A thread for real estate, architectural, and interior design photography

cccc wrote in post #18038695
These look like renderings to me... fantastic images, but I don't believe this is photography. I could be wrong, just my initial thoughts though.

All of them? Most of those are definitely photographs. They list a slew of photographers and stylists on their website and Instagram.

There is a set or two that look like renderings. They just look too perfect.

Scott Spellman wrote in post #18038901
My clients sell $50M+ of real estate every year. When they tell me they always want blue skies-I give them blue skies. We have the skill and technology to fix common challenges in RE photography-perspective, saturation, mixed lighting temperature, unattractive skies, limited dynamic range. I use all the options in my toolbox to make my clients happy.

Of course, that's the right choice business wise. Or is it? If you follow that link I posted its obviously photographers making the stylistic choices. They seem to be one of the faster growing firms over there, I could be wrong about that though. If somebody put a gun to my head and said who can pick better marketing photographs, real estate agents or good pro photographers, I'd definitely be choosing the photographers, and living I think. Maybe it's part of our job to convince clients of this when possible.

tytlyf wrote in post #18050054
The 6D is one of the best RE bodies out there. I don't understand why you want to go wider than a 16mm. If you truly do, I would keep the 6D body and go to a Tamron 15-30mm. I understand some agents like the exaggerated look on the size of rooms, but ideally you wouldn't want to shoot wider than 16mm.

IMO. The flip out screen is very useful and I like it, but that's a scenario that you shouldn't need too often. Maybe once every couple properties. But I can see the advantages of saving the space behind the camera by placing it as close to the wall with the screen out. Hopefully the 6D2 will have a flip out screen as it is very useful.

Having the 16-35mm, I just can't justify the cost of the 15-30mm to only gain 1mm FL. I got a deal on the Sigma 8-16mm new for $625, and that gets me to an equivalent of 13mm on the 7D2. The shots I posted aren't the typical houses I do and once you get into the non-master bedrooms that are only 8x10 or less or bathrooms with 16mm you are not seeing a lot of the room. The 8-16mm will even work on the 6D with the vignette going away at about 12mm.

Maybe I am looking for a hardware solution to a composition problem. I appreciate all input. Clearly need to think on this more and maybe try some different things first before looking towards equipment purchase.

Here are the types of shot that made me want to wider than 16mm. Most shot with a 14mm Rokinon, the last one (nursery with blue wall) is with the Sigma at 8mm.

LoneRider wrote in post #18049915
Looking for some input on a body dedicated to Real Estate work...

Background- a little over a year ago I started shooting listings for a friend using my 6D and 16-35mm F4L and Samyang 14mm lenses. Since then, I have started to get more and more business, now working with 7-8 agents pretty regularly and doing about 6-8 shoots a month. Doing so well that I am now "Legit" with a business license and am going to have to claim the income that is being generated. Not a bad situation to be in and running as a Schedule C business allows much more deductibility of expenses and equipment over "hobby income"

Most of the market segment I work with is smaller "middle-class" homes with small to medium size rooms. Looking to get a little wider, I recently picked up the Sigma 8-16mm lens and switched to using my 7D2 body. Getting good results with it, the only complaint I have is that the 6D in camera HDR renders much more realistic shots than the in body 7D2 HDR.


Regardless of which body I use, I pretty regularly long for the articulated screen of the 60D/70D/80D or consumer bodies while setting up in tight corners of bedrooms or small bathrooms. For that reason, along with the much higher shutter wear I have been putting on my other bodies, I am considering a dedicated Realty work body to provide the articulated screen as well as reduce wear and tear on my 6D/7D2 bodies.

I am torn between 70D, 80D, and the T6s. All offer the articulated screen, the 70D/80D have a higher build quality and weather sealing (not really important for interior work) and some better specs over the T6s such as AF system, flash sync, and FPS (also not issues in this application).

T6s is the lowest price option and smallest size. Higher resolution, newer technology and lowest price. Seems like a no brainer to go with the T6s, which also has an edge up from what I understand in the video features which while I am not doing (yet), I have had a couple agents ask about and may look into in the future. Of course if I do go into video, I am thinking an Osmo may be the better route as it is stabilized.

The downsides I am hung on are that a 70D or 80D use the same batteries as the 6D and 7D2 - with a T6s I would need to grab a couple extra batteries and then keep track of yet another charger. Also shutter count - on any given job I am taking 50-60 shutter trips, making about 5000 frames a year. Far more than I shoot recreationally, so maybe the higher build quality of the 70D/80D should be taken into account. Of course even at 6k a year, the T6s should be good for 10 years...

Realistically, I imagine the final choice will be between the 70D and T6s to keep cost down. This absolutely a "want" and not a "need" purchase, so budget plays a bigger part than it might otherwise. 70D and 6Ts are real close price wise and given that I seem to be leaning towards the newer-tech T6s. In fact the relative age of the 70D is why I am even including the 80D in the discussion.

I know some folks will suggest to just stick with what I have if cost is an issue. Cost is not a major concern, the money is there and whatever way I go I have a few hundred in BH rewards and gift cards to soften the blow.

