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LOCAL Adjustments Are the Key to the BEST Photo Edits Possible (VIDEO)

June 3, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

LOCAL Adjustments Are the Key to the BEST Photo Edits Possible (VIDEO)

We’ll put it bluntly: If you’re not making use of Local adjustments when processing photos, you’re images won’t meet their full potential. This is especially true with outdoor scenes with a wide array of brightness levels and color tones throughout the frame.

Some photographers rely solely on Global adjustments that affect an entire image, whether they’re modifying exposure, color, contrast or other important variables. Here’s why that’s a problem: Let’s say you want to give a Golden Hour Look to a landscape scene photographed during the day. So you add orange tones to warm up the sky, but, unfortunately, the rest of the image becomes warmer at the same time. And that’s not exactly what you had in mind.

Local adjustments, on the other hand, are selective in nature—meaning you can target specific portions of a shot to get the image just right. With the above example this technique enables you to warm up the sky without biasing green tones in foliage, in the foreground, or even the face of a person in the shot.

The quick tutorial below from Irish pro Vincent MacNamara demonstrates how to get the job done properly by making as many Local adjustments as the image requires. Surprisingly, this technique is much easier to accomplish than you may think.

MacNamara’s demonstration photo is a beautiful scene of the iconic Aasleigh Fall in Connemar on Ireland’s West Coast. While watching him perfect the shot with a few Local adjustments, you’ll also pick up some great tips on composition, exposure settings, subject-to-camera distance and more.

His goal is to separately enhance several areas of the shot, including some vignetting that resulted from using a square filter when capturing the photo. He begins by changing the profile to Adobe Landscape and modifying White Balance to cool off water in the foregoing that appears a bit murky.

From there’s MacNamara walks you through the step-by-step procedure for harnessing the power of various Local adjustments, starting with a Linear Gradient targeting the sky. With this in place he adds a bit of Dehaze to bring out more details. As you’ll see, this adjustment creates some noise, which is easily eliminated by dragging a few sliders.

MacNamara demonstrates other Local adjustments that work in much the same way, with equally effective results. One of these is a Radial Gradient over the lower portion of the scene that enables him to give water in the foreground a more realistic look. We think you’ll be impressed after viewing the before/after images once the transformation is complete.

You can find more helpful lessons like this one by paying a visit to MacNamara’s YouTube channel, and watching an earlier tutorial we posted explaining how to use Lightroom’s new Adaptive Presets for faster, easier, and more effective edits.

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News and Tips

Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons

June 3, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons

Twilight photography has long been a popular technique in real estate marketing, adding a touch of allure and elegance to property listings. Traditionally, real estate agents relied on professional photographers to capture captivating twilight shots. However, with advancements in technology, virtual twilight photography has emerged as a cost-effective alternative. There are some companies, like Sharp Frame Media, that offer both virtual and twilight options. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of virtual and real twilight photos so you can decide for yourself which option is best for you.

Virtual Twilight Photography (Also known as Virtual Dusk)

Pros:

Cost-effective: Virtual twilight photography eliminates the need for scheduling and coordinating twilight shoots, reducing costs associated with hiring a professional photographer and waiting for optimal lighting conditions.

Flexibility: Virtual twilight photos can be digitally created at any time, irrespective of the time of day or weather conditions. For example, virtual dusk is great for cloudy days. This offers greater flexibility in showcasing properties in the best light, regardless of external factors.

Consistency: Virtual twilight photos ensure consistency across multiple listings, as the same virtual twilight image can be used for different properties, saving time and effort.

Cons:

Unrealistic portrayal: While virtual twilight photos can be visually appealing, they may not accurately represent the property’s actual twilight ambiance. Potential buyers who visit the property during twilight hours may have different expectations compared to what is portrayed in the virtual photo.

Limited authenticity: Virtual twilight photos lack the authenticity and genuine feel that real twilight photos provide. Some buyers may perceive virtual twilight photos as manipulative or misleading, potentially impacting their trust in the listing.

Real Twilight Photography

Pros:

Authenticity: Real twilight photography captures the true ambiance and natural lighting conditions during twilight, providing an authentic representation of the property.

Emotional impact: Real twilight photos have the potential to evoke emotions and create a captivating atmosphere, as the play of light and shadows during twilight can enhance the property’s appeal.

Perception of quality: Real twilight photography is often associated with a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail, which can positively influence the perception of the property’s value.

Cons:

Time and cost-intensive: Real twilight photography requires scheduling shoots during specific twilight hours, which may involve additional coordination and costs for professional photographers. It can also be challenging to capture consistent twilight shots across multiple properties due to varying locations and lighting conditions.

