Category: Real Estate Photography

Are you a real estate photographer?

If yes, what is the ISO you are using?

Any professional photographer surely knows the importance of ISO in all types of photography. For one, it is not just a useless element in your camera. It has a purpose.

So, before learning more about ISO and how it can help you shoot beautiful images, let us define it first.

What is ISO?

There is no denying that your camera’s ISO stands for International Standardization for Organization.

It is the very same ISO you know in different industries’ regulations.

But, there is one thing you should know when it comes to a camera’s ISO: it is only used to brighten or darken your images.

It is technically a setting that can allow you to work in dark environments without the need for additional or artificial lighting.

ISO Sensitivity and Exposure Triangle in Real Estate Photography

For most DSLR cameras, ISO measures the camera’s ability to capture light.

It is associated with the concept of exposure, particularly in certain types of photography, including in real estate.

So, how exactly should you use ISO in your property images?

The primary step is to learn the exposure triangle.

But what is it?

In the most straightforward reference, exposure refers to the amount of light that the camera can capture.

Is it a controllable setting? Yes, it is!

You can control exposure, given the three necessary settings that work hand-in-hand to create perfect images.

Hence, you should familiarize yourself with these settings: aperture, shutter speed, and sensitivity, otherwise known as ISO.

Moreover, remember that these three settings comprise the exposure triangle.

The Ideal ISO Setting for Real Estate Images

The rule of thumb is to remember the basics: (1) increasing the ISO value means the sensor is more sensitive, so more light is captured, while (2) decreasing the amount means lesser light is captured.

The primary camera’s ISO is around 100, but it can be as high as 4000.

Having ISO as high as that sounds good, but it also has its downfall.

It allows you to capture more light information even in a low-light environment. Still, the images will likely not appear crisp, with noise or grain. This is not aesthetically pleasing to see in the final photos.

Therefore, the recommended ISO levels, especially for real estate photographers, should be the following:

• Maintain it as low as possible, starting at 200 ISO as a base.
• If you need to go higher, make sure you will not go above ISO 400 unless otherwise required.

Aperture and Shutter Speed Ideal Settings

Do you still remember that exposure triangle?

We mentioned other settings like aperture and shutter speed, so here is a bonus part for you!

We’ll let you know about the ideal settings you should follow when setting up these two other settings.

So, let us define what an aperture is.

Aperture refers to how wide your lens is when taking images.

The basic idea to remember is this: the wider the opening, the lower the aperture value, and the more light that is allowed to strike your sensor.

Given this, the shallower the depth of field is, the more precise the focus point is while anything away from that point becomes more out of focus and less bright.

Now, a lower aperture value means a shallower depth of field. At the same time, a high aperture value such as F22 means the lens is open less.

Typically, in real estate photography, the ideal aperture is between F8 and F11. Moreover, F5.6 and F16 are also acceptable but not recommended with outside edges of the range.

On the other hand, shutter speed means the duration as to how long your lens stays open to allow light to hit the camera’s sensor.

What’s right about shutter speed is you can be flexible in setting this compared to ISO and aperture.

If you choose to use 1/100 second, make sure you use a tripod to avoid blurry images.

That’s it!

You now have a better understanding of the perfect ISO for your next photo shoot. Following the suggested settings should help you first-hand if you have difficulty finding your camera’s right settings.

However, we still recommend that you experiment with these settings in your free time to get the best combination that is perfect for your nee

Nowadays, there are already many cameras to choose from: point and shoot, DSLRs, and the mirrorless ones. Yet, how do these cameras differ from one another? What does it take to choose the best one for you? Let us find it out.

The very first thing that you want to know about cameras is their functionalities. Here, we will compare a DSLR and mirrorless camera in terms of different criteria such as size and weight, autofocus speed, image preview, video quality, shooting speed, battery life, and lenses and accessories.

So, before discussing each factor, let us define first what is DSLR and mirrorless camera.

DSLR and Mirrorless Defined

DSLR stands for the digital single-lens reflex, a type of camera that uses a mirror mechanism to reflect light from a camera lens to an optical viewfinder. It can also let light pass onto the image sensor by moving the mirror in a different direction.

On the other hand, a mirrorless camera allows light to pass through the lens, then onto the image sensor. This process captures a preview of the image and displays it on the rear screen. Some models have a second screen inside its electronic viewfinder.

Size and Weight

A DSLR camera is huge, based on physical appearance, since it needs to fit in a mirror and a prism. At the same time, a mirrorless camera body is smaller than a DSLR making it more compact and lightweight. Hence, you can carry a mirrorless camera more easily than a DSLR.

Autofocus Speed

Now, talking about autofocus and low-light shooting, DSLRs are considered superb in terms of quality. However, with constant technological advancements, some mirrorless low-light cameras are now gaining popularity in the market. At the same time, mirrorless autofocus systems have improved greatly also with speeds comparable to DSLRs. In certain types of photography, such as real estate photography, the autofocus speed matters a lot when capturing the images, so pay attention to this.

