Flambient Behind the Scenes

In this episode I unveil what is really involved with flambient photography by showing a variety of footage and finished shots for numerous types of houses and challenges. Below are links mentioned in the video:
Online video courses to learn real estate photography:
LearnRE.Nathan...
My real estate photography series:
amzn.to/3uEig6U
Mastering Flambient Photography:
amzn.to/3PfQDdW
Mastering Color in Photography:
amzn.to/3FyzvNf
Learn interior photography:
ProInteriors.n...
Expert Editing for RE Photography:
ExpertEditing....
Flambient fundamentals video:
• Flambient Fundamentals...
Rapid flambient video:
• The Fastest Flambient,...
The 2-Minute Rule for Real Estate Photography:
• The 2-minute Rule for ...
No-flash exposure blending using ambient photos:
• Fast Big Space Real Es...

[@piercepixels]

HUGE respect to The PhotoScholar (Nathan) for showcasing to the rest of us that it's not all limousines, caviar, and the newest $5k gizmo. Real shoots, real problems, and real solutions with a book plug now and then - I'm buying Mastering Flambient right now.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Brian! Much appreciated.

[@terrencephotography1423]

@@NathanCoolPhoto would like to know if there’s different between the mastering flambient and the mastering flash interior

[@alpinephotoutah]

Based on your knowledge of Nathan's books and courses, I can gauge your proficiency in the skill. Nathan's vast experience sets him apart from other mentors in this field. His guidance has transformed my life by enabling me to create high-quality products for my clients, leading to greater income and personal fulfillment.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate that, and so glad I could help.

[@patrickrobinsonphotography2699]

I started doing real estate photography during the time when HDR more or less became a fad. I too practiced HDR and it pretty much got the job done. To this day I still get Real Estate jobs but never really took the time to gain more knowledge...because for me, if it ain't broke, why fix it...RIGHT? Wrong! This Flambient Process is AMAZING and easy too! I have a return client who makes kitchen cabinets who hires me regularly and whilst he says he likes my work, he thinks it can be better. I have a shoot to do for him tomorrow and decided I'll try something different. THANKS A MIL! Headed home in a few to go try it out in my place and see what results I come up with.

[@amyfisher1862]

Those tile bathrooms are amazing! Love the kitchen too. These old houses have so much character that should be appreciated more often! Thank you for showing us the rough parts - I feel so much better about my challenges! The biggest is those ceiling fan shadows that make me crazy. 😊

[@sparkmanphotography]

Thank you Nathan! Not only for shedding some wonderful insight on techniques (as you always do), but for also showing compassion. It's so refreshing to hear you talk about these properties being HOMES not just houses and buildings. I hope many people see this, really listen to you, and reflect on this the next time they want to post a pic or comment about a less than desirable living situation.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome! And thank you as well.

[@abelfranco1508]

Nathan there not a lot of professional photographers doing all the content that you do on KZbin thank you 🙏 for your work.

[@roriestannard9467]

Thankyou for being real with us. I have wondered myself if this was the case and wished I could see the shoots where things may not look so perfect because the houses aren't as forgiving. Thankyou for doing this and being courageous!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome, and thank you Rorie.

[@fullhousephotography7457]

This is the best, most real video you have done.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@michellegodoyaudiovisual]

I think I owe you! thanks for your time and explanation. Great video.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

This video alone is almost a complete guide for REP. Nathan, you techniques are just awesome. I've learnt a lot from you. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@alanabley525]

Thank you for this, finally we get someone showing real world properties that we face constantly. I've shot both and the more expensive locations are so much easier and that it often what many photographers and tutors show. In a previous life I shot weddings and it was the same then, with the well known photographers only showing beautiful couples. You would have to be a pretty bad photographer to make these people look bad. Great video.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Alan, I'm glad you liked it!

[@Charles_Fryer]

This is amazing, thanks

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad you like it!

[@leeannhanson5579]

Great video!👍 I would love to see more videos like this showing the challenges in homes and how to overcome them! 😊

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you LeeAnn!

[@forumsnowsoldier]

Just ordered the Mastering Flambient book and I can't stop reading! Looking forward to finishing it and seeing my work improve greatly. Great work, Nathan. - Jeff

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Awesome! Thanks Jeff.

[@vista360media8]

Awesome video Nathan! It's great to see you work on rooms that are reflective of my day to day subjects.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeo]

Thank you so much for posting some non-luxury shots. It was really helpful

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

My pleasure 😊 Glad it was helpful.

[@paulaquipel7472]

Another great video! I always say every home no matter the price point is someones castle. Years ago most of my clients would only hire me for their higher end stuff. I would always say the lower end homes benefit the most from highering a proffessional. Thanks for sharing

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Paul!

