How to Photograph a House in 30 Minutes - Real Estate Photography 101

[@krubee416]

I’m looking at all of the whining for the free information that you gave…homie we appreciate you! Been at it for 5 years now and you still gave me a few gems and reminders. Thanks! Add music, remove music, shoot with flash, shoot with HDR, I prefer a different method. FFS photographers can be more annoying that our worst customers

[@JonathanCorbett]

No lies detected. 😂

[@AranzamendiPodcast]

Where do you focus when shooting interiors? Something around the middle of the room? The walls? (I know this can change depending on the room, but I was just wondering what the best practice is here.) Thank you!

[@p.burley4533]

As a fellow RE photog., I can say this is a NECESSARY tutorial. You managed to include a lot of vital details that establish best practices. Two things. I would, however, champion the geared head. In my experiences with the pistol grip and ball head, you are responsible for pan, tilt, and roll all at once. Trying to line up your grid with those aspect can eat up your time. With a geared head, it’s one aspect at a time but faster, and faster still if body & lens didn’t budge in transport around the room (almost never happens even with a good tripod). Second, I am careful to shoot rooms with only a sliver of the third wall. Otherwise, the room looks like a hallway. I might extend that short wall to include a full window/door frame for perspective. All in all, I wish I had this tutorial four years ago! Sage advice. P.S.: what do you think about flambient? I like color correction before post.

[@JamelDeCasseres]

Excellent tips and really appreciate your workflow! Thank you for sharing!

[@JonathanCorbett]

You’re welcome!

[@MrHarryeisenstein]

Great video! Thanks for posting. Question: Shooting hand held at high ISO doesn’t cause problems with your bracketed shots lining up?

[@JonathanCorbett]

Not as long as your shutter speed is fast enough! Lots of real estate photographers shoot handheld. (I prefer tripod indoors personally but to each his own).

[@MrShanebizzle]

Excellent video man! Thank you!

[@JonathanCorbett]

Glad you liked it!

[@azppmd]

I don't photograph real estate, but this is a great video packed full of valuable practical information. Love the EFFICIENCY of this method.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thanks for the kind words! 🙏

[@underthedrone2735]

Check list? How did you get the window pulls without using AEB?

[@JonathanCorbett]

I’ll add that in! Sounds like I need to do an editing video.

[@underthedrone2735]

@@JonathanCorbett Thank you. :)

[@Gusseq81]

What a great video! 🙌😎 A lot of precious information

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found it helpful!

[@bryanladdphotography]

Loved my Vanguard pistol grip but it wore out after 7 months. Appreciate your "real" real estate videos, great job!

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thank you!

[@hiresmedia]

Nice video. I wish i had something like this to watch when i got started. Do you have recommendations for editors? I use the same gear and just about the same settings but I still haven't found a decent editor.

[@JonathanCorbett]

I can make a video on this if you want! For now, the only way to find a good editor is doing the legwork and reaching out to *dozens or hundreds* of them with an editing test. I would do this on an email account that isn’t important to you. Have requirements so you can eliminate them in the subject line, then cut them down from there. The next phase is holding them accountable to their word. You cannot be a westerner when you work with outsourced by trying to be “understanding and open minded”, thats just bad business to them. Be very strict and withhold payment everytkme they make a mistake until they get that you’re not messing around. I know that’s annoying to do, but it’s worth it for a good editor you can rely on. Since you’re doing this legwork, it’s best to find a single guy you can work with directly. That way you know there is no middle man taking all the money.

[@hiresmedia]

@@JonathanCorbett Thank you for the reply. Great advice, and a few things I've taken away that I didn't consider. I think I lost my patiences with outsourced editors because I get busy and think I might as well have done it myself. I guess in order to take on more work and grow my business I think that perseverance finding a good editor would pay off. There's only so many hours in the day. I'd be interested to watch a video to see your perspective for sure. 🤙

[@JonathanCorbett]

@@hiresmedia I will do a video on how to edit then I will do a video on how to outsource! (Lots of requests for window pulls)

[@renepoggenpoel1711]

Nice information, but the annoying music over your voice is exhausting to have to listen to and try to block out. Just dump the music.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thanks I will make sure to do that!

[@renepoggenpoel1711]

@ thank you. I appreciate it. Let me know when the video is available without music. I only made it for 5 minutes.