Image Previews

A typical DSLR has an optical viewfinder that shows you exactly what the camera will capture. It is slightly different when it comes to a mirrorless camera because you get a preview of the image on-screen. In terms of outputs, a DSLR is always the best in low light than a mirrorless, and this is something you may want to consider when buying your camera.

Video Quality

At times, in real estate photography, there is also a need to create videos. In general, higher-end mirrorless cameras are best for video shooting. DSLRs are not preferred since they cannot use phase detection with the mirror up while recording video. This means having to use the slower, less accurate, contrast-detection focus method.

Shooting Speed

Perhaps, it is in terms of the shooting speed that these two cameras become equal. Both have fast shutter speeds and can capture a lot of images. However, if we take into consideration the exception of exceptional DLSRs, mirrorless cameras have an edge.

Battery, Lenses, and Accessories

Generally, DSLRs have longer battery life because they can shoot without using the LCD screen that is technically battery draining. Also, in terms of the lenses and accessories, a DSLR has access to several lenses from different manufacturers, while mirrorless models are more restricted.

With these comparisons on hand, you can weigh each factor and determine which is more useful for you. It is hard to pinpoint what is best for you without considering your opinion, budget, and purpose for buying a camera. Hence, the best way to deal with it is to do thorough research until you decide what to buy.

The fundamentals in photography and videography are not only limited to your area of expertise; most of the time, it governs all fields of photography and videography, including the competitive field of real estate photography and videography.

You need to learn and master several basic concepts, but understanding the idea of LUTs is one of the most challenging. Yet, regardless, having a good grasp of this topic will help you greatly in your work.

LUT Defined

Before anything else, it is essential to know the meaning of LUT.

In simplest terms, LUT stands for Lookup Table – a term used to describe a predetermined array of numbers that provide a shortcut for a specific computation.

In layman’s term: a preset color for your video footage or image.

Many photographers agree that there is an established connection between the concepts of LUT and color grading. Still, the question is, “in what sense?” Technically, in the context of color grading, the LUT is responsible for transforming color input values from the camera to your desired output values, which is usually the final footage.

Color Grading and LUT

Color grading is a technique that is commonly used in real estate photography and videography. This method completely transforms your video’s look, but unless you are already a pro in doing this with years of expertise and achieving your clip’s desired look, you may not seem easy to do. Yet, guess what? By having the right LUT, you can ace color grading right away.

After doing color correction, which is also a different editing technique from color grading, using LUTs are the quickest way to grade the footage. Yet, remember this pro tip: LUT will not work correctly if the footage doesn’t match from shot to shot, has no proper exposure, or is poorly color corrected.

Why use LUTs on videos?

• Increase the speed at which you can color grade
• Set a predetermined look for a specific visual feeling
• Use as a reference point to develop your unique style

Types of LUTs and Where to Use?

There are several different types of LUTs available: calibration, transform, viewing, 1D, and 3D. Regardless of which one you will use, you have to know the input level and color space intended for the specific LUT you wish to use.

LUTs are used through standard Non-Linear Editor (NLE’s) like Premiere, Final Cut, and Avid. Moreover, it can be used on coloring software like DaVinci Resolve or Speedgrade. It is even available for use in motion graphics programs like After Effects.

How LUTs work in photos?

One has to understand that LUTs potential for photography is versatile, technically making it suitable for images. Hence, more photo editing applications now add direct support for LUTs.

In images, LUTs are not like regular adjustments. This means you can use other adjustments other than LUT since it has its own set of parameters.

Why use LUTs in images?

• LUT alone is enough if you know how to use it correctly.
• Presets need further adjustments, but LUT solves this problem right away.
• LUTs are perfect for the favorite output you want to use across a range of different programs.
• It is present in almost every editing software.

So, what do you think about LUT? Indeed, this is a helpful tool for photographers who also edit their pictures. It provides a shortcut solution to the tedious process of editing images and clips without sacrificing the outputs’ quality. After all, who would want to make several adjustments to an image or clip when you can do it using one feature only? Just make sure you do this right to avoid ruining the raw files.

When it comes to real estate, the ethical question is not only limited to the concept of how the industry works. Almost all businesses connected to it face the same dilemma, including those engaged in real estate photography.

Determining what is acceptable and what is not in terms of shooting properties and editing the raw images is a buzz topic among realtors. Most of the time, it sparks debates that test the extent of this issue.

Nevertheless, the community has set legal and ethical guidelines for photographers and editors to follow over the years. This is aside from the rules set by each listing site. Here is an outline of the five general guidelines followed by most real estate photography companies.

