DEVON PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHER TECHNIQUES
Lighting
For property and interior photography I work mainly with available light (often known as natural light). This is the ambient light created by the sun and interior lighting. I also use reflectors and barriers to shape and model the light as required. I sometimes use artificial lights to fill in areas of dark shadow or to create artistic effects.
For interior photography I turn on all the lights in a room. Room lights usually have a different colour temperature than daylight, which makes a nice colour contrast in an image. If room lights are too warm (orange) or too cool (blue) they can cast an unnatural looking colour over the whole image. I make corrections for this in post-processing.
For interior photography I turn on all the lights in a room. Room lights usually have a different colour temperature than daylight, which makes a nice colour contrast in an image. If room lights are too warm (orange) or too cool (blue) they can cast an unnatural looking colour over the whole image. I make corrections for this in post-processing.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Techniques
When used with good care and judgement, HDR techniques add vibrancy and clarity to property photography. I take several photos of each scene at different exposures. This captures detail throughout the tonal range, especially in the brightest and darkest areas. I then blend the exposures together using various techniques in Photoshop, including advanced luminosity masking. Each photo is individually processed to suit my clients’ requirements, and I never use automatic processing software.
After exposure blending I work with colour and contrast to enhance the mood, impact and composition of each photo. This is a complex and challenging process requiring a proper balance of technical skill and artistic decision making.
After exposure blending I work with colour and contrast to enhance the mood, impact and composition of each photo. This is a complex and challenging process requiring a proper balance of technical skill and artistic decision making.
Geometry
Geometry is very important in property photography. I look for interesting lines, shapes and patterns in architecture and interior design, and use them to guide the eye around a finished photo.
Wide angle lenses, cramped spaces, height differences and tripod placement errors can cause distortions in geometry. Vertical lines are particularly prone to these problems. Minor distortions can be fixed easily in post-production, but there is no substitute for proper attention to these issues during the photoshoot.
Wide angle lenses, cramped spaces, height differences and tripod placement errors can cause distortions in geometry. Vertical lines are particularly prone to these problems. Minor distortions can be fixed easily in post-production, but there is no substitute for proper attention to these issues during the photoshoot.
Image Manipulation & Finishing
I routinely look for distractions in my photographs and remove or correct them as much as possible. Common distractions include leaves or litter on lawns, distant birds in the sky, and the mother of all problems – parked cars in front of properties!
I can also make limited structural changes to buildings in photographs, as well as changes to interior or exterior colour schemes. This is useful if part of your building or interior design is unfinished. This can be tricky and time-consuming, so there is sometimes an extra charge for this service.
In some unavoidable circumstances I will replace the sky in a finished image. For example, if there are time restrictions and the sun is facing the camera, it is almost impossible to capture all the detail in the sky, even with HDR techniques.
I can also make limited structural changes to buildings in photographs, as well as changes to interior or exterior colour schemes. This is useful if part of your building or interior design is unfinished. This can be tricky and time-consuming, so there is sometimes an extra charge for this service.
In some unavoidable circumstances I will replace the sky in a finished image. For example, if there are time restrictions and the sun is facing the camera, it is almost impossible to capture all the detail in the sky, even with HDR techniques.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY?
The best time for property photography depends on many factors, including the location, aspect and type of property, the time of year, and of course the weather. The colour and texture of a building’s construction materials and interior design can also affect timing decisions.
As a general rule, late afternoon and early evening are the best times for external property and interior photography. The period before and just after sunset is the ‘golden hour’. This creates soft light and shadows, and gives a warm glow to buildings and interiors. After the golden hour is a short period known as the ‘blue hour’, when the sky often turns to a dark inky blue. This is perfect for dramatic exterior property photography.
As a general rule, late afternoon and early evening are the best times for external property and interior photography. The period before and just after sunset is the ‘golden hour’. This creates soft light and shadows, and gives a warm glow to buildings and interiors. After the golden hour is a short period known as the ‘blue hour’, when the sky often turns to a dark inky blue. This is perfect for dramatic exterior property photography.