Is anyone using the T6s or both "T" line cameras for their Real Estate work? Any limitation or concerns I should beware of?

I appreciate any input provided.]

I am also a pro real estate photographer, but I would not switch cameras or lenses just for an articulating screen for several reasons:

1) Lenses wider than your 16-35 will probably have more distortion.
2) All the WA lenses for Canon APC cameras have about the same 108 degree field of view that your current lens has- so you will not get a wider Field of View.
3) You can use your WiFi and Canon EOS App to review images on your smart phone at no cost.
4) You could mount an LCD Monitor to your tripod for $100-150
5) An investment in a camera pole, Osmo, or drone that will change your capabilities is probably a better choice.


Best of luck-
Scott

That first bathroom shot is way to bright...tone it down some..

Scott Spellman wrote in post #18050251
I am also a pro real estate photographer, but I would not switch cameras or lenses just for an articulating screen for several reasons:

1) Lenses wider than your 16-35 will probably have more distortion.

I've used my Samyang 14mm in tight rooms and while it is rectilinear, there seems to be more perspective/size distortion with it then with the 8-16mm at an equal field of view. A good comparison is in the shots above are the kids bedroom ("Morgan") shot on the 6D with the 14mm and the nursery in the last shot taken with the Sigma 8-16mm on the 7D2.

I am really liking the 7D2/Sigma UWA combo

I've used the Canon app a few times to review and transfer without a computer. Didn't really think about the shooting features. While it isn't difficult,

I prefer not to have to fiddle around to connect and such. The LCD monitor option I didn't even think off. I knew about them, but for some reason my brain associated them with shooting video. I think this is the solution I will go with. No need for an android tablet, reasonable cost, and just a simple cable to connect and a clamp to the tripod- problem solved!

Already have a drone, so glad to see some reasonableness in the newly announced FAA regs to allow commercial use without all the 333 exemption BS. I have already started the process to get my Remote Pilot Airman certification, will hopefully be "official" in August shortly after everything is finalized and the testing is available.

Looks like the FAA process is expected to cost about $150. I figure having it will keep everything on the up and up, add a level of professionalism as well as open up additional revenue options in addition the real estate application such as roof inspections.

I intentionally held off registering my drone waiting for the commercial use decision. Basically it is the same process as hobby use except that for non-commercial, your $5 registration is on you and you put the same FAA number on however many drones you might have. For commercial use, it is $5 per aircraft and each one has a unique FAA number.

I just wish they could have had it in place earlier to take advantage of the busy spring/summer realty market.

LoneRider wrote in post #18050814
I've used my Samyang 14mm in tight rooms and while it is rectilinear, there seems to be more perspective/size distortion with it then with the 8-16mm at an equal field of view. A good comparison is in the shots above are the kids bedroom ("Morgan") shot on the 6D with the 14mm and the nursery in the last shot taken with the Sigma 8-16mm on the 7D2.

I am really liking the 7D2/Sigma UWA combo

I've used the Canon app a few times to review and transfer without a computer. Didn't really think about the shooting features. While it isn't difficult,

I prefer not to have to fiddle around to connect and such. The LCD monitor option I didn't even think off. I knew about them, but for some reason my brain associated them with shooting video. I think this is the solution I will go with. No need for an android tablet, reasonable cost, and just a simple cable to connect and a clamp to the tripod- problem solved!

Already have a drone, so glad to see some reasonableness in the newly announced FAA regs to allow commercial use without all the 333 exemption BS. I have already started the process to get my Remote Pilot Airman certification, will hopefully be "official" in August shortly after everything is finalized and the testing is available.

Looks like the FAA process is expected to cost about $150. I figure having it will keep everything on the up and up, add a level of professionalism as well as open up additional revenue options in addition the real estate application such as roof inspections.

I intentionally held off registering my drone waiting for the commercial use decision. Basically it is the same process as hobby use except that for non-commercial, your $5 registration is on you and you put the same FAA number on however many drones you might have. For commercial use, it is $5 per aircraft and each one has a unique FAA number.

I just wish they could have had it in place earlier to take advantage of the busy spring/summer realty market.

7DII does not have wifi. The clamp and cable are cheap. There are probably plenty of used Samsung Galaxy or notes that can be bought cheaply to serve as your screen. The whole system is quick to set up, easy to move, and fast to work with. I've looked at lots of ways to get a remote flexible screen and nothing works so well for RE and is as cheaply implemented.

Re: "Tethering".. I recently bought a CamRanger and it is seriously worth the money. Live view, shoot from another room (gets you out of the shot), a HUGE screen (aka: iPad), it's a game-changer. A lot easier on the knees too

Correct about the 7D2 - I should have clarified I have used it with the 6D that does have wifi as well as my G5x.

Decided on a 7" monitor and will keep shooting with the 7D2. I will attach the monitor to the tripod via clamp and magic arm. Monitor, battery, charger, clamp, and magic arm all for under $165 via Amazon.

Was originally leaning towards a higher end monitor with histograms, focus peaking, and more but really not needed. Nothing but good reviews on the one I ended up with and at $145 for the monitor, battery, and charger came in $200 less than the high end one at $360.