[@redbutton_photo]

Here’s what I would do with the music. There’s a technique called ducking and a lot of video editing software will do it for you automatically if you turn it on. It will lower the volume of the background music while there is speech present thank you so much for this informative video. I’ve been doing this a while, but I can assure you I learned a lot and this is going to help me refine my technique and deliver better photos to my agents and realtors.

[@ToyoteroMundial]

Yes.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

I don’t see any need for background music.

[@michaelwhite7011]

how are you getting the window pulls?

[@underthedrone2735]

I guess it's a trade secret.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Lots of requests for this! I’ll do this video next!

[@xenstories9166]

Great Video! Really learned a lot. Definitely going to rewatch and take notes. I do have a personal gear dilemma I'm hoping you can help me with; I might be over thinking it but, I own Panasonic S5II and would like to pair it with a wide lens. There are two lens that I have my eye on. 1: Panasonic 16-45 f4 and 2: Sigma 14-24 f2.8. Both similarly priced on the used market. My dilemma stems from using CPL filers etc. The sigma lens, while wider, has a protruding lens that doesn't allow for filters. Would it be best to go for the 16-35 that I can put a filters on or go for the wider 14-28 lens?

[@jameslindsey7664]

Awesome!! 👍

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thanks! I put a lot of work into it. Hope it helps you shoot amazing photos.

[@plimm1]

Accurate!

[@JonathanCorbett]

Thanks!

[@chasinglightandtrails]

Excellent video, a great walkthrough - talk through. Thank you very much. You did mention details of prep lists etc in the video details but not sure I can see the link. Many thanks in advance.

[@jonathangoote6237]

good video for the most part and the edits looked really good from what I could tell. I shoot about 200 homes a year and use flash and do my own edits and want to expand however every time I try HDR and outsource something happens and it takes 3 days to get the photos and there not the same quality that I edit. I constantly get videos like in my SM making it look so easy just outsource, but I think my clients like that my pics look a different and not over edited. Shooting vacant listings is the dream but in reality the sellers a lot of times are going to be there with their pets, I shoot vacant all the time and boxes and stuff is left around. I schedule time in my shoots for the unexpected and I really think that is my competiive edge over the BIG BOYS as I won't complain about moving a box or helping an old lady who's husband just past move some stuff around.

[@cecilhudgins6569]

I've shot some RE photography and I am amazed that you don't use any flash and you don't seem to have problems with dark areas, color cast for lights or different colors of light for outside and inside. How is this possible?

[@cyberjet2004]

editing

[@Philonic]

He uses exposure bracketing. You have your camera take 3 shots automatically. 1 overexposed, 1 correct, and 1 underexposed (for window pulls) and then HDR merge them together in Lightroom. It’s really fast and easy.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Flash and bracketed can both be done wrong or right. I’ve seen flash that looks incredible and flash that looks worse than any over baked HDR I’ve ever seen, it all depends on the shooter and editor. The process for getting quality bracketed hdr involves handblended layers with large, feathered selections to get the best results. And you need to know how to handle color casts. But if you know how to do those things your results can look great no matter what! Would you like me to do a video on it?

[@JonathanCorbett]

Lightroom HDR looks really rough. 😕

[@cecilhudgins6569]

@@Philonic I have used exposure bracketing many times and I understand what it accomplishes but that alone can’t overcome the numerous color problems with incandescent/led and outside lighting. I assume there is some magic in post production to overcome this.

[@funkyboogiee]

I've shot over 1,200 houses (mostly) in the ATL area on my APS-c Fuji Xt4 w/ their wonderful 10-24mm. at the moment due to an employer request, I'm switching to either Nikon Z6ii (or z6iii which is overkill for only real estate work), along with their compact and very nice Nikkor Z 14-30 f4. I also today looked at the Cannon R6ii and Cannon RF 14-35 f4. i really got use to the articulating screen my Fuji has so that rules out the Nikkon z6ii for only that reason - if it becomes a bottom line factor. Otherwise, Z6ii is a perfectly fine camera for REP. If I didn't need to switch, I wouldn't even be looking around at the moment. ah well. The very cheapest option is the oldest Z6ii and their lens. older Cannon body and used lens also not far off. The newest model and lens even used is still just under 3k all-in. we all know what I want to do. ughhh.... what a pain to switch it all when it's not even necessary other than for certain policy.

