are some techniques you can use to achieve optimal lighting in your photos:
Use natural lighting whenever possible, and avoid harsh or direct sunlight.
Use softboxes or diffusers to soften artificial lighting and create a more natural look.
Use colored gels to adjust the temperature and color of your lighting to create a specific mood or atmosphere.
Use HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques to capture both the bright and dark areas of a room.
Tip #5: Post-Processing Techniques for Real Estate Photography
Post-processing is an important step in creating high-quality real estate photos. Here are some techniques you can use to enhance your photos in post-processing:
Adjust the brightness and contrast levels to bring out the details in your photos.
Remove any distracting elements or blemishes using the clone or healing tool.
Straighten and crop your photos to create a more polished look.
Adjust the color balance to create a consistent look throughout your photos.
Use virtual staging to add furniture or decor to an empty room.
In conclusion, these are my top 5 tips for real estate photographers and videographers. By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your real estate photos.
