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Fill Flash. The #2 Key to Real Estate Photography

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc

I'm teaching a Real Estate class in about 6 hours and I'm too lazy to transfer the photos onto a card reader and onto the laptop for the presentation, so I thought I'd just make a blog post and surf on over tomorrow.

The #2 tip to real estate photography (#1 is getting a super wide angle camera like the v705) is FILL FLASH.

VERY FEW Non-Pros KNOW ABOUT THIS.

Every camera will have a different logo. Sometimes it shows up as an icon of a star over a person's shoulder

(also good for when the sun is behind your subject). This is a "Fill Flash" symbol (see image on right) will give off a LOW powered flash and keep the camera open longer (makes it look like the flash has MORE power).

The result is a more rich photo and evenly lit photo.

(please ignore the non-staged, lights off, "bad" photo. Focus on the FLASH vs FILL FLASH

Below is Kodak V705 (v570) 23mm Super Wide WITH FLASH (regular)

 

Below is Kodak V705 (v570) 23mm Super Wide WITH FILL FLASH

 

Same exact shot, just one tweak in my settings. So pretty much EVERY photo that I take, I will take with

1) Regular flash

2) Fill Flash

3) No Flash (damn, I guess I should have taken one)

You never know which mode will look best in your camera. If you do #2 and #3 keep your hand steady, as the exposure takes longer and your shot can become blurry. You can use a monopod, or put the camera on self timer and have it take the shot 2 seconds after you press the button (pressing the button is 50% of the shake in a photo)


Frank

Broker FranklyRealty.com

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Mark Organek
And the United States of America - Mesa, AZ
It's not a game, it's your life.

Superb tip Frank!  Thank you so much for this tip and the part about the self timer and camera movement.  I can't wait to try this tomorrow!

Jan 07, 2009 06:13 PM
Tracy Moses~Redefining LUXE~Staging ~ Decorati
Redefining LUXE - Mount Pleasant, SC

Thank you so much for the tip!  I have to re-shoot the kitchen of a home we staged before Christmas and can't wait to try it.

Jan 07, 2009 10:26 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Another very helpful tip Frank!  I probably used the fill flash a couple of times but didn't fully realize it's potential.  I'll work on it consciously next time.

Jan 08, 2009 03:09 AM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Thanks again Frank.  I'm going to look for that symbol now.  DA#@ I wish I could find my manual!

 

Jan 08, 2009 11:52 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

Hmmm...I've just been using the flash.  I didn't know it had a symbol on it or where it is.  This V705 drives me crazy.

Jan 08, 2009 01:31 PM
Mark Organek
And the United States of America - Mesa, AZ
It's not a game, it's your life.

I'm back to comment again just to show my appreciation.  My pictures of my new listing were WAY better than they normally look.  Thank you again for the tip!

Jan 15, 2009 02:49 PM
FRANK LL0SA Esq.- Northern Virginia Broker .:. FranklyRealty.com
Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc - Arlington, VA

Hey Mark, great to hear. Can you post one here?

Jan 15, 2009 03:09 PM
Bill & Cyndi Daves
Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, Murphy and Beyond! - Hiawassee, GA
TeamDAVES - Your REALTORS In the GA/NC Mountains!

Frank - I typically do take one with flash and one without.  Now I am going to try the fill-flash and see the difference!  Thank you,

Cyndi

Dec 27, 2011 11:46 PM