The HDR Myth in Real Estate Photography

You may have seen HDR real estate photos on social media that look too good to be true, and you're probably right. Today's HDR is not what it used to be, so in this episode I pull back the curtain to show what is really going on, and how you might incorporate some of this into your work. Below are links mentioned in this video:

My online courses to learn real estate photography:

Learn pro interior photography:

Learn pro editing:

Learn pro exterior photography:

My real estate photography series:

Mastering Flambient Photography:

Mastering Color in Photography:

[henem_]

You are the true mentor for real estate photographers. I respect you so much! Always thank you for sharing your honest opinion.

[lucasfysstudios]

Since I started using HDR / Flash hybrid method, my photos look much better, it takes just a few seconds more to shoot and pretty much the same time to edit. I realise that the merged HDR frame helps a lot in keeping the natural look to my photos whilst the flash brings up all the details (window pulls always!).
Thank you very much for all the knowledge Nathan, It's been just a year and a half since I started in RE photography, but because of everything that I learnt from you, translated to my work, I managed to successfully shoot just over 200 properties until then.

[Kalmin]

Thank you very much for this video Nathan. You covered the topic finely. I always see RE photographers on Instagram brag about the time they save using HDR, outsourcing the editing abroad and that the result are great + saying the flambient method is not necessary. I will always go for flambient for its accurate colors, overall image sharpness, quick edit time and more professional look. I care about quality and I want to be happy with the results i deliver. But in the event of not being able to use flash for whatever reason, its nice to know that HDR will do fine for RE work with simple windows etc. You are the GOAT!

[allenrich]

When I started 5 years ago, I used enfuse for 6 months. Then I discovered your videos. Bought most of your books and have been using your flambient techniques ever since. I appreciate the great content your videos provide. Thanks so much.

[roxanneashe]

Flash is by far such much more professional and higher quality. I love flash and what it can do! Not sure why so many are against using and learning it. Thank you for teaching us how to be better pros. Thank you for your time and efforts in helping us all!

[dennisgrube]

This video helps photographers new to RE so much. There are so many videos, reels, etc. that promote HDR as a time saver, money saver, and so on by outsourcing the editing. Then when you try to find them do a video on editing in HDR, they seem uncomfortable with it because it’s been awhile for them to do it themselves. Not to mention they glance over key steps to make it seem faster.

Overall, I think both are viable and clearly accepted by the customer, but if you care about knowing every detail of the RE photo process, this video is perfection.

[NeonShores]

Even the best HDR methods don't have the professional crispy look of flambient. But of course as you show it's good to know multiple methods so you're prepared for every situation. Fantastic video!

[DelgadoPropertyManagement]

So thankful you made this video. I am a "Nathan Cool flambient shooter" myself, but have to admit.... I've been HDR-curious. No longer after this tutorial!

[stevepaterson]

Many thanks for creating this excellent tutorial Nathan. I’m glued to your videos and books and setting me on the right track.

[rekcedmedia]

I thought shifting to HDR cause folks on the groups swear by it now but flambient gives me the best WB and colors. It doesn't take me that much time either.

Great video.

[jeffopenshaw]

I shot a house in August using flambient and received a call from the homeowner who liked my photos so much that he hired me to shoot 3 of his equipment businesses last month, just one of the scenarios you were talking about on getting a higher-paying job. I"ve been using flambient for a little over 5 years now and just purchased one of your books a couple weeks ago, wish I had purchased it earlier, so much I didn't know. Thank you!

[calmetosis]

Had recently done a property with flambient, and indeed the results are superb. I had a bathroom that I did previously with just HDR and it was unusable even after a lot of post processing killing the green mixed with blue casts from outside, oranges from lights and wood basin, it still looked terrible.
Thank you so much for sharing.

[aureliabaum]

Thank you for this video and showing manual HDR techniques! I used that method (manual exposure blending), too. This type of editing is not only time consuming, but also frustrating: Cutting out windows, fixing colors, WB issues... most of the time you try to repair the results of a faulty method. Today I do that only when there is not enough time or the space is too large.

[goosepicklefire]

you are the RE photographer GOAT🐐🐐🐐 been watching for about a month and been practicing with my speedlite and canon t7i, 10-18mm and I have been able to accomplish some pretty decent looking flambient shots. still practicing everyday

[robiken]

Excellent side-by-side comparative on Flambient vs HDR. I recently relocated to another state and find myself having to start building a new client base amidst a sea of HDR shooters and that starts with realtor relationships. Actually being a licensed real estate broker, I know who the top agents are in the local agencies and typically the best of the best (top 2-4% of agents) know how they want their brand to be represented in market...they typically do not accept soft focus shots with color casts. It is the next tier down of agents working to be in that top tier that seem less aware or focused on what their brand looks and feels like and I find a lot more using someone shooting HDR. Not terrible looking stuff, but what you expect from that process. When I ask the agent what they like about their current photographer's work and if they would change anything to better reflect their client's listing and what that agent wants for his/her brand to look like, what would that be? When they comment that "the colors are not always 100% what I was expecting", or "they seem too orange"...but they still use the images anyway it opens up a great conversation on building their brand image. To be able to sit down and show an agent comparisons like this can be priceless. I know you have stated in your books and online to not get into a price war to compete and I can't agree more...show them how you can better build their brand in market, draw more people to view their listings and that generally equates to quicker and stronger offers. Great stuff Nathan! Thanks!

[SquareEarth]

I applied for a position with a company that does a mix of HDR and flash. Required to do 5 bracketed shots from -2 to +2, then a bounce flash of room for white balance, then a flashed window shot and then a no flash window shot. So, 8 shots for one room. The company does the editing. I was competing against another photographer that does HDR all the time, so missed out. I still prefer flash ambient anyday!! Thanks Nathan.

[marcvloeberghs]

Thanks Nathan and congratulations with the success of your various publications on the subject.

[tyronecrossmanphotography]

I much prefer the flambient technique all the way! Thank you Nathan for clarifying things here!

[ibrahimal-khalaf]

Thanks Nathan. Surprisingly hard to find real guidance on these techniques and how to do them. Loooot of filler in other content.

[bogdangrom]

Woow! Nathan, I didn't even seen the amount of views on this video, probably I wouldn't even open it. But it's only because of the thing, that this topic is not so popular. Hope it will changes and you'll become more famous, because your videos are really helpful, when you're stepping on this track. Thanks a lot!!