Attaining fast and precise focus is a primary goal of just about every photographer, regardless of the type of images they shoot. When soft photos result with regularity, the first thing that comes to mind is, “I must be doing something wrong.”

It’s possible, however, that blaming your technique for this problem is missing the point, because sometimes the issue results from a defective or improperly performing lens. If you think this may be your problem, watch the tutorial below before sending a lens in for evaluation and repair, because you’ll learn several effective ways to check the lens yourself.

Instructor Mario Killian is a German landscape and wildlife photographer whose been capturing beautiful images for over 40 years. He specializes in workshops and tutorials for photographers using budget gear, and this episode is intended to help diagnose autofocus problem and may just save you some money in the process.

Killian describes his lens evaluation procedure in several steps, beginning with the most common issues to those than are more concerning. His approach works for any lens you own, and as well as for those you may purchase in the future.

Let’s hope your diagnosis turns out OK, and in that case, Killian explains a few ways to compensate for “operator failure”—in other words things you may be doing wrong. OK let’s get started with the easy stuff. The first thing to check is the outside of a lens for damage that’s more than cosmetic.

This means looking for loose screws, shaking the lens for any rattling (that may indicate something loose inside), and making sure all the buttons work well. You’ll also want to confirm that the focus ring moves smoothly, zooming isn’t too tight or too loose, and there is no apparent damage to the front or rear elements.

If there are no apparent concerns at this point it’s time for “check two,” to determine if the lens is actually functioning as intended. Here Killian explains how to check the image stabilization system, as well as manual and autofocus performance.

Still OK? If so, you’ll need to more on the third step in the process which a bit more time coming. This involves a focus-accuracy test to determine if the lens has a front-focus or back-focus issue that requires adjustment (which you can often do yourself). If you’re testing a zoom, Killian suggests beginning with the focal length settings you use most, and he demonstrates the step-by-step process for checking this out.

You’ll also learn how to check sharpness at various f/stops. If everything checks out at this point, there’s a good chance that your shooting technique is the problem, and Killian has several suggestions for fixing that too.

Be sure to check out Killian’s interesting YouTube channel for more great advice. And don’t miss the tutorial we posted earlier, explaining how to shoot beautiful wildflower photos with simple gear.

Layer Blend Modes are straightforward tools that deliver superior results when working with layers. Unfortunately, they are frequently ignored—either because some photographers don’t know they exist, or because of a misconception that they’re difficult to employ.

In basic terms, tools Blend Layers based upon any combination of Saturation, Luminosity or hue, and they do so in a non-destructive manner—meaning they modify output without changing pixels. In other words, a redo is always possible if you don’t like the results.

Using this approach is among the fastest and most effective ways to create really amazing images. Moreover, Blend Modes are available outside of layers and can be found in Painting tools, Smart Filters, and elsewhere in Photoshop.

In the tutorial below from German photographer, author and respected educator Rainer Hoffman you’ll learn the basics of how Layer Blending Modes work, the various options available, and how to put them to use. If you want to take a deeper dive after watching this primer, check out the link in the description beneath the video.

There are numerous Blend Modes from which to choose, and rather than listing them all here, we’ll let Hoffman run you through everything that’s available. As you see, the “Normal” default setting provides two color wheels with a grayscale bar underneath. In this mode all opaque pixels of the top layer are, well, opaque. Therefore, they simply block the view of corresponding pixels in the background layer that contains the image you’re working on.

Hoffman explains why things get far more interesting when you skip the default setting in favor of other Layer Blend Modes. That’s because the Luminosity and color of the pixels on the top layer are combined with the corresponding pixels in the background layer, “according to pertinent mathematical rules” (that we won’t bore you with here).

Let’s just say that, depending upon the mode you choose, values may be added, subtracted or multiplied. In some cases, what happens under the hood may be more complex than that. What’s more important than these theoretical considerations, is the difference between the various Layer Blending Modes, and how they affect the look of an image.

And that information is exactly what Hoffman provides, with the use of easily understandable graphics. By the time you’re done watching, you’ll be inspired to give these tools a try. And once you do there’s a good chance that Layer Blending Modes will earn a permanent place in your image-editing workflow.

Hoffman’s instructional YouTube channel has much more to offer, so be sure to pay a visit when you have time.

We also encourage you to watch the earlier tutorial we posted, explaining why some subjects look much better when shot in b&w—with pro tips for getting the job done.

