Technical Expertise and Equipment.
The great challenge of real estate photography is capturing a room as our eyes see it, with just a single press of the shutter. A wide dynamic range of lighting conditions, competing light sources and the unwelcome reflection of colors make further complicate the task, because even the best cameras, unfortunately, are simply no match for the human eye.
The Flambient Method of photography (Flash + Ambient) solves the problem by combining one ambient light exposure, followed by one or more flash exposures, in Photoshop (or similar software). No flash is used for the ambient shot. Here the objective is to capture the natural light and shadows present in the room. The flash shot(s) are taken, not only to properly light the room, but even more importantly, to ensure that all of the natural colors are preserved. An additional shot is frequently taken to properly expose for the windows.
The Flambient Method combines the best of all-ambient or all-flash photography, resulting in natural looking, color-correct, properly lit photos. The Before and After images below are good examples of what the camera captures with one initial shot, taken without flash, compared to the finished photo, using the Flambient Method.
Canon EOS R6ii
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the perfect camera for Real Estate photography and videography. With Canon's inspiring color science, its incredible low-light capabilities, and seemingly endless customizations, this camera pairs perfectly with the 15-35mm f/2.8 for photos and video.
Canon RF 15-35mm
The Canon RF lens line-up offers the ideal characteristics for Real Estate work, minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration, while producing clear, tack sharp, color-accurate 24MP images in a rugged, ready for work form factor.
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Although the DJI Ronin gimbals are great, the Cinepeer Weebill 3 is better. Incredibly lightweight, and capable of shooting horizontally, or vertically for social media, the Weebill 3 is our go-to for ensuring exceptional footage for our clients.
Ricoh Theta Z1
With its two 1-inch 23MP sensors, the Z1 is capable of creating 7K photos, making it arguably the best 360° camera for creating real estate virtual tours. With its ease-of-use and tremendous image quality, the Z1 allows us to easily add a 3D Home Tour quickly and easily.
Panasonic G9ii
Real estate video has become more and more popular, not so much for featuring the home being listed, but for getting the Agent out in front of their target market. The G9 is a superb option for delivering professional video to our clients.
Panasonic 9mm f1.7
Real estate video is ideal for helping Agent's get their listings onto multiple social media platforms, as most shoppers rely on more than just photos. Panasonic's 9mm f1.7 Summilux offers that perfect wide-view needed for real estate.
Yongnuo 42.5mm f1.7
Because Agents frequently make cameo appearances in their listing videos, it's important to opt for a tighter lens than the 9mm used to show the home. The Yongnuo 42.5 is the perfect lens for the job.
V1 Speedlite
Offering a powerful 76Ws output, this flexible speed light sits on-camera, with its round head providing soft, smooth light with gradual fall off. Perfect for foreground, bathrooms and small bedrooms.
AD100 Pro
Offering a bit more than the Speedlite, at 100Ws of power, this small powerhouse can be used handheld or placed on a portable lightstand. Perfect for providing just a bit more than the V1, and easily clips on the belt when not in use.
AD300 Pro
At 300Ws of power, it provides the perfect balance of small size, low weight and strong power needed to shoot most homes. Whether hand-held with a modified pistol-grip, or on a nightstand, this light is called upon for almost every house.
XPLOR 600 Pro
With a whopping 600Ws of power, this wireless marvel is always ready for larger homes, where vaulted ceilings and/or darker colors demand more power. This one ensures that we'll have enough power for any job.
DJI Mavic 3
Featuring a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera for capturing stunning imagery, the Mavic 3 can record 5.1K video and 4K at 120fps. There's simply nothing we'd rather fly for Real Estate photography and videography. Of course we are both insured and FAA Certified to fly.
Benro Mach3 Tripod
At the foundation of quality real estate photography sits the trusty tripod. Benro's carbon-fiber Mach3 is light, stable and strong, keeping things steady for shoot after shoot. Benro's quality is simply unrivaled.
Benro Geared Head
Delivering separate, precision movement in three directions, the geared head makes it easy to get our verticals right. The Benro is the ultimate combination of form AND function, and we couldn't imagine working without it.
Photoshop
There's simply no software that can execute the Flambient method of photography as well as Photoshop. With its seemingly limitless capabilities, we rely on it to ensure that every real estate listing looks its very best.
Luminar NEO
When appropriate, we'll use High Dynamic Range ("HDR") or bracketed photo sets for capturing your listing. With its wide-range of presets and options, Luminar NEO is a no-brainer for presenting each home in its best light.
Final Cut Pro X
As a recipient of the distinguished Apple Certified Professional credential for video editing, it goes without saying that Final Cut Pro X is our platform of choice. There is still no better way to showcase our Real Estate videos.