HDR VS FLASH: Which is BETTER For Real Estate Photography?

[@criticaltinker]

IMO, flash is much faster to edit because you won't spend a lot of time correcting colors.

[@tyler_fraser]

Interesting! I was thinking just simple merging of hdr. If you’re hand blending them then I could see how that would take some time

[@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny]

@@tyler_fraser I agree ...color casting in HDR is higher and hard to edit. Flambient is more straightforward.

[@auomi8762]

@@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny Especially if you have hotkeys for most of the edit. Just a couple clicks and you're done.

[@terrykellyphotography6171]

I agree, make actions for the edits and a few clicks and you're done.

[@cyberjet2004]

same here thats why my hdr takes longer. if you dont pay much attention to color casts and nice windows then hdr will be quicker

[@MatthewAPhoto]

It’s like the Hatfields & McCoys…when will this battle between HDR vs flash ever end?!?! 😭😭😭 Fantastic video Tyler! 👍

[@terrykellyphotography6171]

Get a Godox Diffusion Dome, no more multiple ceiling pops. It works on the AD 200 Pro and other flashes. One single pop lights the whole room, which will cut the time down similar to hdr.

[@danfitz6094]

I combine HDR and 1 flash with quick results. Amazing results and easy once you know the secret.

[@LuisAlvarez-fj5ny]

Again, another short, concise and insightful video on current RE photography topics. You covered the topic end to end. Good job!

[@tyler_fraser]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AerialLensVideo]

Thanks, Tyler - Well done with great information! One thing I personally am envious of is your ability to send out for edits when pushed for time. My area has pathetic available upload speeds of 5 Mbit MAX (and fastest D/L is 50 megabits per second, at an extra $20/month!). Oh well, it is what it is.

[@duanekeil6810]

I shoot Shoot 5x2 Brackets / HDR along with Flash Shots....A hybrid HDR / Flambient mode. The merged HDR gives me better dynamic range if I need it and I just use it as my Ambient shot.. then hand blend with my flash shots. Works out great.

[@tyler_fraser]

That’s awesome! Whatever works for you!

[@vpimaging]

Basically same process for me, use the HDR image as my ambient, and then do a 50/50 blend with the HDR in luminosity with the flash for colour correction and crispness. It is really fast, especially if you have actions set up in photoshop to align, then blend the two photos with HDR on top, in luminosity mode, and set opacity to 50%. It takes 30 seconds per photo to blend. Cheers.

[@CineFan911]

Nice video, short and to the point. Thank you for not wasting my time

[@CoreyGibson]

I'm usually running 3 flashes on a shoot (AD400 and AD200x2) which helps me cut down editing time (more time on site, but I get more exercise, haha). And, I use Loupedeck for LR and I have a ton of actions and shortcuts set up in PS so my editing goes pretty fast. I'll use HDR for those hallway shots that tie spaces together and occasionally on exteriors.

[@tyler_fraser]

Hey whatever works!🙌🏻

[@roamwithdory]

❤thanks for this video. Ive been doing HDR photos for real estate photography but at times in dark rooms, it is just too difficult. I also notice in rooms with warm lights on, the photos look too yellow/warm. I will probably try learning flambient photography next.

[@otrocorreo7275]

Hi Tyler, thank you for the video! I'm Massimiliano, and I'm getting into real estate photography. I appreciate your comparison, and I’d like to ask how you merge your HDR and flash shots? Also, I clicked on the Instagram link, but it doesn’t seem to be working.

[@droneconcept]

I do the flambient technique and the color accuracy is 100%, no color casting and the editing is way faster than the hdr. I don't know why people say it takes longer 😮

[@pfidelus]

Hi I have noticed you use mirrorless camera canon 6r with Ef lenses. What converter are you using to fit the lenses on 6r? Have you noticed any loss of quality because you use the converter ? Thanks

[@JoshxIZ]

This really all depends on the type of property you are shooting. Dark/wood homes are the hardest for ambient hdr and flash. I would say flash is my goto because ambient sometimes takes longer to edit...again depending on the room. Sometimes the flash vs the ambient is so subtle it isn't even worth it. But all that considered is take flash pops and then decide in post if its worth the extra time to blend.