Simple plug and play with HDMI, no need for wireless and probably cheaper than buying an Android tablet, app, cable, etc. I have a Meike grip for the 7D2 that has an integrated 2.4ghz wireless remote with intervalometer so being in the shot isn't an issue.

I guess that seeing how I was prepared to drop about $800 on a new camera, and spent less than $200, the $600 it would cost for an Osmo just became "available" in the budget. Hmmmm, getting into video may be closer than I thought.

Thanks all for your input, it really helped me think through the puzzle.

LoneRider wrote in post #18050814
I've used the Canon app a few times to review and transfer without a computer. Didn't really think about the shooting features. While it isn't difficult,

I prefer not to have to fiddle around to connect and such. The LCD monitor option I didn't even think off. I knew about them, but for some reason my brain associated them with shooting video. I think this is the solution I will go with. No need for an android tablet, reasonable cost, and just a simple cable to connect and a clamp to the tripod- problem solved!

The Canon app is slower than I'd prefer, but I use it all the time. For super tight spaces, using the live view is obviously good for composition, but you can also step out of the room and fire the camera from there, as there's generally not anywhere for me to be if the space is that tight. I did love using a 60D for this kind of stuff, but the 6D remote app + having a geared head is pretty close, and the 6D is otherwise a much better camera.

I don't see how carrying, connecting, and mounting a separate screen is any faster than using the iPhone that's already in your pocket, and then waiting 30 seconds or so for the phone and the camera to link up. Not to mention that's one more battery that you have to have charged.

Obviously you're going to do you, but it feels like you're making this entirely more complicated than it needs to be.

mltn wrote in post #18051470
The Canon app is slower than I'd prefer, but I use it all the time.

I don't see how carrying, connecting, and mounting a separate screen is any faster than using the iPhone that's already in your pocket, and then waiting 30 seconds or so for the phone and the camera to link up. Not to mention that's one more battery that you have to have charged.

Obviously you're going to do you, but it feels like you're making this entirely more complicated than it needs to be.

The 7DII doesn't have wifi and the Canon app (for some odd reason) can be tethered (wired) in with a laptop but only works with wifi on a phone or tablet. Any set-up that requires a separate stand (or a big ungainly mounted arm or table) will be awkward and slow to move and take up too much space in a small room. That's why I keep recommending the DSLR Controller approach. It sets up in seconds, is faster in operation than the camera alone, doesn't take 30 seconds to download over wifi, and has a bigger screen with full information, all camera controls, and touch focus. And, depending on the speed of the phone or tablet, it's REALLY fast.

I have my camera mounted on my tripod (and leveled so it doesn't need constant adjustment) and the iKlip with the phone (mine is a Note 5) mounted on the center column. When I finish a shot I pick the whole rig up and move to the next one as easily as just moving the camera. I think the CamRanger is also an interesting solution but I haven't worked with one and it costs more than DSLR Controller.

Unless you have to buy an Android phone to control it

To each, his/her own. If someone finds a cheap, reliable solution, then it is the right one! If only Canon could come up with something as good as third parties have...

Canon EOS remote application is a piece of trash. I use qdslr dashboard, it's $10 and way better. Apple is a joke so you can't use iPhone or iPad's for wired USB connections, only WiFi so I would look into getting a cheaper android tablet that could run it and use any of the phone/tablet mounts from Amazon.

rgs wrote in post #18051529
The 7DII doesn't have wifi and the Canon app (for some odd reason) can be tethered (wired) in with a laptop but only works with wifi on a phone or tablet. Any set-up that requires a separate stand (or a big ungainly mounted arm or table) will be awkward and slow to move and take up too much space in a small room. That's why I keep recommending the DSLR Controller approach. It sets up in seconds, is faster in operation than the camera alone, doesn't take 30 seconds to download over wifi, and has a bigger screen with full information, all camera controls, and touch focus. And, depending on the speed of the phone or tablet, it's REALLY fast.

I have my camera mounted on my tripod (and leveled so it doesn't need constant adjustment) and the iKlip with the phone (mine is a Note 5) mounted on the center column. When I finish a shot I pick the whole rig up and move to the next one as easily as just moving the camera. I think the CamRanger is also an interesting solution but I haven't worked with one and it costs more than DSLR Controller.

I was talking only about the 6D, which LoneRider has, in addition to a 7D2 I guess. I wouldn't praise the Canon app, but it gets the job done. I do wish they would prioritize this software in any way, or see a compatible 3rd party app released. When I say 30 seconds, I'm talking about the time it takes to pair the phone with the camera when you start the app, I'm able to see the photos pretty quickly. It is clunky and often frustrating to use, but with enough patience it's totally fine.

I'm sure DLSR controller is better, but my point was that he already has the necessary gear to do what he's going for. It seems as though he always wanted a solution that involved buying more gear, so that's what he did. I can't currently justify buying gear that I don't strictly need, and especially if it doesn't contribute significantly to my workflow or overall image quality. Nothing wrong with gear-centric problem solving, just not my style.