[@KewBlinkla]

Genuinely wondering - are these how the photos look when you send to clients? I find some real estate photography has a feeling to it and some looks well…. Like this. Flat. Just photo and done. It’s not bad, but I wonder if it’s just a style? What do we really think clients prefer? I can only think of my personal perspective - if a photo is warm, natural, and not so edited looking it feels inviting. These photos to me feel like they’re for a rental company. Just done efficiently

[@DustinCox-u1o]

As a RE photographer I always use a tripod inside and out. You talked about keeping the shots level on the exterior and yet you are hand holding the camera. To ensure you have a level shot use the tripod outside as well. It saves you and your editors time adjusting your horizon.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Me and my employees get level shots handheld. Also keeps the tripod clean. Just turn the grid on in your viewfinder. 👍

[@rickguyproductions5146]

Like the video. I ahoot handheld for everything at (normally) 800 ISO. I've never had any issues with the software not being able to align the images. I do my own editing, so maybe that makes a difference.

[@JonathanCorbett]

That’s what I’m saying. I prefer to use a tripod indoors but I fully recognize you don’t need a tripod at all.

[@Apexpodcast]

how would you price a house like that?

[@JonathanCorbett]

We charge by square foot starting at $199 for 1500 sq ft. And it goes up around $25-50 per 1,000 sq fr

[@malz]

>How to photograph in 30 minutes >Video lasts 47 minutes

[@JonathanCorbett]

How many extra things did I teach in 47 minutes? 🤔

[@redbutton_photo]

I don’t really think it matters that the video is a little bit longer than what it’s teaching us to do. We wouldn’t have clicked on it if we knew how to do it in that span of time.

[@justinwebster3871]

Equipment list?

[@JonathanCorbett]

We got you fam! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZuakoSHptZ8mJYsi=9_uI9AlLqV9d9UC7

[@AdvancedSquadCarbine]

17:22

[@JonathanCorbett]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@cyberjet2004]

its my big struggle that i over shoot. its cause i over think. this house you shot it would have been between 50 and 60 shots and i know its too much but i have the fear that my shots wont show the flow correctly if i do less. Being like that means i have no life. i work monday to monday. i dont get time for the family or go to friends or have a day off. I just work. the editing is the death of me. I get constant burn outs and to that point where i get suicidal . thats when i book myself out so i can just catch up. i work 400 hours a month and live in constant anxiety due to constant deadlines.

[@Philonic]

Talk to your clients about how many pictures they want/typically use. I had a client tell me they’ll never use more than about 25 photos. Keeping that in mind has helped me cut down how many I take by a lot. You want just enough pictures to make someone want to go tour the house, you don’t need enough that they can see every nook and cranny. If you’re still struggling, work on your compositions. You may be taking too many because you’re not setting up the correct composition the first time. Good luck!

[@JonathanCorbett]

Yeah man that’s no way to do this. Sounds like you would do this in any venture you tried because you’re trying to do a good job, but you are overdoing it. Force yourself to follow a strict shot list and SET A TIME LIMIT to force yourself to work inside that window. You’ll shoot better! Also don’t shoot with flash, it’s overkill for this kind of work.

[@dcsuiter]

Great information. One suggestion, turn the video’s background music down. It was a little distracting.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Will do!

[@CoreyGibson]

Great into. 99 percent of my shoots are multi million dollar homes, so I have to deploy the flash and do all my own editing. But, I can charge more, so I guess it works out. I do have a client (Pulte homes) that will give me a list of 5-10 homes next to each other a couple of times a month. I try and speed through these shoots as fast as possible. I may consider shooting like you talk about in your video for these homes if I start drowning.

[@richryanphotography]

Did you really just say shooting in manual mode is amateur??? it may not be the fastest way but to say its amateur is kind of foolish!!!

[@JonathanCorbett]

Yes I really just said that. 😮 I love shooting in manual for certain situations (not real estate). If you choose manual for real estate you are making an amateur mistake.

[@FreiheitGalleries]

Sorry to say, but manual mode is the best if you understand photography. You have complete control. An amateur only knows how to shoot in aperture priority and program mode, etc. Know your equipment.

