How Do You Remove Shadow in Adobe Lightroom: Removing Real Estate Photo Shadows

One of the main concerns for any real estate photographer is the looming shadows in their property photos. While a shadow can sometimes be a great way to make an image look appealing, it may cause distractions and even hinder the property's beauty.

Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can tackle this problem. Today, you will learn why shadows are unpleasant in real estate photos and how to remove them in Adobe Lightroom.

Why are Shadows Unpleasant in Real Estate Photos?

Shadows in your real estate photos can be the main cause of problems for several real estate photographers. Aside from the fact that they can make any image look unprofessional, there are also several other reasons why removing shadows from your real estate images is necessary. Here are some of the reasons why shadows may be more unpleasant in real estate photos than you thought them to be:

1. Distraction

One of the main reasons for removing shadows from your real estate professional images is that they are extremely distracting. Shadows can create visual inconsistencies in any image, distracting the photo viewer from the main elements of the property photo. Further, when these shadows are improperly placed or too harsh in the image, they can take away from the real textures, colors, and dimensions of the room, making it difficult for homebuyers to assess the space properly.

Shadows can also hinder important property details that need to be seen in order for the property to be bought. For example, harsh shadow lines can distract a potential buyer from entirely focusing on the furniture material, the texture of the flooring, and the window size.

2. Darker Image

Apart from distraction, shadows in real estate photos can also make a property image appear darker than it is, affecting the overall mood of the space. Harsh shadows in an image can create visual imbalance, which makes the photo appear darker. This dark property photo then becomes less inviting and gloomy. Important architectural features or design elements may get lost in the darkness, making the space seem smaller or less appealing. When potential homebuyers see such gloomy and dark photos, they may think the space is more cluttered and turn away from the property, losing real estate agents a potential client.

3. Distorted Proportions

When shadows create a strong contrast in any real estate photo, they can alter the dimension and visual depth of a property. For example, harsh shadows can make certain areas appear smaller or more cluttered than they actually are. A shadow falling across an area in the room can hinder details or create the illusion of a lack of space, making a room feel cramped or less open. This can turn away potential homebuyers, thinking the space is too small and unappealing for their liking.

4. Unnatural Appearance

Apart from the above valid reasons, having harsh shadows in your real estate photos can also impact the overall quality of these images and even distort their realism. Misaligned, harsh, and inconsistent shadows make any space appear artificial, as they do not match the time of day suggested by the lighting. This makes the room appear more distorted and dark, leaving potential buyers to think of the space as unwelcoming and cold.

5. Hiding Features

When harsh shadows fall on architectural details, like intricate woodwork, moldings, or unique textures, these unique elements lose their essence as they are not properly visible in images. This lack of visibility can prevent potential buyers from appreciating the full beauty of the home’s design.

How Do You Remove Shadow in Adobe Lightroom?

Now that you are aware of the reasons why shadows seem to be the most unpleasant problems in a real estate photo, you should think about the ways in which you can get rid of them. But how to do that? Well, Adobe Lightroom is your answer in such situations. Here’s how you can remove shadows in a real estate photo in Adobe Lightroom:

1. Basic Adjustments

One of the simplest answers to your question – how to shadow in Adobe Lightroom – is to use the most basic adjustments and get your job done in a simple manner. This is also such a beginner-friendly way of getting rid of a shadow in a real estate property photo. Here’s how you can do it:

• Increase the shadow slider to +100 for subtle shadows.
• The next step is to decrease the highlights. This may differ based on the lighting of the image, but -50 is a good way to get overall exposure that is properly balanced.
• To create the best balance of a well-lighted photograph, you also have to increase the exposure of the image. Decreasing highlights and increasing exposure will make the image appear brighter and luminous.

2. Local Adjustments

Using local adjustments like the brush tool in Adobe Lightroom is great for making additional changes to the image if basic adjustments are insufficient. Here’s what you can do:

• Use the Graduated Filter to adjust specific areas of the image, such as near a window.
• Use the Radial Filter to target more localized areas, like a specific object casting a shadow.

3. Advanced Techniques

Here are some advanced techniques to apply:

• Increase Clarity to add definition to the edges and details in the shadows.
• Adjust the White Balance to correct any color imbalances in the shadows.
• Use the Dehaze slider to reduce haze and clarify the shadows in images with a foggy appearance.

4. Additional Tips

• Consider using HDR for images with multiple exposures to reduce shadows and highlight details.
• Use the Clone Stamp Tool or Healing Brush for more precise control over shadow removal.

Cut the Hassle with Styldod!

As a real estate photographer or anyone in the real estate industry who needs to edit property photos, you must already have so much on your plate. Tackling clients and even finding new ones is a difficult job in this overcrowded real estate industry. On top of it, add the hassle of editing real estate photos to make a property more appealing to potential buyers online. Too much to handle!

But why go through so much when you can easily trust experts in the photo editing industry and lessen your workload? Experts at Styldod are here to help you!

Address the harsh and inconsistent shadows on your real estate photos and save how a property looks. Edit real estate images with a faster and potentially more polished result at an affordable price! Here's how we can help:

• Our team of experienced editors knows how to tackle shadows and preserve the natural look of any space. They can brighten dark areas while maintaining a balanced exposure throughout the image.
• Instead of spending time learning and applying Lightroom techniques, you can outsource your photo editing to Styldod and save time, which you can then use to do other important work.
• Lightroom might be sufficient for minor shadow removal. However, for more complex situations, Styldod's editors can use advanced tools to target shadows and ensure a natural-looking result selectively.
• Styldod offers a range of image enhancement services beyond shadow removal. We tackle issues like white balance, clarity, and overall visual appeal to create truly stunning real estate photos.

At just $1.50 per image, Styldod's service is extremely cost-effective in achieving high-quality photos that make a big difference!