Window Pulls for Real Estate Photography

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I have a newer version of this video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3mmY3R-eqx2gJY

[@Ronin760]

Best window pull example on KZbin. The repair layer was brilliant. Thank you.

[@taraturkington]

I've been cutting out each window by hand for years, THANK YOU!!!!

[@markallgood2127]

I've been in Real Estate for a long time but somewhat new to photography and editing. This is exactly the kind of tutorial that will help raise my level of quality and professionalism to my clients. Thank you so much!

[@mybyrdseyeview7045]

Thanks to you my real estate is now what I've been trying to do for at least 2 years you're the man!!!!

[@nakleh]

Definitely the best window pull tutorial on KZbin. THANK YOU!

[@marcinderkum8365]

Wow many thanks for sharing such a life changer spent so much time cutting out windows from the shot exposed for the outside much appreciated

[@LSTEELZ]

very well and simple to follow. straight to the point. thanks nathan.

[@trevhillphotography7852]

Nathan, quite simply your videos have made me rethink real estate photography as a revenue stream. I have always found it impossible. But with your flambient technique, I think there is hope... OMG and your window pulls, pennies from heaven. Thank you.

[@hdhomesllc9813]

Thanks again for sharing. Your tips take real estate photography to the highest level

[@bernym4047]

I came across your video by accident and such a happy one. A superbly explained, comprehensive explanation of exposure and flash balancing using multiple exposures. You have sold another book on the strength of this tutorial. I can't wait to try out these techniques. Thank you very much.

[@JustinHartleyPhoto]

Excellent tutorial with vital information! Thank you very much!

[@bottop87]

This is insanely efficient and effective way to do it... Thanks Nathan.

[@johnbrines3830]

Thank you so much for giving us this, it is hands down the BEST training on windows I have come across... I wish I would have found this sooo much sooner, I would have save SO MUCH TIME!

[@jarids.johnson4615]

Thank you Nathan. Clear and concise.

[@alfiolora3446]

Great video Nathan, as a real estate photographer myself, I can honestly say is a super valuable video for all real estate photographers out there. Keep it up !!

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

About to get into real estate photography and your video are very helpful..thanks for showing these awsome techniques. Its definitely going to help..all your videos are helpful that I've saw so far

[@ancientplayground]

I have been learning from your videos as well as utilizing your techniques since I have started shooting RE photography. I like your style so much that I just ordered one of your books with hopes of ordering more of them. Your videos as very straight forward and easy to understand. My photos look great with your techniques. Keep up the great work with your instructional tools!!

[@antonoat]

Nathan you really know your stuff, it's very generous of you to share these fantastic videos, thanks

[@mel2998]

This man needs more subs, amazing quality info for beginner real estate photographers here

[@carrigman]

Thanks Nathan. The repair layer is an excellent idea and the tip on changing its WB is very useful.

[@chrismageephotographyvideo3160]

Excellent work Nathan.

[@stevew7719]

Thank you Nathan. I have been struggling with glare and reflection from the flash, playing with angles to get rid of them and wasting time. Using a repair layer will help immensely.

[@jarids.johnson4615]

Second time to watch after trying my first flambient with window pull. great refresher.

[@shontroelstrup2023]

Amazing results. Looking forward to getting your books in the mail.

[@Brennamae349]

Wow so happy I found this one. Everyone else does some crazy tedious editing but this Is by far the best for window pulls. Thank you!!

[@aljamesproductions]

Genius at work here and so generous to share your talent. Thank you. Deserving of another two zero’s on the subs.

[@eduardomedeiros8308]

I have already known the Window Pull technique (by your videos and books), but I did not know the repair shot. It is a very useful tip.

[@mattdickens7415]

Love this explanation and just finished reading all of the comments below. Have watched several others that take WAY too long in explaining, so it was actually nice to have to go back and repeat a couple of times to get the true scope of what was being said. Very professional. Hats off.

[@clarkbarrow6750]

Great video. I like how you explain every detail.

[@christopherdarling95]

Thank you for sharing your techniques!

