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Question - High Dynamic Range - Is it the best marketing?

By Margaret Hokkanen

Real Estate Agent with SurfTheTurf.com, Inc.

January 12, 2008 02:46 AM

I've been trying out the high dynamic range merge function in Photoshop. What it can do is quite impressive, and I think it probably is very accurate in terms of presenting what one sees when one stands at the camera. Here's my question....

In the past, I've used a different approach. I've exposed each region of the scene to the amount of light that I want it to be exposed. If I have an area in shadows that I WANT to bring up, I will up the exposure. If it's an area bathed in lots of light that I WANT visible, I'll reduce the exposure. Then, on the computer, I piece together these components to create what I consider to be an optimal marketing photograph. I like the results better than my HDR tests because while the HDR results are "accurate" they don't accentuate the parts that I want the way that I want them.

My conclusion: To use the HDR tool for the most effective marketing, it means that you have to have extensive lighting kits to properly illuminate everything EXACTLY as you want it. I'm not sure which task involves more work....spending the time to illuminate all the parts of the room exactly as you want so that you can then just use the HDR merge or taking the photo components and then spending the time on the computer to merge them together so that they look good.

If you have been working with HDR, I would appreciate your input.

Dumb question (as I haven't run any tests)...Is there any way to include parts of photos to the HDR process? I suppose I could include pieces of photos to enhance areas of the scene that I want enhanced. Anyone done that?

Margaret H.

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Michelle Minch

Moving Mountains Design Home Staging, Pasadena, CA - Los Angeles, CA

Home Staging Los Angeles and Orange County, CA

Margaret: I don't have answers to any of your questions above, but I wanted to thank you for taking real estate photography to the next level (and the one beyond that). I learn so much from reading your posts regarding photography. It helps me with my portfolio photos and the photos I provide my clients to use in marketing the homes I have staged. Thanks again.

Jan 12, 2008 03:06 AM

Margaret Hokkanen

SurfTheTurf.com, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

→ Carlsbad Real Estate

Michelle, I'm really glad that they have been helpful. I apologize if some of my writings are "opinionated" at times; I'm really not that way so much...I'm mainly just trying to make a point about something (like the above post) and it's easier just to make it and run the risk that I sound very opinionated. Maybe we should sometime get a SoCal AR lunch somewhere in Orange County that would be convenient for everyone.

Jan 12, 2008 03:15 AM

Ryan Martin

Pacific Continental Realty, LLC - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham Commercial RE Broker

Margaret - I think that you are probably using the best technique for real estate photography. I have not really looked into HDR too much. Where is the HDR function/tool in Photoshop?

Jan 12, 2008 03:20 AM

Margaret: I am not without strong opinions of my own. I appreciate someone who has something of value to say, and says it without beating around the bush. In my book strong opinions are good, as long as we have open minds to consider what others have to say. I would love to have lunch or coffee sometime. I don't get that far south that often, but it is not out of the question. If you ever get up to LA or Pasadena, let me know.

Jan 12, 2008 03:23 AM

In Photoshop CS3, it's under File/Automate/Merge to HDR (I don't remember where they put it in CS2, but I think they moved it.) It only allows you to merge from files, but it does allow you to submit Raw files, which is nice. I haven't tested to see if it will allow you to submit Photoshop files (.psd) yet. I hope to post an example/counterexample of the two approaches. I've got a very difficult front-of-home photo that I am struggling with. The problem with the photo is that it has a very substantial tree in the front. It's obscuring the home, and, because of the winter position of the sun, is throwing bad shadows on the home. I went out this morning at 6:45am to take the photo in the early morning light so everything was in shadow (and hence nothing), and I ran the photos through the PS HDR tool and the result looks dull. I don't usually amp up the contrast, but I think that's what I need to do.

Jan 12, 2008 03:29 AM

Margaret - I know what you mean about trees. They have to be one of the worst when it comes to mixing skylines. At my own home I have a beautiful blue spruce in the front yard that blocks the front door from nearly every ideal photo angle.

Jan 12, 2008 04:51 AM

Iran Watson

Georgia Elite Realty - Marietta, GA

Marietta Real Estate Agent - Photographer

Margaret - I think in a way you answered your own question. HDR does have its place, but like any other tool there are times when it is the right tool, and there are times when it is not. HDR is used to capture the entire spectrum of highlights and shadows, and its great for stuff like outdoor photos. When you get inside, you don't always need every object in the image to be dispalyed like that. Normally, I see the biggest difference in my HDR photos that have lots of windows. It would be great to have a one-click button to fix blown-out windows. Having said that, I can usually get the same or better results layering and masking two or three exposures from a bracketed shot (which is pretty much what HDR does anyway...). HDR photos tend to have this ethereal quality to them, greyish shadows and sometimes even cartoony looking. As cool as that look is, it isn't very flattering for marketing homes. Don't get me wrong, I've seen some amazing HDR images. For what we do its good for a few glamour shots but the rest, its probably easier doing them as you are now. You might want to start with some exterior shots during the 'magic hours'. A deep, colorful sky makes for some pretty impressive shots. Have fun!

ILW

Jan 12, 2008 03:38 PM

Kim Peasley-Parker

AgentOwned Realty, Heritage Group, Inc. - Sumter, SC

Margaret, I have never found you to be opinionated. I just know I love to read your blogs and see what can be done with real estate photography.

Jan 15, 2008 04:21 AM

Edward W. Lui

Mars Hill Realty Group - Georgetown, TX

Georgetown Texas Real Estate

Well, I tried the HDR feature in photoshop on 5-6 shots of the same room with different exposure levels and it looked horrible! There were some green spots in the bookshelf and the windows were all over exposed. I might have to be a bit more deliberate and just do 3 different exposures.

Feb 23, 2008 03:10 AM

John Hokkanen

SurfTheTurf.com - Encinitas, CA

Encinitas Real Estate

Edward - You might try Photomatix. John H.

Feb 23, 2008 03:38 AM

Question - High Dynamic Range - Is it the best marketing?

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