Real Estate, Flash, and Composite Images

I am very much interested in learning how to show real estate and architectural images using techniques such as multiple strobes and multiple image composites a la Mike Kelley. I am a huge fan of his work and although I don't have the time to even hope of getting that good any time soon, I think it would be fun to learn. As an architect, it would also prove useful in documenting my work for my design portfolio. Any ideas on how to start? I have a decent camera, but no wide angle, I have two hot shoe flashes and all the equipment needed to trigger them wirelessly off camera. I also have Photoshop CS5. I think the tools are there, but I have no idea where to begin on the skills. What do you light? How do you light? How do you modify the light? Any tips on Photoshop use to get these results?

I may be asking a lot, and if so my apologies. But any kick in the right direction would be most appreciated.

I would recommend listing your gear here so people can help out, as well as looking at the following thread labeled "A thread for real estate, architectural, and interior design photography ":

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=902973

Look into HDR processing as well, as a lot of real estate photography is done with multiple exposures to get everything right. This would require a third party software such as NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 or Photomatix etc...

Hope this is a good start......as well as I have done somereal estate HDR images if you check my 500px profile below.

328iGuy wrote in post #15687946
I would recommend listing your gear here so people can help out, as well as looking at the following thread labeled "A thread for real estate, architectural, and interior design photography ":

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=902973

Look into HDR processing as well, as a lot of real estate photography is done with multiple exposures to get everything right. This would require a third party software such as NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 or Photomatix etc...

Hope this is a good start......as well as I have done somereal estate HDR images if you check my 500px profile below.

Thanks!

I have a 60D, 28 f/1.8, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, 18-55 kit, 55-250, (2) LP160s, (4) Yongnuo RF-603s, cheap but serviceable tripod (upgrading soon), light stands, etc.

That is definitely a good start. I have done a few shoots without flash, but really want to learn to light interior and especially exterior with flash. I'll read that thread. Thanks again.

I would definitely say you need an UWA, especially on a crop sensor I dont think 28mm will be even close to wide enough unfortunately to pull off a good shoot.

I generally use a single 580EXII remotely triggered, even hand held and pointed for 1 of my 3 exposures on HDR. Seems to work well for me.

The more lights you try and bring in, the more complex and tougher it is to be honest. Start simple and work from there.

328iGuy wrote in post #15688311
I would definitely say you need an UWA, especially on a crop sensor I dont think 28mm will be even close to wide enough unfortunately to pull off a good shoot.

I generally use a single 580EXII remotely triggered, even hand held and pointed for 1 of my 3 exposures on HDR. Seems to work well for me.

The more lights you try and bring in, the more complex and tougher it is to be honest. Start simple and work from there.

I am definitely getting an UWA next, well after the tripod upgrade. I am saving for the Canon 10-22, but will probably bail out and buy the Sigma 10-20 as soon as funds are available. My goal is to shoot other stuff to make the money for the UWA then start shooting RE.

I watched a video that he posted of his complete process a few years ago. It's definitely time consuming, but the end result is fantastic. The video shouldn't be too hard to find.

klr.b wrote in post #15692859
I watched a video that he posted of his complete process a few years ago. It's definitely time consuming, but the end result is fantastic. The video shouldn't be too hard to find.

Thanks. I have that video (as posted on Strobist) bookmarked on at least three different computers. Very inspiring and motivating, for me personally. It is a great technique and one I hope to gain competence with soon.

He mentioned that a stable tripod is paramount, which comes as no surprise. Do you guys think the Benro A2970F with an Induro BHD2 ball head are adequate for this type of work? I would not extend the center column for this so I am hoping that leg and head combo are a stable platform at a price I can afford.

bmaxphoto wrote in post #15687896
As an architect, it would also prove useful in documenting my work for my design portfolio.

bmaxphoto wrote in post #15687896
My goal is to shoot other stuff to make the money for the UWA then start shooting RE.

Architect or Photographer ?

PhotographersWorldWide wrote in post #15693214
Architect or Photographer ?

Not sure I understand the purpose of this 'question'. Please elaborate.

Are you wanting to shoot interiors to 'document your design portfolio' OR are you wanting to set up as a photographer earning money 'to start shooting RE' ?

PhotographersWorldWide wrote in post #15694385
Are you wanting to shoot interiors to 'document your design portfolio' OR are you wanting to set up as a photographer earning money 'to start shooting RE' ?

Both. The first would allow me to add value to the architecture and engineering company I currently work for. The second would allow me to network with other businesses in the community, become an established member of the local business community, and offer value outside of my main employment. I believe that you get paid for the value you provide. The more value you successful offer, the more earning potential you have. Plus, as an architect, I really enjoy (enjoy is not strong enough a word) beautifully crafted architectural and interior photography. I want to learn to create these images, not just to make money, but also to be able to say I can do that. It seems like a natural and enjoyable extension of my primary profession.

Given your goals here, you should probably seriously consider getting a Tilt-shift lens, so you can control perspective better. And for best results, tilt-shift lenses pretty much need FF bodies from what I've read (I don't have one).