Real estate photography plays a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers, as visually compelling images can make or break a property's first impression. One of the most effective techniques in this field is the flambient method, which combines flash and ambient light to create vibrant, well-balanced photos that capture the true essence of a space. This technique ensures that every room looks its best, regardless of lighting challenges, and enhances the overall appeal of property listings. In this detailed guide, we’ll delve deeper into what flambient real estate photography is, how to achieve it, and how to edit your flambient real estate photos.
A flambient shot is a popular technique in real estate photography that blends multiple images, combining both flash and natural ambient lighting (flash + ambient = flambient). The flash shot helps neutralize other light sources in the room, creating a clean, daylight-balanced look at 5500K, which brings out the true colors. Then, another image is captured using only the room's natural light.
This method is particularly effective for showcasing luxury and high-end properties. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of flambient photography, giving you the perfect starting point for mastering this technique.
There are so many different ways in which you can get started with flambient photography in the real estate world. But how to get started? What is needed to ace this photography type, and what are some tips to follow for better flambient real estate photography? Keep reading these eight tips:
To really get a handle on flambient photography, you’ll want to start with some solid gear. Here’s a rundown of the essentials:
In short, your wide-angle lens will let you capture entire rooms. The tripod will ensure your camera stays steady, and the flash will provide the lighting you need to make your shots pop.
Find the perfect spot, set up your tripod, and make sure your camera is securely in place. Keep it on level, stick to a horizontal view to ensure the rooms appear as natural as possible. Try not to position the tripod too high or too low; you want to capture a perspective that feels right to the eye. Plus, using the larger LCD screen instead of the small optical viewfinder can make shooting more comfortable and accurate.
Switching to manual mode on your camera gives you full control over your settings, which can be really helpful. If you're unsure about how to adjust them, check out our guide on the exposure triangle for a clearer understanding. As for white balance, leaving it on auto works fine, and make sure to set the image quality to RAW for the best results.
The less you handle your camera, the better your photos will turn out. To achieve this, it's a good idea to use a remote trigger. This is particularly helpful in low-light situations where longer exposure times are needed, ensuring your shots stay crisp and free of any movement.
The flash shot serves as the foundation for your flambient photography, as it helps balance the room’s colors with the natural light coming through the windows. To capture this shot, set your camera to manual or aperture priority mode, with an f-stop between 7.1 and 9 and an ISO of 320. Don't forget to shoot in RAW for the best quality.
ISO 320 is ideal because it allows a small Speedlight to brighten more of the room without using too much power. However, results can vary depending on your camera model and flash. While this setting has worked well in my experience, it’s worth experimenting with your equipment to find what works best for you.
The second shot in your Flambient process focuses on capturing the natural shadows in the room. For this one, color temperature and accuracy aren't important—what matters is how the light falls. This shot is simpler than the flash shot. Just take another picture without using the flash, keeping the same settings: f-stop between 7.1 and 9, ISO 320, and aperture priority mode. Aim for a well-lit part of the room, and don't worry if the windows appear overexposed—you'll correct that later on.
If you have a stunning window view you want to showcase, here’s a useful trick: take a dedicated shot just for the windows. Here's how to do it: expose the windows and use a powerful flash aimed directly at the window frames. It may seem unconventional, but this approach will make blending the images in post-production much smoother.
Ideally, place the flash off-camera for better results. However, if that’s not an option, a strong on-camera flash can still work if the windows are at a manageable distance. Experiment with different angles to minimize or even eliminate flash reflections. For a final touch, turn off the flash and take an additional shot without it, keeping the camera settings unchanged.
In summary, capturing multiple flash and ambient exposures is key for a successful post-processing blend. Adjust the flash power, shutter speed, and aperture to find the perfect balance between flash and ambient lighting.
Flambient photography is an art that demands both practice and patience. Mastering the technique involves learning how to blend flash and ambient exposures, which takes time seamlessly.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with various settings, lighting conditions, and post-processing methods. The key is to practice regularly and learn from any mistakes. With persistence, you'll soon capture stunning, magazine-worthy images of any property. That’s the essence of shooting flambient real estate photography.
Editing the flambient style of real estate photography is all about window pulling, using layers, and brushing off identified image parts. Here’s a look into how to edit this style of real estate photography:
Once you're satisfied with the edits, save your work. And that's how you create a flambient real estate photo!
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