1. Real estate photographers usually work for the listing agent (realtor). They can have the discretion to take the photos, but in some cases, they are asked to modify images of properties for sale.
2. It is the legal responsibility of the listing agents to not “materially misrepresent” a property.
3. For photo editors, modifying or removing temporary objects like garbage cans, cars, and unnecessary people are acceptable. Moreover, overcast skies are already a practice by most editors and generally not considered misrepresenting the property.
4. For real estate photography companies, their photographers should remain truthful with their shots by not allowing editors to remove permanent objects like power lines or telephone poles. Aside from that, neighboring homes should not be removed from the picture because this is already one form of misrepresentation.
5. Landscaping is a tricky part of images because it could be permanent or temporary. Some argue that it is okay to fix minor problems in the grass, for example. However, others are opposed to the idea and believe that it is one form of manipulation.

Yet despite these five main guidelines, realtors and legal professionals still have their sentiments regarding the topic. Everyone shares their comments, and some of them are the following:

Not removing anything unless told to do so

Most editors say that they do not remove anything in the images unless the realtor tells them to do so. Moreover, if forced to remove anything, they ensure realtors will explain to the clients why the part is removed in the first place.

Never alter the reality

On the other hand, some photographers and editors stick to not modifying any part of the property that can change the real perspective of future clients or buyers. This is an essential pointer to consider because it will help the buyers set their expectations.

Stick to the legal guidelines

There are different real estate listing sites available online, and each of them has legal guidelines about photographs being used. It is the realtor’s job to follow these rules and not override anything, since it may result in your listings being taken down.

Photographers and editors must not have any legal obligations

Since photographers and editors work with the realtors and have the legal responsibilities since they are the member of any realtors’ association, the former should not be held liable for any misrepresentation disputes.

In summary, we can say that the photographer and editor are working for the listing agent, not the potential buyer. Therefore, the property’s accurate representation is the agent’s legal responsibility, neither the photographer nor the editor’s.

 

Still, it is best if photographers or editors can perform their duties with due diligence, so they wil not be held accountable by any misrepresentations that may arise from the edited images. It is recommended to document that they are modifying the photograph at the agent’s request, not only based on their discretion.

In photography, the term “distortion” is used to describe many different aspects of the subject. In general, they are undesirable and need to get fixed as soon as possible. Some types of lenses cause this problem in images. For example, the famous fisheye lens “distorts,” a photograph by intentionally bending straight lines. This makes the image look ugly and funny.

Lens distortion has two main types: (a) when the lens “accidentally” makes a straight line curve or wobble when it should be straight, and (b) when two lines that are supposed to be parallel appear to “lean” in or out, depending on the angle.

Moreover, there are also what we call the barrel, pincushion, mustache, and keystone distortions. But what are these, and how do they differ from one another?

Barrel Distortion

With barrel distortion, a straight line near the edge of the image will bend outward.

Pincushion Distortion

On the other hand, pincushion distortion causes straight lines to visibly bow inward instead, the total opposite of the pincushion distortion.

Mustache Distortion

Moreover, the mustache distortion happens when a straight line does both curvings back and forth. This is a common problem on more affordable, compact ultra-wide lenses such as the 14 mm lenses.

Keystone Distortion

The keystone distortion is not an optical lens flaw. Instead, it is a natural characteristic of the viewing angle. A classic example is shooting a house from a high location, and the subject is way too down your position. At this point, the vertical lines will visually converge in a downward “V” shape or vice-versa. Vertical lines should remain vertical because if not, they seem visually unsettling and unnatural looking.

So, how exactly can you correct these common lens distortions? Here are two efficient solutions to try.

There are two main ways to correct distortion in real estate photography: (a) check if the lens has a correction profile in the post-production software you are using or (b) try correcting it manually.

Luckily, most lenses these days has a correction profile available already. You only need to access it on the raw conversion software such as Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or Photomatix.

Moreover, some of the mirrorless lenses have permanently embedded the correction profile in raw file data. This makes it accessible by only turning on or off the in-camera. Before shooting images, try checking the in-camera settings to make sure distortion correction is turned on. This process can make editing easy.

On the other hand, for keystone distortion, Lightroom has automated and manual options to correct this problem. The software also has final straightening options that can make the editing quick and easy. At the same time, you can also use Lightroom’s manual tool to trace the lines that should either be vertical or horizontal.

In the end, the major takeaways are the following:

Turn on the in-camera before the shoot

Check that the camera has its barrel or pincushion distortion turned on in-camera. To ensure that this will work, double-check first if the lens you are using has a permanently embedded correction profile.

Set the necessary Adobe Lightroom settings

In Lightroom, check that the Develop Module’s defaults include the Lens Profile Correction tool on and “automatic.”

Master the quick-fix methods

Learn how to “fix” vertical lines that are not vertical quickly using automatic or manual correction tools.

Recheck your workflow and lens all the time

If the work is getting complicated, and you think it is not beneficial anymore, try to seek a professional real estate photographer’s help or find another lens with a perfect correction profile.