[@Homeandhustlediaries]

This video was extremely vague. I started doing real estate photography about a month ago. I’ve done 8 properties. I first started doing HDR since that’s what most people talked about. I’m a graphic designer so I’m very familiar and experienced with using photoshop, and man it took a lot of work to edit them with HDR. On the third property I started doing flambient and the editing was like night and day. There’s so much more that goes into this, you made it look waaaaay to simple for both options. I hope people don’t get misguided.

[@69Cuda21Challenger]

I did HDR for years. Once I got the hang of Flash Ambient, there was no going back for me. However, if it’s a vacant investment grade property, I will usually HDR it.

[@tyler_fraser]

i definitely understand wanting to do flambient for the bump in quality for sure!

[@randompsualumni]

Would love to see a video about where you fire your flash shots for more complex layouts

[@tyler_fraser]

I basically just go around the room to different spots and fire the flash! Pretty easy. I go over more behind the scene stuff in my community. Link is in 5the description!

[@jaegerschtulmann]

The correct answer is both! but for interiors flash is typically the better quality solution especially when you want to get accurate colours or when you have overcast days with suboptimal ambient lighting. HDR is great for large spaces and when there's plenty of available light.

[@Upper_Room_Studios]

So, did the editor edit you out of the photos when you used the Flambient technique? I'm new here to photography btw.

[@tyler_fraser]

Yeah! They blend each exposure together and “paint” me out of it with the other exposure!

[@jankarlsson8341]

Great video! I'd love to see an editing video with HDR vs flambient.

[@tyler_fraser]

I usually outsource all of my photo editing, but I could give it a whirl possibly!

[@jankarlsson8341]

Thanks, any tips on a reliable editor?@@tyler_fraser

[@maxellison55]

Real world comparison! Great video and well presented. I started following you since your first video and you are already one I very much look forward to and enjoy learning from! Still trying to master the Flambient editing from your previous video.

[@tyler_fraser]

I appreciate you! Thanks for watching!🙌🏻

[@PatrickMFay]

Flash placement is a bit shallow. Not sure why not shoot from the door?

[@tyler_fraser]

I usually shoot on both sides of the room like this to keep from having my light direction coming from the front of the frame

[@larryb0315]

Hi Tyler, great video and great comparisons! I am just getting into REP so this was very helpful. I have been using the 5 bracket/2 stops approach with some good results but I find that if a home has dark ceilings or dark walls I have to use a strobe. Can you recommend a good Outsource Company?? I like the way you teach, I have subscribed, Tyler and I look forward to learning from you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@tyler_fraser]

I appreciate it buddy! And in my community I share how to find outsourced editors and coach people getting into real estate photography if you’re interested! www.skool.com/real-estate-media-pro-4613

[@auomi8762]

I'd highly recommend learning how to edit with strobes yourself. You basically own the edit and will be able to speak the language of the Realtors, designers or anyone else that you are shooting for. Check out Nathan Cool Photo. He has tons of videos and books as to how to get into the flash ambient style of shooting. I'd highlight recommend it! Also, once you get the hang of flash ambient, this style can be extremely faster to edit compared to HDR, however, the learning curve is STEEEEEEEP.

[@skymakai]

Wow. Your HDR edits look amazing. What’s your editing process compared to flambient?

[@tyler_fraser]

I outsource them typically!

[@rjbell_20]

@@tyler_fraserany suggestions on where to hire editors at?

[@quickstrike209]

For flash photography, you need a remote control to control the camera. Takes too much time to wait for the timer

[@tyler_fraser]

I’ve got one! Haha

[@prosunsport1]

What aperture and lens did u use in bedroom and kitchen shoot, and where did u focus.

[@tyler_fraser]

Canon 16-35iii lens, and I usually just tap on the back wall for focus, at f8 everything should be in focus that way! Also to mention it’s not in continuous auto focus so it doesn’t hunt for focus

[@david243121]

Another banger. How are you triggering your Sony with the Godox V1 and XSpro? Didn’t realize you could do this.

[@tyler_fraser]

I’m using a canon r6 actually! But I have a canon br-e1 wireless remote in my hand that I’m releasing the shutter with!

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I go with HDR since many of the apartments I shoot have less light. It's also easier to tine down a bit in Luminar.

[@parlenest9190]

Hi guys! what is the app this guy did use?

