Using Multiple Flash
The following is a series of a shot used in a recent listing of mine. The room was lit with one large window and one overhead light in the kitchen. It was really like being in a cavern. Bright window in the back with light falling off quickly towards the kitchen.
The challenge was to show part of the outdoor scene but have the interior well lit.
The first photo was exposed for the window. I want enough detail coming through the window so it looks natural. The exposure was f8 at 1/40th of a second. Unfortunately when we expose for the window the rest of the scene is way to dark. The window detail is important here to show you the Historic District the where this particular loft is located.
The second photo is exposed to get an overall balance of the scene. The expsoure was f8 at a 1/2 a second. The highlights are overexplosed and blow out with no detail and the shadows get muddy and dark.
The final photo is one where I used multiple flash. The benefits of using multiple flash is I can control the scene to match more what the human eye sees and get a well balanced photograph. In this photo I used the exposure I determined that put the window where I wanted it at f8 at 1/40th of a second.
I bounced Flash 1 handheld, off the ceiling at 1/4 power to help light the kitchen. Flash 2 was lying on the floor bounced against the wall behind the kitchen counter at 1/16 power. Flash 3 was lying on the floor bounced into the corner of the ceiling of the wall at full power. I usually use light stands. But I had to walk quite a distance and only brought my camera bag. I could have controlled shadows a little more if Flash 1 and 2 were bounced higher to the ceiling.
You can view the Lowell Loft 22-33 Middle Street, Lowell MA.
The light diagram is below.
Exposed for Window
Exposed for Overall Scene
Multiple Flash Photo
If you have never used multiple flash and you own a DSLR, I would suggest buying an off camera flash and start playing with one flash, off camera. I use nikon SB80's whch have a built in slave. LumoPro 180 for real estate photography. just came out with a great unit for about $180.00. If you are on a tight budget then the Yongouno Flash for real estate photography sells for about $65. They both have built in slaves that can be triggered by your little pop up flash. Just make sure you turn the pop up flash all the way down so it does not impact the scene.
I actually could have used a fourth flash alongside flash 2 for additional power. But i was just working with what I had.
As you start to feel comfortable with one flash start to add additional ones.
This post, Real Estate Photography- Using Multiple Flashes, was provided by Kevin Vitali of EXIT Group One Real Estate. Kevin has combined his previous career as a professional photographer with his real estate career. Have you ever heard the term A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words? When it comes to marketing your home in the world of the internet buyer, your homes photography can make or break you. Kevin will provide real estate photography that will draw the buyers into your home. Call Kevin at 978-360-0422
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