[@BluehourPhotography]

What flash head do you use on the AD 200 pro?

[@PneumaticDescent]

Thank you 🙏🏻 your videos are the inspiration I needed. I look forward to sharing my successes with you in the future 😃

[@visualdestinations]

Great video, very helpful seeing your workflow on regular homes.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jillolson8783]

Thank you for this! I would like to see a lot more videos like this. My area has some homes that are not even as nice as these, but they are still worth great photographs. I have learned so much from you over the years. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Jill, I'm glad you liked this!

[@Hackbarthja]

I think it would be interesting to have a video following you around real-time during a shoot

[@jameswilkinson1127]

Great video again Nathan - wish we had the sunshine here in the UK that you have there for decent ambient light though!,

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks 👍

[@Archontasil]

I just got home from shooting real estate. I wish you uploaded this yesterday 😂

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Ha! Well, hopefully it'll help for tomorrow :)

[@Archontasil]

@@NathanCoolPhoto definitely, thank you!

[@prl08]

Love this video! After learning the techniques, it’s valuable to learn the messy/imperfect side of things so expectations can be managed. Do you have a video using the MagMod with the ad200? I don’t think I’ve heard you go into detail about it.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you! Two things that can help, this kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJOvp62qetx-hLs and I'd recommend taking a look at my lighting guide, here's a link to that as well amzn.to/3XbCdhw

[@MrGaalattila]

Thank you! Great video as usual. I always find some useful tip in your episodes. I like your magmod accessories! Ordering it asap. :)

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Glad to help!

[@misterjase]

Great vid Nathan ! I like your light stands @2:20 care to drop a link ? Also, for long hallways do you both try flashing them or do you just leave it for ambient to fill in (example @14:38)

[@hutchphotography]

Great stuff Nathan - you make it look easy! Quick question - when you remove a light fixture in PS ever had any issues with prospective buyers ie "that light wasn't in the photos . . ."😁

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! I don't remove anything in editing unless asked by a client, and then charge accordingly for it.

[@thenewmiddleclass]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Are you planning to make a Video course, where you show everything you teach in your books?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome. Perfect timing on the video course, this went live this weekend ProInteriors.nathancool.com and I'll make a full announcement shortly.

[@thenewmiddleclass]

@@NathanCoolPhoto purchased :)

[@timlangendorff5593]

Thank you Nathan, for another great video! I recently bought 2 books from you and i love it! May i ask you one question? I shoot with a Nikon d750 12-24 2.8 and sometimes a Nikon z6 14-30 f4 (mostly for video) but i never get those Sharp crispy picture like yours.. I saw all of youre videos with sharpening etc and presets from youre book but stil not get that results. SOOC youre photos are already more crispy then mine. Sorry for my bad english. Thx again Nathan, love youre work!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Tim. I'd need to see your work to evaluate it and see what might be going wrong. This would require a private Zoom session with me, if you'd be interested in that you can email me for price and availability at [e-mail]

[@RickReezi]

This video is gem.

[@jennylicy]

awesome Nathan, thanks for this and everything you do! Just one question : how long do you edit 1 picture / whole gallery? I guess you use editors now but still...what is the okay time to edit one picture or lets say 1 small house ?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! This video should help you with that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKeznKudpLp1fJIsi=kLjnlhifFlFNUt2w

[@thompsonphoto]

Love all the info you are kind enough to share with everyone. I have a Nikon D780 and I'm not understanding how you are firing your camera from the strobe is it with an app?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Tracey! Download my ebook on interior photography at amzn.to/3HnNpCR which discusses the trigger setups and many other topics I think you'd find useful.

[@nicola7394]

Hi super Nathan, thanks for this. Can i know the name / model of the stand and the head are you using for the ad200? thanks !!

[@LargoViewer]

I find a lot of value in your videos and am so glad you provide them - this is kinda OT, but I'm getting ready to purchase a drone and I'm looking at Adorama - do you get anything if I go through your custom Adorama link? And if so, can you please let me know where I can find it? Thanks!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you! I have an affiliate account with Adorama, but I'd have to dig in to find it...haven't used it for a long time. I appreciate the thought though!

[@miharix]

So cool to watch all your pro steps! Thank you for explaining your know how! I'm just hobby photographer, so this might sound strange... do you ever intentionally put a person in the photo of the room ? That room on 19:51... Looked really big, but after seeing you in frame, damn that room is enormous, probably enough room for et least 6 cars 😲

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! For real estate listings you can't put people in photos (MLS rules). It's done for some architectural work, but even that it's rare, and at that point becomes a client request, not something I can decide to do on my own.