Menu

BOOK ONLINE

How Real Estate Agents Succeed with Stunning Visuals

• 
  
  June 16, 2023
  
• 
  ,
  4:43 pm
• 
  ,
  
  Photography, Real Estate
  

Are you succeeding the real estate industry? Do you feel like your clients are treating you like a top notch Realtor? In the competitive world of real estate, first impressions matter. With the majority of home buyers beginning their search online, captivating visuals can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and securing successful sales. Real estate agents who invest in professional photography gain a significant advantage over their competitors. In this blog, we will explore why real estate agents who use professional photos succeed more and how stunning visuals elevate their marketing efforts. 

Standing Out in a Competitive Market:

Are you the one who stands out or the spectator? In today’s saturated real estate market, it is crucial to stand out from the crowd. Professional photos help agents differentiate their listings and grab the attention of potential buyers. Eye-catching visuals make a property listing more memorable, increasing the likelihood that it will be clicked on, shared, and revisited. By showcasing a property’s best attributes in a visually appealing manner, real estate agents can set themselves apart from competitors and increase their chances of attracting qualified buyers. For example, at Sharp Frame Media we make sure every single one of our real estate agents receives a Free Website where they can showcase their professional photos, detailed description, and products like Zillow 3D Tours, Matterport 3D Tours, Floor Plans, or Cinematic Property Videos in an organized way that captivates their client’s attention. 

Presentation is Key:

How are you presenting yourself and your properties? Professional photos have the power to captivate potential buyers from the moment they encounter a property listing. High-quality images, captured by skilled photographers, create a lasting first impression that can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of a property. Professional photography showcases a property’s unique features, highlights its best angles, and effectively communicates its appeal. This positive initial impression piques buyer interest and encourages further exploration of the property.

Enhancing Online Presence:

Are you active in the digital world? The digital landscape has revolutionized the way people search for properties. Buyers often begin their home search online, browsing through numerous listings. Professional photos elevate the quality of online listings, capturing the attention of buyers and enticing them to explore further. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Nearly all buyers used online tools in the search process at 96%. By utilizing professional photography, real estate agents significantly enhance their online presence and increase the chances of attracting potential buyers not only on listing sites but also through social media. In fact, Sharp Frame Media offers an elite Social Media Management service to real estate agents in the DFW area and San Antonio, Texas.

Create Emotional Connections:

Do you know how your clients feel everytime they walk into your property or view it online? Buying a home is an emotional decision, and professional photos have the ability to evoke powerful emotional connections between buyers and properties. Well-crafted images can create a sense of aspiration and enable potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property. Professionally captured photos utilize optimal lighting, composition, and staging to evoke a desirable atmosphere, which can greatly influence a buyer’s decision-making process. By connecting with buyers on an emotional level, real estate agents increase the likelihood of generating genuine interest and ultimately closing successful sales. For this reason, at Sharp Frame Media, we highly encourage real estate agents to take it to the next level by adding Cinematic Property Videos to better showcase their properties while connecting at a deeper level with their potential buyers.

Instilling Confidence and Trust:

Are you trying to save or invest? Investing in professional photography demonstrates a commitment to quality and attention to detail. When potential buyers see high-quality photos, they perceive a higher level of professionalism and trust in the agent and the property being showcased. In contrast, poorly lit, blurry, or amateur photos can create doubt and turn away potential buyers. Professional photography instills confidence in buyers, reassuring them that the agent has taken the time and effort to present the property in the best possible light.

Overall, real estate agents who utilize professional photos gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced, visually driven market. Stunning visuals captured by professional photographers make a powerful first impression, enhance online presence, evoke emotional connections, and instill confidence and trust in potential buyers. By investing in professional photography, real estate agents showcase their properties in the best possible way, setting themselves apart from competitors and achieving greater success in securing sales. In the age of visual-centric online searching, professional photos have become an indispensable tool for real estate agents looking to excel in their industry.

Here are other related topics that might interest you:

4 Best Practices for A Successful Real Estate Photo Shoot

Virtual vs Real Twilight Photos: The Pros and Cons

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

See more… 

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? 

Services

Portfolio

Pricing

Reviews

Share this post

Schedule Now

The post How Real Estate Agents Succeed with Stunning Visuals appeared first on Real Estate Photography in Dallas-Fort Worth.