[@magicmmissy]

I can't even begin to tell you how valuable you have become to me! Thank you so much for all your videos! Not only am I a realtor, but I have my own little business for real estate photography, basically 2 full time jobs. I have been struggling with how long I have been taking in post-processing but these tips and techniques are going to save me so much time. Thank you again! I can't wait to receive your books in the mail too! Can't do e-books, I'm old fashioned I suppose!

[@ffarag]

Many thanks Nathan for you help and efforts, you are great

[@nooch86]

Your final images are so clean. I'm a bit jealous!

[@leeemousine]

great tutorial Nathan. Thanks

[@thomasbauer4575]

Your communication skills are spot on (wish I had you as a teacher during my scholastic years). My question is this - what is the typical flash power adjustment - I bounce for the normal flash, and then point at windows, but it seems to overexpose the shot. Can you possible do a video showing how this is done in the field with attention to the changes on the flash? thank you.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Thomas. I have a tutorial on flash settings at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnyYd4SaiddgnKM

[@fossumstudios]

Masterfully done!

[@Leszek-Markiewicz]

Thank you Nathan for a valuable guide. I will use these messages when photographing my property.

[@dpceee]

Great video Nathan.

[@Papaloteterracota]

Thanks Nathan

[@talonsix]

Superb tips and extremely well presented as always!

[@jameswilkinson1127]

Great stuff Nathan.

[@LastingLight]

Thanks, Nathan. Useful tips as always!

[@kennygren2868]

Great tutorial. This is very helpful.

[@caribeno188]

Hi Nathan, how do you flash the windows without getting all of the flash reflection on the glass ? I have tried all kind of directions ( straight on , from top to bottom, from the side, straight up , you name it , I have tried it ) and is so hard to get a clean shot , there is always reflection . Pretty frustrating 😔

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Get closer to the windows; use less flash power; use a repair layer when all else fails. This other video might help in that regard: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWe0p5qVj8ekoLc

[@billzidis2656]

Again amazing explaination and very well done Nathan. Best real estate tips on youtube,i know all these technics and i use them but i always watch your videos very carefully :) . Thank you for sharing !

[@criswal6044]

Thank you for made this video, it help me a lot!

[@luxuriousfir]

Nathan you are the coolest thanks for everything!

[@takis9090]

Thanks, Nathan.

[@PipeJaramillo]

Thank you Nathan

[@bellacavachon7510]

Superb Nathan. I've just discovered your channel tonight and sat and watched about 15 videos! The finished results are always superb. However, the thing that is missing is the final edit to get to the finished image, It would be great if you could share your process to finish to a deliverable image.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Tony! The finishing steps are outlined in my REP series, and in some videos on my YT channel as well, depending on the steps and what all is added. Mostly it's just adding a preset, which I have in books #1, #2, and #3. You can check those out at www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NLRKNM?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf

[@genevieverousselvideo-phot7592]

Hello Nathan :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Could tell me which kind of light did you bought please? Merci in advance! :D

[@ottersphotography304]

Great video as always.

[@kevinrobinson7709]

Great tips !!!!!

[@nicoabruneiras2837]

Thank you for this

[@voederbietels]

fantastic thank you sir!

[@AhmedHassan-bo7ht]

Thank you so much

[@jaysaidwhat462]

such a great video!

[@johnkalad]

Great video. Do you have tips for window pulls when the window trim is dark wood, instead of white? I've had issues when switching the window pull shot to Darken with dark wood/oak trim.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! The same principles apply no matter the window and/or frame: wood frames, black metal frames, sheers, mini blinds, curtains, it doesn't matter. If you follow the steps outlined in the interiors book then it will work every time. Not sure if you have that one yet, here's a link if you'd like to check that out: amzn.to/3HMRvSa

[@MuhammadIbrahim-fq8ho]

you videos are helpful, how can i know which flash sync to use in relation to my camera setting manually. Do i really need a tilt/shift lens for architecture photography professionally.