[@ylisn]

So ambient took an extra 20 seconds and cost 20 cents more and looks way better. Shouldn't client satisfaction (and by extension a higher possibility for repeat business) be included in the list?

[@mike2687]

I like HDR for nearly everything but I also find value in the flash for rooms with lots of wood-don’t know if my editor uses the flash image directly or just for reference in their HDR blending…. Either way, I get more accurate results on hardwood floors and wood cabinets with the flash. Also, I tend to use more flash on luxury properties…. the agent expects things to be a bit (15 mins max) longer on those listings anyways and carrying around a big flash is a good look in front of a client as opposed to flying around for 25 mins shooting in brackets…. the optics matter sometimes even though the results and service are the ultimate determining factors.

[@keylanph]

Flash is and always has been the better method. Unfortunately clientele rarely sees the value in paying for the superior product and thus HDR is the name of the game for 95% of my shoots.

[@NakeanWickliff]

I have always used flash, but have not used multiple exposures when using flash. Takes a little longer to set up and shoot, but I am not merging multiple edits together and post.

[@tyler_fraser]

Yeah I couldn’t imagine having to do that process multiple times per day! Sounds time consuming for sure!

[@NakeanWickliff]

It definitely takes longer on site. I only did real estate every now and again and never multiple in a day. I'm a corporate headshot photographer for the most part. @@tyler_fraser

[@Kardasov]

Thanks Tyler. Amazing video!

[@tyler_fraser]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@AlexPerez-qd3zc]

I want to try flash. But idk how you guys get into the photo and delete yourself. Need some help !

[@annettehurd9391]

Except in all fairness the benefits of flash is better for super dark rooms, unevenly lit or very large open rooms, which wasn’t covered. HDR worked excellent in your examples. I would have liked to see the real benefits.

[@thenickhaynes]

What controller and trigger are you using?

[@tyler_fraser]

Godox AD200 and godox Xpro trigger!

[@ChoyPH27]

I dont agree with the editing timeline, 12 years of experience as Rea Estate here in Dubai, i tried all the method you mentioned but using Flash+Ambient are way more faster to edit than HDR. It always defends on your workflow

[@tyler_fraser]

Definitely depends on the workflow!

[@cyberjet2004]

I edit myself and i would say it takes me longer to edit flash ambient than hdr.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

I always prefer to shoot flambient instead of HDR. My clients are quite happy with my works and that's good for my business.

[@Bob-tu2xg]

The client will not notice the difference since only one set will be delivered tho us a shooters will discriminate. Agreed, for high end, the smaller details and colors popping with flash is the better choice. HDR is faster on the shoot and in post processing (batch) and depending on how detailed window pulls are or blending of layers, could do all processing in LR. For reflections, glass shower doors and fingerprints on the fridge(!), flash all the way and window pulls too. For me, I don't mind the extra time with flash. If it's production work, I stick with LR only or outsource.

[@AlienImagery]

HDR hands down for your every day real estate shoot, for me personally, I only use flash on high end properties.

[@Youssefelbakirmaroc]

i guess HDR is a good option for start even for low cost and low budget

[@Joelz_photogram]

amazing quality Great explanation kudos to the editor of this vid too

[@fotovideo-pro]

For smaller rooms with white celling flash, for large rooms with wide big windows hdr. Best flash for real estate is Godox Ad200 , V1 is not enough power. Ad200 light up all the room and it is fast to shoot with it. You have to be fast cause they don't pay you enough to waist your time. Learn edit photos fast and you are good to go. No need to pay others to edit your photos.

[@tyler_fraser]

V1 can be enough power if you use a higher ISO, but I agree that the 200 is definitely a better option! And as long as you’re fast at editing and can handle the volume, editing yourself is fine! I could never since my company shoots around 1000 homes per year

[@cnkaufmann]

Dash is better because it fixes the problem of multiple light temperatures, which you don’t mention. Daylight can vary from 3000k to 7000k, depending on time of day, cloudiness, sun reflected off snow, etc. Indoor incandescent, halogen, LED or fluorescent drastically affect the color temperature and conflict with outdoor lighting. Flash can be bounced off white ceilings or thru windows with a soft box to fix this.

