Category: Real Estate Photography

In photography, panorama is one thing that makes the lives of photographers comfortable and easy.

Using this technique, real estate photographers can stitch out the most compelling images you need for your listings.

But why is panorama critical in real estate photography, and how can you make one?

What is a panorama?

Unless you have the most updated camera, capturing the perfect panorama shot is quite challenging. Hence, it would be useful to know how to do this manually.

So, what is a panorama?

In photography, the panorama is a technique wherein images with single exposures and HDR are stitched together to create one comprehensive picture. Panoramic images show the particular captured image in a broad view – something that a standard camera lens cannot do.

Moreover, panoramic photography is only for wide horizontal images. It is commonly used for landscape photography but is now widespread in real estate photography, cityscape photography, and architecture photography.

Panorama Makers for Real Estate Photographers

Today’s modern cameras have panoramic mode available, but if you still do not have the most updated one, try using a panorama maker.

Check out this list.

1.  PTGui

PTGui is one of the most popular panorama makers with photographers. It has a simplified interface, friendly-user features, and fast processing that makes the perfect panorama images.

Moreover, it is also versatile as it supports many types of lenses and cameras.

The PTGui Pro version supports HDR blending and Exposure-Fusion, which are essential in creating the best sharpness through the frame and blending across the photos’ seams.

Here are some of its pros and cons.

Pros:

• It allows fast adjustment of the projections, including rotation and center.
• Automatically recognizes the camera and lens. Once done, it will calibrate the perfect settings for you.
• Offer a wide range of projections such as the essential rectilinear, the obscure Vedutismo, spherical, “little planet,” and cube face.
• Remove unwanted features and allows you to tweak the control points manually.
• Stitch a 1 Gigapixel panorama in just 25 seconds.

Cons:

• Default settings are unconventional and need a lot of manual adjustments.

2.  Autostitch

Autostitch is a wholesome automatic panorama maker with an easy-to-use interface and functions.

Just click on the File menu, then tap on Open to import photos. This software will automatically work on stitching the pictures in one go.

The usual turnaround time is around two minutes. After this, you should already have a panoramic photo. The matching and blending of edges are generally better in Autostitch than manual operations.

Here are its pros and cons.

Pros:

• A simple and functional interface
• Proven effective in stitching images with superb quality

As for the cons, users worldwide do not have specific complaints when using this tool, so it is up to you to judge.

3.  Panorama Stitcher Mini for PC and Mac

Panorama Stitcher Mini is a favorite of most Mac users when creating a panorama.

Its free version allows users to experiment with how to create a stitched panorama by using an app. Such an app can stitch up to five images and is now compatible with macOS 10.12.

Moreover, it also incorporates lens shading correction for more accurate and realistic colors.

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Fully automated panorama maker application
• Create high-resolution images suitable for large prints such as banners or tarpaulins.

Cons:

• Quick memory draining
• Slow speed

4.  Hugin

Hugin is an open-source panorama photo creation tool. This means it can be easily modified by anyone knowledgeable about open-source software to customize it according to needed features.

It is free software that allows users to fix control points manually. This makes various exposures taken from two types of lenses look natural and smooth.

As for the pros and cons, check the following:

Pros:

• Special free software.
• Easy to install and use
• Final panoramic images are high-quality

Cons:

• It can be challenging to use by beginners
• Bugs are common

So, what do you think? Which of these tools above is your best choice? Let us know below!

In photography, knowing how to capture the perfect images is the main point but knowing the technicalities is another thing to deal with and understand

Learning the art of photography is not always taught in the book. Sometimes, you need to invest more time into learning other things to equip you further in the game.

There are always many things to understand and remember. One of these is the file formats.

When you specialize in real estate photography, it is best to know which file format is the most suitable for your photos. The first step to determining this is by knowing your purpose. Evaluate and try to understand what you are trying to achieve.

Then, try to check which format fits your purpose. As real estate photo editors, having a suitable format is one key to a successful editing process.

It can help a lot in completing the project with the highest quality possible. Take a look at this guide and learn the standard file formats in photography in general.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEG is the most common image file type.

Most documents and websites use this type of image, including those used for printed outputs. Nowadays, it is used mainly in social media, emails, and other marketing campaigns.

One of its advantages is that it takes less space in your memory cards but does not support transparent backgrounds for images, and is more prone to losing some color information.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

The PNG format is the most versatile file format.

It is a lossless file type because it can preserve images without any loss in its quality. This format helps a lot, especially if the photos need a transparent background. However, it is hardly practical if you intend to use it for non-transparent purposes.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

TIFF is the best for the post-processing stage since this format is never compressed.

It is also compatible with almost all image-editing software currently available. You can also have options to support different color standards such as CMYK, RGB, Lab, Indexed Color, and Grayscale Images.

It is best to preserve the image’s quality, primarily if used for high-quality printing. However, it is usually a large file size and  is not always supported by most websites and social media platforms.

PSD (Photoshop Document)

PSD file comes from Adobe Photoshop. It is usually used to save images for further editing.

It is one of the only formats that can save a file with all the existing Photoshop features, including the layers, applied effects, and other healing tools used to beautify the image.

Specifically, you will be able to preserve layers, transparency, adjustments, masks, clipping paths, blending modes, vector text, shapes, gradients, and others, but its downside is that you can only open the file in Photoshop.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

The popular animated image you see online is known as GIF.

It is a popular image format online because of its animation property, which is very useful for diagrams, graphics, logos, and others with limited color range.

Due to its animation effect, it is highly favored by those people who need it for their graphics. Yet, it always has limited features in the color range, which are not best for reproducing high-quality images.

These are the most commonly used file formats that every photo editor can use and experiment with.