[@cristinadubceac5619]

Thank you! 🤗

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kolstef12]

Hey Nathan, Thank you for this tutorial. I'm doing something wrong. I only have two exposures for my window pull. What would be the process for that? Thank you!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Rossane. I don't know what you mean by having "two exposures for your window pulls". I'd have to see what you're doing...would require a coaching session...unless perhaps you can elaborate a bit more on what you mean.

[@retoanca]

Great job! Thank you very much for the tutorial!

[@Jordan_MX816]

Thanks! Ive noticed when I start to shade in the windows, the exterior comes in beautifully but it also colors everything else dark, like the curtains, window payne...

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

If that's the case then you are doing something wrong. You may want to rewatch this again, but I also have much more information in amzn.to/3r8yfLU and also in my course at prointeriors.nathancool.com

[@patrrickoo]

thank you Master

[@nomadicsoulart]

Great stuff as always

[@bradyoung7848]

thank you sir

[@afti03]

OMG you're a genius!

[@the-secrettutorials]

I really don't know how to thank you!!!

[@scottychang9]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@darc1027]

Great stuff thank you for the awesome videos

[@wlusardi]

Hi Nathan could you explain the step "the final product look like this!" ? Thankyou for your tutorials.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Absolutely Walter: There are many steps involved with editing an REP image, from pre processing, editing, post processing, etc. There can be things like fireplace swaps, sky swaps, TV swaps, color corrections, and more. To cover all of that in one video would make it longer than the latest Avengers movie, so I have those broken down into numerous videos here on this channel. Additionally, to help guide you through all the various steps, in the correct order and understand why they are being performed, you might also want to look at the e-books in my REP series at www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KPJ5QQ8?ref=series_rw_dp_labf

[@dancheb]

Thank you for your informative tutorial. I'm not getting the idea behind the "window pull shot" where you are using flash pointed toward the windows. What is that shot trying to accomplish and aren't you now fighting the reflections, which you now have to repair??? Why not just simply take the shot exposed for exterior without flash and just bring in the outside view when you compose the layers?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi dancheb, that is explained in detail as to why, how, etc. in my interiors e-book at www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755KXSL4

[@fixedfocusmedia7829]

Great video Nathan. What do I do if the window frames are wood and I can't really "blow them out" like white frames?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! Same process, doesn't matter. I shoot homes with window frames made of wood, black metal, stone, brick, surrounded by sheers, all kinds of blinds, you name it...doesn't matter, it's all the same process.

[@RonK]

great! Thanks a lot

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You are welcome!

[@miki-fd1zj]

Thanks Nathan！

[@majid360a]

Why you did not use the repair instead of window pull from beginning? Thank you I learned a lot from your videos

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

For a number of reasons: 1. The darken-mode technique allows you to get the window "exactly" cut out. If you relied on just cutting it out manually you will inevitably get rough edges. Watch closely again to how I describe drawing the polygon: you don't go to the edges, you can draw far away from them, and then feather. 2. Not all windows nor the areas in them need repair. Watch closely again at the second example where I only paint in certain portions for repair, thus avoiding turning some important flashed interior things dark. The darken-mode layer did 90% of the pull, and I repaired a small portion of it. 3. The darken-mode technique does the job 90% of the time, and there is no need for a repair layer. Note the third window group in this video where no repair layer was needed.

[@majid360a]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Thank you so much I will try it this weekend

[@jordanashley9534]

Awesome!

[@juliangiglio4992]

When I use the brush tool my trim gets just as dark as the windows? What am I doing wrong?

[@jeffreyhouse7820]

Great tutorial as always. Enjoying your books (interiors/exteriors/advanced... shot lists up next). Quick question on window pulls: are you firing only the flash aimed at the window, or is it firing in conjunction with your monolight (or whatever other flash was being used to get the flash shot for the flash-ambient)?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

No need to use other flashes...you just want to overexpose the interiors around the windows for the window pull layer. Having other flashes fire at the same time risks having their reflections in the windows.

