Looking for tips for photographing holiday accommodation

[altyfc]

Hi everyone

We have a holiday apartment between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales that we opened this year. At the time of opening, we were in a bit of a hurry so I just took a selection of semi-adequate shots on a Canon IXUS.

You can see them at http://www.kendalcottages.com/photogallery.htm

I’m not really that happy with them as I don’t think they paint the accommodation in the best light, but they have kind of done the job for the time-being. Now I would like to look at upgrading the images.

Recently, I bought a new DSLR – the Canon EOS 50D with the 17-85 lens. I am still learning with it, but am pleased with the results so far.

I am going to have a go at doing some better shots later this week and am just looking for tips. For instance:

Would I be best shooting in RAW? I normally just use the highest JPG setting…
Do I need to use a tripod? I have an old one somewhere…
Do I need to be using a different lens? A wider angle, perhaps? If so, any recommendations?
Should I be using reflectors or additional light sources? Don’t have any so any recommendations welcome if it’s something I need…
Should I be using HDR? Never done it before but willing to learn…

My main concern is the main shot – the one with the balcony, the river, the bridge and, in the distance, the castle on the top of the hill. I want to show them all to their best in one shot, if I can, and am wondering if HDR is the best way to achieve that.

I’m also considering ‘setting up’ rooms. Ideas so far are:

Balcony table with bottle of Champagne in ice bucket and couple of glasses.
Fresh flowers.
Nice bowl of colourful fruit on one of the tables.
Kitchen surface with a nice loaf of homemade bread on a chopping board, with knife and a couple of slices.
Cafetiere with coffee, and cups, jug of milk, sugar, etc.

- all things that will hopefully make the place look a bit more lived in, and give people a more welcoming/cosy impression.

Any more ideas like this or any tips at all would be most welcome, and I’ll gladly report back with some new shots in due course…

Thanks!

[Mike]

I am going to have a go at doing some better shots later this week and am just looking for tips. For instance:

1.Would I be best shooting in RAW? I normally just use the highest JPG setting…
2.Do I need to use a tripod? I have an old one somewhere…
3.Do I need to be using a different lens? A wider angle, perhaps? If so, any recommendations?
4.Should I be using reflectors or additional light sources? Don’t have any so any recommendations welcome if it’s something I need…
5.Should I be using HDR? Never done it before but willing to learn…


1. Yes, you can get more out of your shot if shot in RAW and balancing the exposure is easier than if shot in JPEGF as there is more info in the RAW file for your software to use.
2. Yes, a tripod will help as you will be able to use a slower shutter speed and therefore more natural light from outside - the shot in bedroom 2 through the mirror has a horrid clash of natural light and artificial light - turn the lamps off and just use the light from the window.
3. Use the 17mm end of your lens and see what you can get into the shot - if you feel like you want to have more in view then yes. I have a Sigma 10-20mm lens that is a real gem...also, living where you do it would also be great for landscape shooting.
4. I actually think the lighting in these is quite good, the only one that I don't particularly like is the 2nd bedroom through the mirror shot. The lamps have a much yellower hue to them than the lights in other parts of the cottage.
5. I'd probably avoid using HDR for these as it gives an unnatural look to images, especially if it is done badly. Most of these exposures are good enough.
6. I'm bookmarking your website...I spent a week in the Yorkshire Dales in February this year and loved the place. Your cottage looks like it is in a perfect position! :D

[altyfc]

Thanks, Mike. That's really helpful.

In response....

1. RAW it is, then. :)
2. Yes, I thought this also. One person suggested a tripod inhibits you from getting the position you really want to shoot from, but I don't really see why it should.
3. OK, I'll give that a try. I should certainly be able to fit in more than I could with the IXUS.
4. OK, thank you for this. Duly noted.
5. With HDR, I was thinking with particular reference to the balcony shot (rather than the interiors), to try and get both foreground and background displaying to their best potential.
6. Great! :) There's a fan page at http://www.facebook.com/kendalcottages if you happen to use Facebook also.

Thank you for your feedback and advice. I'll report back when I've taken new shots.