There is no written rule about what format you should use, but there are recommended ones you can try. Remember that every format has its use, so it matters you choose what fits most your needs.

As a property owner or a realtor, it is likely to have a property photoshoot.

There are many available real estate photography companies out there but choosing the best one is a challenge.

Are you wondering why it is the case?

Well, it all stems from the fact that quality is not predetermined. You need to check what a company offers before signing a deal.

However, it is not the case with HD Estates.

Here, we ensure that quality exceeds your expectation by having a professional portfolio that showcases our previous projects.

And how do we make it possible?

It is simple! We have built a team of professional and competent real estate photographers that produce stellar, studio-quality images and videos for years.

This credibility, alongside hard-working individuals, makes us the number one real estate photography company in Seattle.

Five Reasons to Choose Us

We claim to be the best in Seattle based on evidence – it is not just a bluff.

Our work speaks for our company’s reputation, and it is our leverage over the others.

So, if you are still not convinced why we should be your next photographer, we have listed these five reasons for you to evaluate and ponder.

Quality Over Quantity

For us, getting clients is not a race.

We do not accept clients just to deliver sub-standard images.

Instead, we prioritize quality over quantity. After all, nothing beats a well-done job by our dedicated photographers and videographers.

Not Your Typical HD Photos and Videos

When we say it is not typical, believe us. We take pride in taking “Hollywood” quality photos and videos.

Our award-winning photography all started with the single idea of making professional property photography art that represents residential real estate stunningly and innovatively.

Hence, we provide the highest quality HD Photography for Real Estate, which is supported by our clients’ testimonials worldwide.

Constant Innovation

Learning is a continuous process, and we take this seriously.

We are proud to have innovation in our DNA through studying new market trends and technology, and our offerings now include:

• Matterport 3D scans
• Aerial photography
• Drone videos
• Property websites

Share Valuable Information and Recommendation

At HD Estates, we believe in our clients’ visions and goals.

However, we ensure to take the extra mile for any project we do for them by imparting helpful insights about the project.

Any information related to photography and videography that we think can add a difference to your final images.

Transform Your Listings

Do you have previous listings that did not have any conversions?

Well, in this case, it is not always because of the properties’ prices. Sometimes, it is about the materials you used.

We have reiterated this several times now – never use images that are not compelling enough to please the eyes.

In connection to the previous point, we help you transform your listings by letting you understand first the concepts and principles behind property photography.

And you know what is the bonus here?

We give you the best listing images to use so you can leverage your listings over the others.

So, what do you think?

There is no undermining of your decision here. We want you to evaluate based on objective insights.

After all, we have backed our claims with works that speak on behalf of our services.

In the end, we hope that you can see the value we offer and how it can make a difference in your life as a property owner or realtor.

Do you have some questions about getting the best real estate photos and videos?

Get started or call us at 206-453-5291!

As a real estate photographer, you follow specific settings that you deem worthy and useful for your craft.

Perhaps, you are still doing the basic settings, but over time and with the ever-changing technology, you would realize that there is so much to learn and understand with your camera settings.

Today, you can use hybrid settings if you want. You just need to follow traditional settings and give it a tweak using expert camera settings recommended by professional photographers.

It won’t hurt to try, so experiment with it while you can!

Your settings for indoor real estate photography will depend on the purpose. Hence, it only makes sense that you also ask about it beforehand to prepare what settings to use.

Take a look at the following recommended indoor photography settings.

• Brightness is essential. Adjust the camera’s brightness by changing the ISO. The best value to use is usually between 200 to 400.
• Use a considerable camera aperture value such as F/4 or F/2.8.
• Always use the camera’s manual mode.
• The shutter speed should be 1/60 second but never use a value lower than 1/50 second.
• Make use of external flash.
• Focal length setting also matters, so you should check it out before taking any shots.
• Ensure you have the correct values for exposure mode, focus mode, image format, and white balance because these settings do wonders for your images.

Take note that the recommended settings above are only suggestions. You always have the freedom to work with backgrounds that work for you.

Besides the settings, we also want to share some tips that can help you capture incredible images of real estate properties.

Specifically, these tips are more applicable for an indoor photo shoot, so, likely, you cannot use them when doing outdoor shots.

Here are five things to remember:

Understand what ISO is

The thought is simple: ISO is related to brightness.

So, if you want images that look stunning and not dim, you should know the perfect ISO setting to use.

It helps to be aware of the ISO limits and capabilities you can use depending on the day’s time (e.g., daytime or nighttime).

Use natural lighting

Natural lighting such as the one from the sun is more advantageous than using artificial lighting.

Most expert photographers would tell you the same because daylight looks natural and brighter than whatever flashes or artificial lights you use.

Moreover, it yields beautiful soft light that makes the images look attractive.

Hence, if the property has got large windows, then be thankful – you have plenty of ways to let that natural light come in.

Familiarize manual mode

Most cameras today have automatic and manual modes available.

There is nothing wrong with using the automatic mode, but it is better to know how the manual function works since not all automatic settings yield the best shots.

Moreover, the manual mode lets you control all basic settings such as shutter speed, ISO, EV, and aperture.

Use a reflector

The reflector is an expensive piece of equipment but great for daytime or nighttime. It provides the best powerful lighting anytime and anywhere.

Do not use overhead lighting

Avoid overhead lighting because it casts unwanted shadows.

Although these shadows can be edited later on, the process is quite tedious, so it is best not to have shades in images beforehand.

Conclusion

In the end, we hope that you make use of the suggestions in this article.

Remember that the perfect camera settings are subjective and what may work for others may not work for you.

In this case, it is best to discover the settings that will work for you one step at a time.