[@richryanphotography]

@@JonathanCorbett Again, we can agree to disagree.... But manual mode is not an amateur mistake... There are many situations where Aperture priority may not be the best choice. I don't know many amateurs that have a 400K solo business. Man if only I was using AV mode, I could be the professional you are.

[@JonathanCorbett]

@ thanks for taking the time to watch! Sorry all my content doesn’t line up 100% with you. 🙏

[@JonathanCorbett]

I love manual! I just know manual isn’t always the best choice. Aperture priority is the fastest way to get the best results in real estate for sure.👍

[@gibs613]

I agree with a lot however, there is zero benefit going from an R6 to a Mark II. Full frame is absolutely beneficial. With Canon an R or RP are more than enough and half the price of a Mark II. Id rather 2 R's than a Mark II.

[@JonathanCorbett]

Yes this is the “Pro” kit I recommend. If you’re looking for maximum functionality for smallest investment, I’d recommend the SL3. Here’s my complete gear kit: kit.co/JonathanCorbett

[@Liwinmacmedia]

Nice video but I found 3 mistakes 1- 5 brakes are better than 3 2- 1 bracket photo outside is a big mistake, use tripod and do 5 brakes 3- you need a tripod gear

[@JonathanCorbett]

I’m always learning new ways to shoot! However no mistakes made here. 1. 5 brackets add more time to your entire workflow and don’t deliver better results. 2. Shutter speed is so fast outdoors you really don’t need a tripod. Use your grid and shoot it straight. 👍 3. Recommended tripod gear here: kit.co/JonathanCorbett

[@funkyboogiee]

one shot outside shot RAW is all that you need, but sure, 3-5 AEB exterior is easy on a pod and bakes together just fine too. I shoot 5 AEB interior jpg for clients. When I shoot for my self, I shoot 3 RAW AEB interior, and one outside.RAW. just depends who is doing the editing and who the client is, in my case.

[@FAQTheMadness]

Hello there, I happen to be in NC and stumbled across your video.Great info!

[@CannabisReviewTV]

3 Brackets 3 stops apart Single shot outside (20mm) Gear head slow, ball head all day!

[@Jmaurophoto]

Main problem = HDR. You must use supplied light (flash) to avoid unwanted shadows, especially when taking photos toward windows, and better control of color. The best quality comes from using a combination of supplied light (flash) and available light, commonly referred to as "flambient." It takes longer, but the quality is superior to HDR. It's the difference between quantity and quality.

[@JonathanCorbett]

The main advantage is bracketing and hand blending. This way you get great results and move through the house quickly. Faster, high quality, easier to learn, easier to scale, etc. Flambient should only be used if a client is willing to pay the extra time, cost, and skill it takes to do it. If a client isn’t willing to pay extra for it, then they really don’t care. 👍

[@HomeSightStudios]

I find it strange that lots of your images don't have a colour temp true the room? Instead you go for the flat white look, common amongst real-estate photographers? They also look like you've employed the so called flambient technique? Finally, how do you get >$200 a year? Agents in the UK seem to think that £100-£200 a shoot is fair pay, which usually includes a floor plan creation, and aerial images. I'd love to know how I can earn the money you do.

[@marvinhenlock2597]

Pistol grip…pew pew 😂

[@JonathanCorbett]

This is the way.

[@rMr.big13]

No flash…. Hard no…. HDR photos suck compared to flash / flambient….. go learn to use flash son…… night and day difference….

[@Mr0erick0]

Then you need a new editor.

[@rMr.big13]

@ nah…..hdr is just lame son….. jus say you don’t know how to use flash…. :) it’s ok… my iPhone looks better than your crappy hdr edits- facts

[@rMr.big13]

@@Mr0erick0there’s nothing to edit in hdr son…. My 11 yr old could edit hdr lmao….. that’s the problem these days….clueless , lazy ass people…. Trying to make money by doing nothing…. Aka hdr :)

[@JonathanCorbett]

I love flash and can do it very well! But I don’t do it for real estate. Flash can deliver better results if done correctly, but it requires a much longer workflow and has lots of disadvantages: 1. Longer shooting times 2. Fewer editors that can do it well 3. More expensive to outsource 4. Harder to train employees 5. Clients don’t care.

[@rMr.big13]

@ nah… it doesn’t take longer you clearly don’t know what you’re doing…. Yeah, my $10 million house clients do care. I guess you’re shooting two bedroom rentals.