[@tyler_fraser]

I agree, if self editing it’s easier to manage color casts, but with outsourced editing, hdr can look VERY similar to flash

[@Marcus_Visbal]

I’ve found hdr take way longer in post in real life situations due to color cleanup. I’ve found flash photos to be superior

[@tyler_fraser]

If you are editing them yourself, then yeah I could see that! Have you tried outsourcing your photos? Thats where you can get incredible results from HDR, and it’s a lot quicker on site!

[@pixelprovideo3586]

Maybe next time he was a doorway that isn't so wide so you have to struggle to get through the doorway around your camera and tripod like in a normal house, Probably would have added 10 seconds or more. I've shot both techniques and I can tell you HDR Is much faster but depending on the lighting it will be near impossible to get the colors correct.

[@PokeFodder]

The artistic side of me prefers the flash by a wide margin. The business side of me knows 99% of the time an agent will not be able to notice the difference. My editor charges $1 for both so the business side wins out because... I'm running a business...

[@tyler_fraser]

I agree!

[@ДимитърВасилев-э1з]

Nice tutorial overall, but honestly when you merge the flash and ambient - you are done. When you merge the HDR- your editing has just started.

[@tyler_fraser]

Not when you outsource like I do.. once I hit upload my jobs done regardless haha!

[@gumbymac72]

I wish that were the case with outsource editing. If it really is easier to edit flash ambient, then why am I paying a 30 to 40% premium for flash editors over HDR?

[@gregoryreview]

It would take me 6 hours to edit 20 HDR photos, but only 2 hours to edit Flambient photos. With Flambient, you're not cutting out windows and desaturating ceilings.

[@tyler_fraser]

Probably would! I outsource so it doesn’t take any time at all editing regardless haha

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

HDR all the wayyy

[@tyler_fraser]

Haha I’m in that same boat!🙌🏻

[@TommyBoy3D]

SUBBED! looks like a channel worth checking out.

[@tyler_fraser]

Thank you sir! Glad you’re here!

[@thedronemediacomvancouver4976]

Flash all the way. Fast editing. So let me get this straight. Doing HDR, you press a button and run to another corner and repeat. Then send them off to an editor over seas. Sounds extremely boring. I got into real estate photography because i enjoy flash, composition and editing. Not to try and make 6 digit income..if im not enjoying the process life is boring. Hdr and send it off, youre just a button pusher, not a photographer. Still like the channel. To each there own.

[@tyler_fraser]

Yeah, I agree it does get a little boring, but I am definitely chasing a six-figure plus in income, efficiency is my goal. Not creativity with shooting RE. My creativity is flexed whenever I do video branding for agents!

[@photos-fera7392]

This 10000%. I charge a significant premium and only work with high paying clients. Flash + proper high end composition gets you high paying jobs and into design + architectural work. HDR + outsource = your easily replaceable. No way around it.

[@luvfoto]

Flash. Without it I’d be out of business. My clients would not go for the wonky hdr look. That’s old news

[@tyler_fraser]

HDR when done correctly looks great. Realtors USUALLY don’t notice the difference, atleast in my market

[@luvfoto]

@@tyler_fraser HDR doesn’t work in a house with no lighting. A lot of houses are like a dungeon you have to have really good light for HDR to work if it’s $1 million house with 1 million windows like an LA and beautiful lighting and yeah HDR can be OK but it still has its limits but on half the things I shoot if it wasn’t for flash, how I supposed to light these things up? I’ve tried HDR and it takes 10 times longer to shoot and edit then if you just learn how to light something . People don’t like using flash because it’s not the easy way out. You actually have to work you have to know lighting. Everybody just wants to do the brackets and whatever I don’t think that’s the solution but that’s just me.

[@tyler_fraser]

@@luvfoto I promise you I understand dark homes. I shoot a TON of cabins that are all wooden interiors, flash isn’t needed but sometimes it helps. With outsourcing your photo editing, you can get amazing results with hdr. I like flash too, but for speed on sight, hdr is way quicker!

[@luvfoto]

@@tyler_fraser I get that but my clients don’t want to wait for outsourcing and I don’t want to pay for it or I make no money. Call me old school but working on the photos is part of the job. I want 100% control of everything .

[@tyler_fraser]

@@luvfoto if that works for you, by all means! My editors are able to deliver so I can maintain next day turnaround time!