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Over saturated. Over processed. Totally useless shot. But it’s still fun.

By Michael Cole

Services for Real Estate Pros with CPG Tours

November 16, 2008 01:27 AM

My son was playing around with my new camera, and was taking sunset shots when the sun was almost gone and getting very dark out. He left something in Automatic mode, and the camera over-exposed everything to the point that it looked like the middle of day. He was a bit disappointed at the results.

Enter Photoshop.

I couldn’t help it. I just had to start tweaking and playing around with one of the pictures. Below are my results. It probably violates every rule of good photography – but there’s just something about it that I like.

The point is, even with a photo that didn’t come out, use it as an opportunity to experiment with programs like Photoshop, Elements, Light Room, or whatever you may use. You never know what you might end up with. Or, what new technique you might learn.

Oh, yeah. And have fun!

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Jessica Hughes

Ambiance Staging - Boulder, CO

It looks great! I don't think it looks overprocessed persay, more artistic. I like the exposure of the water and the trees.

Nov 16, 2008 02:23 AM

Gene Allen

Fathom Realty - Cary, NC

Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate

Blow it up and make a poster for your office or use it for a screen saver.

Nov 16, 2008 09:01 AM

Pat Whitehouse

RE/MAX 1st Olympic Lynchburg Va - Lynchburg, VA

Broker/Owner

Michael-That is so pretty. I want that kind of place to escape from the craziness called real estate.

Nov 16, 2008 05:12 PM

Michael Cole

CPG Tours - Corona, CA

Hi Jessica: Thank you for the compliment. Yeah, 'artsy' is a better word than 'over-processed', maybe I'll use that instead. ; )

Hi Erica: It does kind of have that 'surreal' thing going on. Which is why a buyer would be real disappointed if it was ever used as a listing photo. But it's fun to create these kind of shots. Thanks of the comment.

Hi Gene: Well, the original photo is certainly big enough for a poster. But before I do that, I think maybe I'll wait for a more exciting shot. I was just playing around with some different Photoshop effects on this one. The more I use that program, the more I discover.

Hi Pat: Thank you. It does make a pretty good little spot to relax in. Especially, when all the waterfalls are going. But I think the craziness extends past 'real estate' to that thing they call LIFE.

: )

Nov 17, 2008 04:54 AM

Bob Cumiskey

A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL

US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor

Michael, I found the picture to be almost dream-like. Hard to pull your eyes away from it. I think it would look great framed.

Nov 17, 2008 10:20 AM

Hi Bob: Thanks for the compliment. I agree, there's just something about this shot. I'm not so sure it's the right one for framing though. But something with this technique could be.

Hi Bethany: Yeah, I wouldn't necessarily want this particular shot on my wall either. I would want to start with a better scene. Maybe I can get my son to play with it and see what he comes up with.

Thank you both for the comments.

Nov 21, 2008 09:09 PM

Lee Jinks

Jinks Realty - McAllen, TX

If you read rules of photography, you'll often find that the last rule is that you need to break rules sometimes. The photo is nice.

Nov 22, 2008 01:08 AM

Hi Lee: That's my problem! I never read the rules! (lol-lol) But thank you for the comment and compliment.

I think I learn new techniques better by pushing the limits, to see what they really do, and then backing off.

Here's an example of a typical shot you might see in the MLS - lens-flare and all. And then here's what I did with it. I wanted to see if I could turn it into a Fall-Seasonal type of scene. Again, probably over-done, but fun to experiment with.

Nov 22, 2008 01:46 AM

Lane Bailey

Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA

Realtor & Car Guy

I like the post shot. Looks almost like a lit set since the light is so soft. It also balanced quite well. Cool shot.

Nov 22, 2008 07:02 AM

The fall scene is awesome.

Nov 24, 2008 01:08 AM

Jon Wnoroski

America's 1st Choice RH Realty Co., Inc. - Green, OH

Summit County Realtor

These shots look great and appear very artistic. It is amazing what you can do with the right photo software.

Nov 24, 2008 01:16 AM

Hi Lane: Thank you for the compliment. I hadn't really thought about it looking like a lit set, but you're right.

Hi Deborah: I agree completely. It definitely has that 'surreal' thing going.

Hi Lee: Wow! Thank you. There's some more tweaking I might do to it.

Hi Jon: Thank you. And you're right. It's amazing what you can do with software these days. And they just keep coming out with more all the time.

Nov 24, 2008 12:13 PM

Hi Cheryl: Thanks for the compliment. Funny you should bring up a stage set. I've produced a LOT of stage productions overs the years, and directing lighting was always one my favorite parts. Hmmm...maybe it's just stuck in my subconscious. It's been so long since I've been in a dark-room, I would even know what to do in one now. : )

Dec 02, 2008 05:19 AM

Debi Boucher

Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO

"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Michael, it looks like a 'fantasy' shot! Beautiful.

Debi

Dec 02, 2008 02:59 PM

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