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High Dynamic Range Photo Tools - More Cost Effective these Days

By
Real Estate Technology with Carmody and Associates LLC

I recently commented on a post from Jeanean Gendron of Redding California concerning HDR techniques to improve our MLS photos. But I finally noticed that her post was originally dated in October 2011 –  somewhat limiting the audience for my comment. 

Jeanean made several important points in her post, so click on the link above to check out her post to see the example images and provide context for my message.  Those who have read my opinions in the photo groups know that I recommend a bit of image editing for all photos for MLS use.  The camera system is not providing the wide image with unlimited depth of field that our eyes produce.  A review of the image on our computer screen may reveal opportunities  to improve the image for MLS use.  Cropping the image may improve the composition, color correction, lighting or contrast adjustments may improve the appeal of the photo image while still being true to property that we observed while we were on site. Take the time –  it will produce more showings of the property and is a legitimate part of your sales and marketing of your client's castle. And your property listings will attract more interest than your competitor's listings.

The photo technology available in hardware and software is getting better all the time.  When I made the jump to a dSLR camera a couple of years ago, I purchased the Nikon D40 - a lower price camera body so that I could put more money into lenses.  Unfortunately, the D40 does not include the bracketing feature that Jeanean refers to in her discussion of HDR - but has been satisfactory in all other respects for several years.  

Software to provide HDR (high dynamic range) capability is getting better and less expensive all the time. When I entered the arena for HDR, specialty programs (such as Photomatix) were needed.  Now even low cost programs provide what we need. For real estate applications, the need is to be able to merge several photo images - taken from the same position and prospective (tripod recommended) with different exposure values.  The software combines the images - taking the best of each exposure to provide a composite that meets our needs.  Photoshop Elements and Serif PhotoPlus perform well for less than $100 (The Serif products appear on sale from time to time for less that $50).  The latest version of Corel Painshop Pro provides excellent photo editing tools at less than $50 (recently on sale from Newegg at $25). There is some learning curve with each of these programs but the results are stunning and adjustable to taste.

In my view, photo editing software should be used on every image you use for MLS or advertising.  With little effort we can enhance a digital image to overcome the limitations and distortions of the camera and lens to improve the presentation without showing an unrealistic photo.  

The tools are getting better and more cost-effective.  Enjoy.

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