Weather dependency: Real twilight photography is heavily reliant on favorable weather conditions. Uncooperative weather, such as cloudy or rainy skies, can limit the opportunities for capturing ideal twilight shots.

Overall, both virtual and real twilight photography have their respective pros and cons. Virtual twilight photography offers cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and consistency, but it may lack authenticity and realistic portrayal. Real twilight photography, on the other hand, provides authenticity, emotional impact, and a perception of quality, but it can be time and cost-intensive and dependent on weather conditions.

Understanding the preferences and expectations of the target audience is crucial when deciding between virtual and real twilight photography. By considering the pros and cons discussed above, real estate agents and homeowners can make informed decisions and choose the twilight photography approach that best aligns with their specific goals and budget. So, if you are a real estate agent in the DFW or San Antonio area and have decided to use Virtual Dusk or Real Twilight, then reach out to Sharp Frame Media to book your appointment online or through the Sharp Frame Media App.

Here are other related topics that might interest you:

How To Place An Order On New iOS App

Best Time of Day to Photograph Your Real Estate Listing

Twilight Photography – Golden Hour Glow

Sharp Frame Media is a 5-star rated real estate media company servicing Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas. Founded in 2017 on values of craftsmanship, service, and partnership. Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction.

Want to Learn More About Sharp Frame Media?

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The post Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons appeared first on Real Estate Photography in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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News and Tips

The Power of Virtual Staging for Realtors: Enhancing Property Appeal and Driving Sales

June 3, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

The Power of Virtual Staging for Realtors: Enhancing Property Appeal and Driving Sales

In today’s digital age, virtual staging has emerged as a powerful tool for realtors looking to showcase properties in their best light. With advancements in technology, virtual staging offers a cost-effective and efficient way to transform vacant or poorly furnished spaces into visually stunning, inviting homes. In this blog, we will explore why realtors should embrace virtual staging as a valuable marketing strategy, supported by relevant references and statistics.

Overcoming the Challenge of Empty Spaces:

Empty rooms can often be difficult for potential buyers to envision as a warm and livable home. Virtual staging addresses this challenge by digitally adding furniture, decor, and other design elements to empty spaces. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 2023, 81% of buyers found it easier to visualize a property as their future home when it was staged virtually.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Staging:

Traditional staging, involving physical furniture and decor, can be costly and time-consuming. Virtual staging provides a cost-effective alternative, allowing realtors to showcase multiple design styles and configurations without the need for physical inventory. At Sharp Frame Media, virtual staging is by far more affordable than traditional staging.

Customization and Flexibility:

Virtual staging offers a high level of customization and flexibility. Realtors can choose from a wide range of furniture styles, color schemes, and layouts to create the desired ambiance and appeal for a particular property. This flexibility allows realtors to target specific buyer demographics and tailor the staging to their preferences, increasing the chances of attracting potential buyers.

Improved Online Engagement:

In today’s digital-driven world, the majority of buyers begin their property search online. Virtual staging significantly enhances the visual appeal of property listings, attracting and engaging online viewers. According to a study conducted by Redfin, homes with virtual staging received 87% more views compared to homes without staging. The eye-catching visuals created through virtual staging capture viewers’ attention, increasing the likelihood of inquiries and showings.

Increased Selling Potential:

Virtual staging has proven to be a powerful tool for driving sales. According to the NAR survey, 81% of buyers were more likely to visualize the property as their future home when it was staged virtually. Additionally, a study by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) revealed that staged homes spent 73% less time on the market compared to unstaged homes. The combination of improved visualization and reduced time on the market translates into increased selling potential for realtors.

Global Reach and Accessibility:

Virtual staging allows realtors to showcase properties to a global audience. By incorporating virtual staging into online listings, realtors can attract international buyers who may not have the opportunity to physically visit the property. This expands the pool of potential buyers and increases the chances of selling properties quickly and efficiently.

In summary, virtual staging has revolutionized the way realtors present properties to potential buyers. With its ability to transform vacant spaces into appealing, fully-furnished homes, virtual staging offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, customization, improved online engagement, increased selling potential, and global reach. By embracing virtual staging as a valuable marketing strategy, realtors can enhance property appeal, captivate buyers’ imaginations, and ultimately drive successful sales. With the support of relevant references and statistics, the benefits of virtual staging for realtors are evident, making it a must-have tool in today’s competitive real estate market. If you are interested in virtual staging as part of your real estate photography package feel free to reach out to Sharp Frame Media, servicing Dallas-Forth and San Antonio, Texas.