[@sarahdickerson6956]

Hey Nathan! I have over 25 years of experience behind the camera, a fine arts degree concentrated photography, and five years of owning my old portrait, business centered around studio lighting. I’ve always been in love with architecture and have received so many request for real estate photography, that I want to give it a try. With all this said, what would be your best advice for me? What is your favorite lens? With portraiture, by is started at 85 and go up. Lol. it seems I have the same flashes as you do so I think I’m good there. I know basic compostiting and in depth photoshop, so I’m thinking I have a bit of a headstart. Just need fine tuning and genre-based practice. Thanks!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Sarah, I too had decades of photography experience before doing REP many years ago, and I was surprised at its complexity. REP goes far beyond gear, with techniques that are unique to real estate. REP is a completely different genre than others, so I'd invite you to look at my courses on professional photography at learnre.nathancool.com which can get you started.

[@toddstrong1353]

Hi Nathan, in the example starting at 18:45, do you have a tutorial that shows how you put all those shots together? I'm not great with photoshop and I can only visualize so much. I've watched a few of the other editing videos but I don't think any of them had as many frames to put together unless I missed something. If you do have a tutorial, can you provide a link? Thanks!

[@mdavisyates]

Most of the "cringe tie" was pretty sick, like rad to me. It reminds me of my parent's house before the remodel. Built in 1969.

[@wotpierre1464]

Hi Nathan, I know it’s purely preferential to how realtors want photos shot. But when it comes to natural looking ambient+flash photos, do I only flash the ceiling and make sure it’s touching the wall. As well as mask only what is eye level, such as walls, furniture, and flooring but not ceiling? Thank you.

[@paulfutz1511]

Still not sure if I should go with an ad200pro or a fj200. I would think the dome attachment on the fj200 would be better for results than the ad200 but I like how compact the AD is. Have you tried the dome attachment on the fj200?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

No need, bouncing flash requires no added diffusion, this is something I cover in more detail in amzn.to/3lGvnna

[@sageoblouk6782]

Do you have a video on your full process? Starting with the raw photos to the finished project?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I do have the entire process, from thought to finish, in my online video course with example RAW footage at: ProInteriors.NathanCool.com

[@PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello from New York City! Why are all of your ambient shots so yellow? What white balance do you use for ambient shots? Thank you for your informative video.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

That's because only the luminance is used from ambient frames in the flambient process, not color. I cover that in detail in my pro interiors course, you can take a look at that if you'd like at LearnRE.NathanCool.com

[@thedapproject9384]

Hi Nathan, have you had a chance to give the new Godox XProII Trigger (for Nikon) a go yet to see if it cures the good old pin isolation WB issues? I know it's not really available anywhere yet but I thought as you brought this up with Godox before they may have been kind enough to send you one? It mentions a single pin mode but not sure if this will cure it.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

From what I understand, the XPro II is only available for Leica. If you know of a link to a Godox xPro II for Nikon or Canon, and it's available, please share the link and I'll look into it.

[@jeffereyjimenez6439]

Nathan, what do you think about mixing ISOs from the ambient to the flash shot? Loud and Clear KZbin Channel does this. He brackets the ambient at ISO 100 and then flashes at ISO 800 (typically a larger room). Just wanted your thoughts. You have never mentioned using ISO to "increase" your flash reach. Doesn't this increase noise in the final flattened photo? Thanks for all the info and education you give the REP community.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I honestly would consider that a complete waste of time, and it doesn't make any sense. Most cameras are ISO invariant nowadays, and if you expose properly then you won't have noise. Also, since the ambient shot is in Luminosity mode, noise/grain would have no effect since grain is evident in color (i.e. color noise), so dropping to ISO 100 on the ambient shot has no effect on quality, where as the flashed shot, having color subject to noise, being at ISO 800 could worsen the quality; thus, the approach is backwards, but more so, it's completely unnecessary. As you probably know, I've photographed literally many thousands of homes for many years using flambient, and I have resources that can help you learn not just the steps, but the reasons for them. I'm not sure if you have any of my books or courses, but in there I explain not just what settings to use but why (and a whole lot more). Here are links if you'd like to explore those further: My courses: learnre.nathancool.com My books: amzn.to/3LgWX3Y

[@jeffereyjimenez6439]

@NathanCoolPhoto Thank you for your clear explanation. I was just asking as KZbin has more and more REP channels that "experiment" with flambient. It seems everyone now has a new take on it even though you have effectively shown how it's done correctly both in video and more authoritatively in books. By the way, I own three of your books, and I plan to purchase a few more in the future. You are the reason I stopped doing HDR years ago. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. You are very much appreciated.