[@Thumpr110]

What would happen if you attempted a window pull using just the repair shot instead of a flashed shot?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

In short, you'd spend a lot more time editing and have rough edges. There are a few reasons to always use a darken-mode window pull: 1. The darken-mode technique allows you to get the window "exactly" cut out. If you relied on just cutting it out manually you will inevitably get rough edges. Watch closely again to how I describe drawing the polygon: you don't go to the edges, you can draw far away from them, and then feather. 2. Not all windows nor the areas in them need repair. Watch the second example where I only paint in certain portions for repair, thus avoiding turning some important flashed interior things dark. The darken-mode layer did 90% of the pull, and I repaired a small portion of it. 3. The darken-mode technique does the job 90% of the time, and there is no need for a repair layer. Note the third window group in this video where no repair layer was needed. I show more examples of this in the tutorial at kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWe0p5qVj8ekoLc

[@Thumpr110]

Nathan Cool Photo Thank you so much for the reply. I feel like I’m drinking from a fire hose trying to absorb all this. I appreciate the information you have available. Your work is amazing, and I hope to just get in the ballpark of what you can do.

[@pxchoi]

Every now and then I'll get a house or condo that has black/dark trim. Does the window pull still work? I presume that it would much harder (or impossible?) to blow out black window frames. I've recently switched my workflow to mimic yours and I'm getting great results but I haven't run into this since I've switched over. Amazing videos and thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Patrick, this technique works on any color of window frame.

[@franbazz3096]

Hi Nathan, you RE Videos have helped me significantly and I have bought the book - thank you. I do have a question about the window pulls though....what happens when the surrounds of the window are dark even when over exposed. I shot a house yesterday with dark grey window surrounds and the darken mode isn't working so well. Do I just need to select the actual window or is there another trick I am missing?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! I've never encountered a window frame so dark that it can't be overexposed...and that's the trick: overexpose the interior with flash with camera settings exposing for the outside. I've shot windows in dark wood frames, black/bronze frames...you name it ;) Beyond that I'd have to see what you're doing, which would require a coaching session, but it sounds like you aren't using enough flash power to overexpose the interior's window frame.

[@kseniiasun]

Thank you for this video!))

[@radekspanninger9362]

Thank you Nathan! What method do you use on non-window compositions? The HDR or Flambient too? Thank you so much for your great tutorials! I am going to buy your book!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Radek, I never use HDR, I use Flambient for everything,. Book #1 (interiors) covers that, and also explains why I don't use HDR.

[@alialsaffar7280]

Perfect! Thank you

[@bsmrodeo]

Been watching you for a few days… not sure why I didn’t sub right away.

[@Diegosees]

Hi Nathan, love the content; thank you for sharing with this community. Question: what version of Lightroom are you using? I do not have the same options to open files in photoshop as layers under the 'Photo' tab. Thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You need to use Lightroom "Classic" CC, not the scaled down Lightroom CC

[@GeneMoretti]

@@NathanCoolPhoto I just installed CC LR and PS and I am so happy with my subscription from Adobe.

[@Kwrichard77]

Hello and thank you for posting this! I am not understanding the overlap portion of this video. When I brush in the windows, then brush all gets all the overlap areas as well and thats with me first doing the darken blend mode, then layer, layer mask, hide all. it still continues to brush out everything and not just the windows. what am I doing wrong?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Kenny. It sounds like you didn't overexpose the interior with the flash when shooting the window-pull shot. I have step by step instructions that could help in my interiors e-book if you get stuck: www.amazon.com/dp/B0755KXSL4 Since I can't though see what footage you are working with, I also offer remote coaching where I can review your work with you...email me for more info on that if you need to take it to the next step at [e-mail]

[@Kwrichard77]

Nathan Cool Photo thank you sir! I believe you are correct. I’ll try again!

