HDR Real Estate Photography: The Most Efficient Process

In this comprehensive tutorial, Elijah takes you through our streamlined process for photographing homes efficiently without compromising quality. From the moment you park to the final shot, we share our secrets to ensure your real estate photos stand out. If you prefer reading, find a detailed PDF checklist in the description.

In this video, Elijah covers everything from gear choices and settings to composition principles and specific techniques for interiors and exteriors. Discover the power of a geared head, the magic of -1.7 exposure comp, and the art of showcasing three walls in every shot. Learn how to prep a home for photography and gain insights into capturing the essence of each room. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, these tips will elevate your real estate photography game. Join us on this journey, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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Our Main Equipment:
Sony A7iv
Tamron 17-28
Sigma 24-70
Manfrotto 290
Benro 3-Way Geared
DJI Ronin-S (We now recommend the RS3)
Tascam DR-10L
DJI Mini 3 Pro

On our channel, we discuss topics like:
Real Estate Photography, Home 3D Tours, Measured Floor Plans, Building Process Showcase, Commercial Branding, Headshots, Videography, Social Media Management, Digital Ads, Creative Content, Luxury Photography, Luxury Videography, Commercial Branding, Social Media Marketing, Digital Advertising, Real Estate Listings, Building Client Showcases, High-Quality Media Production, and we are focused in the Niagara region of Ontario. Based around towns like Welland, Pelham, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Thorold, St. Catherines, Niagara Falls, Grimsby, Fort Erie.

[garysheehan]

A cracker of a tutorial. Straight to the point and very informative. Looking forward to trying this out. Cheers.

[JNUC]

I've been shooting real estate professionally for 11 years and a lot of what I have learned along the way is included in your video. I've never used a -1.7 exposure comp but I'll give it a try. I also use F9 and shoot at ISO 400 interior and 100 exterior, but that's a minor difference. I shoot a litter higher than you inside, especially in kitchens (hate seeing the underside of cabinets). Overall you did a great job with this.

[southernstylesa]

The connecting shots showing the flow of the house are great. The potential buyers 1st impression when viewing a home online is to see the flow of the house. I also incorporate this technique into my videos.

👍

[carlosxramirez]

Honestly... this has been the best no bs tutorial I've seen on YT when it comes to real estate photography.. honestly, 10/10 tips and video dude. 👏🏽

[_eszet]

I wondered, why you should compensate by -1, 7 EV. Tried this method by myself (Luminar Neo HDR Merge) and proofed you absolutely right. The results at -1, 7EV were much more (naturally) saturated, than with +/-0EV, what I would have expected to be the standard. But at +/-0EV the result ist very washed out. So thanks a lot for this great input! I would never have tried this by myself and would have missed this great workflow.

[kimsutlive]

I have watched many real estate videos and this was the most informative. I have some experience in real estate photography but learned a great deal. Looking forward to more videos!

[MarioKilian]

Surely the best real estate photo tutorial on youtube!!

[Freed]

nice video bro, I watched like every single real estate video and you are the only one that taught me to capture 3 walls in the photo and that made a huge difference!

[FishVisions]

Got my first shoot today. Writing all notes down! SUPER valuable ❤

[mouofotografo]

That's perfect. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[EnrichedExistence]

Professional architecture shooter tip: I use the TS-E Lenses for Canon to compose super interesting shots that include a greater view height, without needing to pan the camera (you should never do that except for details) so everything still lines up perfectly. Not sure if Sony has got those lenses too, but it's definitely a game changer for premium photography.

[catherinetaylor]

Love the tip about connecting the entranceway to the bathroom. Definitely gonna do more connecting photos from now on

[gabo]

Nice video!!! Can you do a quick video showing the editing portion? I shoot 3 brackets combined with flash. I am interested to see how you blend 5 brackets . Thanks!

[southernstylesa]

Great video. Quick and easy to follow.
Personally I shoot a bit higher.

Canon 850D + Manfrotto tripod
2 sec delay with shutter button.
Apeture Priority @ F8
AWB
ISO on auto (Set to max 400)
5-6 brackets (3 exposing for interior. 3 exposing for exterior)
1 camera mounted flash shot.

From all the images I may only use 4 including the flash and merge in Luminar Neo. By far the best HDR merging software.

[dab]

I worked in a trial law firm in technology for over 30 years and I was recently let go and did not want to go back so I started a photography company and your video really inspired me to get into this I could not understand why you take bracketed photographs and then I researched and purchased Photomatix and Aurora HDR and now I understand. I ran a test with it today using your settings on my living room and the results were spectacular . I also have a drone one of the best better ones from DJI and I am going to get my commercial drone license so that I can take exterior Drone footage commercially sure hope the test is not that hard. Would love the opportunity to chat with you at some point

[edi]

Great Video! can you please help me. I'm currently using a FX3 with a Laowa lens 15m 2.8 for real estate photos but I want to take better photos. What do you think of my current gear? should I go with an A7IV with a new lens such as sigma 14 - 24 2.8 or Sony 16-35mm f/4 Zeiss?

[theaspiephotographer]

Just a heads up, a couple of your gear recommendations need updating.
The Manfrotto 290 is currently unavailable as is the Benro. K&F Concept and NEEWER both have great alternatives to the Benro. Just an fyi.

[BenjaminGib]

Great video.. I’ll be getting my a7IV soon. Great to see how the Tamron looks and I don’t need a G-master right away.

[Mathew-A]

Very informative video mate. I’m starting my new job as a real estate photographer 😊

[johnrumballphotography]

Great video! Thank you! I started my RE photography career shooting HDR but was never really thrilled with the results. This year I switched to the flambient method which I am still refining but love the results… just not the time involved.

One essential piece that is missing from your video is your HDR workflow. I would love to learn how you process your images. If you have another video that includes this let me know.

Thanks again.