[@chellecallo8354]

Hello Nathan do you recommend Lightroom classic over Lightroom CC? For real estate photography?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Chelle, yes, Lightroom Classic (LrC). LrC is used for pro editing whereas plain Lightroom is simplified for mobile devices, so plain Lightroom lacks the full features of classic. Since Lightroom used to have all of the features that LrC has, we tend to all just call it LR (Lightroom) and not Lightroom Classic. Adobe really messed that up years ago :) But long story short, yes, use Lightroom Classic.

[@BofusTV]

Hey Nathan! I’m thinking about buying your ‘Mastering flambient’ book.. Quick question though, you kept saying you were using a “key light.” What exact key light do you use? I’m buying the Godox ad200 to use but I searched google for a key light and all I found was ones that sit on your desk for streamers like from Elgato and stuff like that. Please help!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Key lights depend on numerous circumstances as no two houses nor rooms will be the same. If you haven't read my interiors book or lighting guide then I'd suggest starting with those first, but if you want a quick start on this then I'd suggest my online course for pro interior photography at ProInteriors.NathanCool.com which covers all of that and a lot more.

[@quinlanvideo2493]

Im looking in to getting some new light stands, what is the one you are using in the video??

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

There are a few ways to go, those are some of the basics covered in my interiors book, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3vX0BrL

[@tylerfountain]

What do you use to deliver your photos/videos to clients? Can you recommend some good webhosting sites for your business's website?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

There are a ton of choices, even free ones like Google Drive. I prefer to use a web host, but I have more on this (and similar topics) in my business techniques ebook, here's a link if you want to check that out: amzn.to/3Jsf2fo

[@JoshxIZ]

I really want to invest in a ad200 pro or a bigger speedlight. But one question I have on speedlights what should i set the zoom on? I have had it on 24mm (the lowest) is it better to have it on 105mm? So the light is more concentrated?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Monolights don't have zoom, only speedlights, keep it wide.

[@OnRappel]

What lens do you recommend for those tight rooms like that bathroom?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I use the same lens inside for everything I do, the Tokina I talk about in REP series amzn.to/3TCUW54 Although, it depends on what camera you are using, but I cover the basics and what to use when in prointeriors.nathancool.com

[@Saif-bi6zd]

I got an ad200 pro and had the chance to use it on a shoot recently, wasn’t really that impressed and thinking I should just go ahead and exchange it for the ad300 pro. After watching this video though I’m thinking it was a me problem. Would you say the ad300 pro is a worthy upgrade from the ad200 pro?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Saif, there are three things I can offer that can help: First is my AD300 review at kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoHYemqKjdSEjdk and the second is my lighting guide at amzn.to/3X9MNWK which helps with flash power for various units among other things. The third thing I can offer is a private session via Zoom, if that interests you just email me for pricing and availability at [e-mail]

[@MaryKayUlsamer]

I love my AD200 and also have the AD400, use both a lot

[@commane21]

How does your exposure settings change after you’ve determined your ambient shot? Or are all your flash shots taken with the same values? Thanks.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Those are some of the basics covered in my interiors book, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3CCkfgh

[@musselmanmedia5236]

how do you setup the off camera flash??

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

It's more involved than what I can answer in a short YT reply, but there are two things I can offer to help you out: One, I cover this in-depth, step-by-step in my online video course at ProInteriors.NathanCool.com Another option is to look through the first book in my REP series (on interiors), which covers those basics and more at amzn.to/3FA0x6g Between these you will have plenty enough information to get started using off-camera flash for REP.

[@kryodex]

is the ambient shot overly warm because its set to manual for your flash shots?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

It doesn't matter since ambient shots will only provide luminance using the flambient technique. More on that in ProInteriors.NathanCool.com

[@bl4841]

can you get the same results without having a key light? I only have one ad200

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I think it's time for you to invest in your business...get more lights, make your job easier, and get ROI as a result. I'm not sure if you have my lighting guide but I really think it would help to understand flash power, setups, composites, and more. Here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3K6dGqS

[@talismanjr]

any tips on getting more clients? i been struggling handing out my business cards going to the real estate companies in my area i even have my website on my cards but still no one calls, emails me or text i also do the instagram method but still nothing i did give out free work in my beginning stages of starting but haven't got anymore calls since

[@talismanjr]

it's probably my skills and i use my Iphone 13 pro max for the shoots and photoshop on my pc by the way so the photos are decent

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I think you answered your own question: You're trying to get pro work by using a cellphone. My recommendation? This: amzn.to/3Cv5BY3