[@ernstbj]

Hello Nathan! I am loving your channel and just used Photoshop for the first time (!!) with this video. So, my apologies in advance for this simple question but did you use all 3 photos in PS or just two of them? I re-watched a couple of times and it seems all 3 were sent to LR for "edit in PS" but you only actually used 2 of the 3 photos - the ambient shot and the window pull shot but not the flash shot. Correct?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! To understand the steps as well as how to do them using LR and PS (as well as why) I'd suggest downloading my ebook ""Photography for Real Estate Interiors", here's a link if you'd like to check that out amzn.to/3z0CWY4

[@robertsanchez5187]

Nathan what is your go to lens for interior real estate ?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Hi Robert, there really isn't such a thing :) It depends on what camera you're using, whether you're shooting interiors/exteriors, and what's in your budget. It's better to know the "why" beyond the "what", which I break down in my various books. Start with interiors, perhaps exteriors, and then consider advanced editing and lighting guide to get things kicked off: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NLRKNM?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf

[@sllimnivet]

Really great tutorial! I struggle at times to get the window pull because my Flashpoint Zoom speedlight seems to not be powerful enough for some locations, any tips on that?. Also any reason why u use an eraser and not paint in black with the brush?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks Tevin. Sounds like it's time to upgrade to a monolight...you need more power. As for your eraser question: 6 in one hand, half dozen in the other ;) As I point out though in my advanced editing book, doing the E and B keystrokes to toggle between eraser and brush provides consistency when moving fast through editing by keeping the color pallet consistent with other operations, such as cutting areas. In other words, keep colors consistent with other operations by simply using brush and eraser and you might be able to move faster while making fewer mistakes. Once again, 6 in one hand, half dozen in the other. There's a 100 ways to bake a Photoshop cake ;)

[@sllimnivet]

@@NathanCoolPhoto thanks so much for the feedback. I've recently discovered your work so your books are in the mix to be purchased

[@ovidiu88]

Hello, are your books available in europe as well? Thank you for your fine work and tutorials. Have a good day!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Yes, my books are available worldwide through Amazon. If I know what country you are in I could provide a direct link, or just search for my books on your country's Amazon page.

[@jdupard1]

Which version of Lightroom and Photoshop are you using. When I bring in photos from Lightroom to Photoshop they come in as separate layers not all in one layers window like yours.

[@jmich5123]

Brillian man, thank you!!! Side Question, I've been trying Luminar 4 to do this and it seems clunky. Have you/ do you use this or is it a waste of time?

[@jmich5123]

Brilliant I meant. Really good stuff, overexposing around the windows to allow an easy paint merge/composite without intricate masking is amazing. Thank you sir!!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! I use Adobe products, so I can't speak to Luminar.

[@jmich5123]

Nathan Cool Photo ok thanks. I think I’ll make the change.

[@hyacinthdibley2420]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲??? This is just fantastic. THANK YOU SIR!!!

[@kirtgermond8308]

Thanks Nathan. What part of socal do you live in?

[@chasingit2262]

Hey Nathan! Im having trouble when uploading my Raw photos to Lightroom and Photoshop. The images become very dark, and is basically impossible to edit them. Do you happen to know the solution to this issue??

[@AndrewSchmidbauer]

@nathan how would you tackle a night shot from the interior where you are capturing a view? Exposure will probably be about 10 seconds for the shot I am taking to capture the night view.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Reverse window pull, here's the video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2TahKeLjNuqZ9E

[@paulrumohr]

Hi Nathan, quick question about very bright exteriors and window pulls. Using your recommended interior settings of ISO 320 and f/7.1 for example, when you get to the window pull shot you're probably looking at setting shutter speed to 1/200 or 1/160. But for a bright exterior like the dessert or beach, the correct outside exposure for ISO 320 f/7.1 might be an exposure combo of say 1/200 f/22 or F/32. At this exterior brightness level, 1/200 of a second and f/7.1 will still leave outside blown out, even if you have the nice overexposed window sills. How are you handling these shots? Are you going to your Xplor's HSS functions, or is there another work around without going into high speed sync?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Lower your ISO to 100 or 50, and/or use stronger flash and then lower exposure in LR.

[@paulrumohr]

Thanks for the quick reply!