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FREE Photo Editing Masterclass Part 2: MASKS (VIDEO)

March 22, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

FREE Photo Editing Masterclass Part 2: MASKS (VIDEO)

Last week we brought you the premiere episode of a free online photo editing masterclass from our friends at the PHLOG Photography YouTube channel. That one demonstrated Lightroom’s most basic tools.

Today’s second episode, explaining how to use masks, is far more detailed, so we suggest jotting down a few notes for future reference. In the 16-minute tutorial below you’ll learn everything you need to know about using “Lightroom’s most powerful tool.”

Instructor Christian Mohrle is a German landscape photographer and image-editing expert. He introduces Part 2 of this important series like this: “Learning how to use Masks in Lightroom will drastically improve your editing skills,” and he promises to go through every key aspect of masking in detail.

In short, if you’ve been uncertain about how to harness the power of this “essential” technique, that’s about to change now. Before getting started we urge you to download the demonstration image using the link in the description beneath the video, so you can follow along in real time as Mohrle walks you through a myriad of masking methods.

Masking is particularly important when editing landscape photos that typically contain a wide range of tones from bright highlights to deep shadows. Unlike more basic global adjustments, masks enable you to selectively make precise modifications to different parts of an image to arrive at the perfect balance.

As you’ll see, by using a variety of Lightroom’s tools, you can create masks that target specific colors and tones in an image for a spectacular result that would be difficult (or impossible) to achieve with any other method.

This comprehensive lesson explains the difference between linear and radial gradients, how to create sunlight and vignetting effects, using Luminance Range masks for enhancing shadow and highlight detail, and techniques for improving a sky. This is just a small smattering of what you’ll learn about using masks to greatly improve your images, so take a close look.

There’s much more to see about shooting and editing outdoor photographs on Mohrle’s popular YouTube channel. So be sure to pay a visit and subscribe.

And if you missed last week’s first episode in this amazing instructional series, you can find it here.

Reading time: 1 min

News and Tips

Pro Tip: CHANGE These Default Camera SETTINGS Now (VIDEO)

March 22, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Pro Tip: CHANGE These Default Camera SETTINGS Now (VIDEO)

When manufacturers design a camera’s menu they do so without knowing the type of images you shoot or what style of imagery you prefer. And that’s why it’s important to modify the default settings so they meet your specific needs.

Put another way, camera settings that are ideal for portraiture can be totally inappropriate when shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or sports. So if you want optimum results, it’s time to dig into your camera’s menu system and make a few changes now.

The tutorial below from Canadian nature and wildlife photographer Simon d’Entremont has an emphasis on the best way to configure a new camera, but his tips are equally valuable for those who’ve never changed the defaults on a camera they already own.

As Simon says, “I’ll take you through the settings you should always set intentionally and not rely on the defaults in your camera.” Some of his suggestions could even be considered “universal” if you want to make the most of whatever camera you use—new or old.

Best yet, you’re less likely to face any surprises when reviewing images on the computer by changing the 10 settings he recommends. Simon begins with a discussion of file formats, which he considers “one of the most fundamental settings on any camera.” He explains the difference between Jpeg, Raw, and Compressed Raw so you can select the best option for you.

It’s also important to tell the camera how you want autofocus to work; namely One Shot vs. Continuous AF. This setting is greatly dependent upon the type of subjects you photograph most, and whether they tend to stationary or in motion. The terminology often varies by brand, but the necessary settings are easy to find and modify. He also covers the horizontal level and composition grid options on a camera’s rear LCD and in the viewfinder.

You’ll learn everything from the number of focus points to select for your style of shooting, the option to rotate photos shot in vertical orientation, and various sounds settings, to file naming/numbering, and much more. So pay close attention and tell your camera exactly how you want it to work.

Be sure to visit d’Entremont’s YouTube channel where you’ll find a wealth of advice on gear, shooting techniques, and editing your photos.

And don’t miss the tutorial we shared recently, explaining when overexposing landscape photos can yield better results.

Reading time: 2 min

News and Tips

Is San Antonio Real Estate Industry Adapting The Latest Media Technology?

March 22, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Is San Antonio Real Estate Industry Adapting The Latest Media Technology?

March 21, 2023
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2:48 pm
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Business

Adapting to the latest media technology can be a daunting task. However, with the right tools and resources, it can be much easier than you think. With advances in technology, media has become an ever-evolving industry, and staying up to date on the latest trends is essential for success. Are you in the real estate industry? Are you staying current with the latest media technology available to you? Take a look at the following stats and find out the importance of adapting to the latest media technologies.

One of the best ways to stay abreast of the latest media trends is to keep an eye on the industry news, and what other colleagues are already doing. You can stay informed on the latest developments in media technologies by attending conferences and seminars which will also help you build the necessary skills. Many times, your brokerage will offer education on the latest technological trends that will benefit you and provide you with a list of potential business partnerships to help your business grow in that regard.

Another way to stay ahead of the curve is to invest in the right hardware, and software, or better yet, hire a professional in media technology. Especially when it comes to creating marketing videos, virtual tours, matterport, or maintaining a creative and constant social media presence.

Investing in the latest media technology can help you create content that is more engaging and effective. Additionally, investing in the right tools can help you streamline your workflow and make production more efficient.

According to the 2022 Technology Survey by the National Association of REALTORS, the top 3 tech tools that have given respondents (or their agents) the highest number of quality leads in the last 12 months were:

Social media (46%),
Their local MLS (30%), and
Customer relationship management (CRM) (26%)

Moreover, according to the survey, real estate agents reported the following:

63% of respondents said the main reason for social media use in their real estate business was to promote listings.
59% said they are expected to have a presence on social media.
57% said social media helps build/maintain relationships with existing clients.
89% use Facebook in their real estate business, 59% use Instagram, 53% use LinkedIn, and 26% use YouTube.

Taking a closer look at the San Antonio real estate market, a very low percentage of real estate agents take advantage of the latest technology tools available to them. According to our internal statistics, 1 out 10 Realtors are using all the technology resources available to better showcase their properties. Furthermore, when networking with real estate agents in San Antonio, Texas, roughly 60% refer to use of professional photography, and about 30% use or have used additional media services such as drone photography, virtual tours, virtual dusk, and virtual staging. Lastly, approximately 10% are using Matterport for their business. This means that if you are a real estate agent in the San Antonio area, you have a great opportunity to position yourself among the top Realtors by taking advantage of the latest technology trends available to you.

Finally, it’s crucial to stay up to date with the latest trends in content creation. Keeping an eye on the latest trends in media can help you create content that is more relevant and engaging. Additionally, by understanding the latest trends, you can create content that allows your clients to get a full experience of your property.

Yes, adapting to the latest media technology can be a challenging task. However, with the right tools, resources, and professional team, it can be much easier. If you are in San Antonio, Texas, or in the DFW area, we got you covered. You can check out your latest Social Media Management services now offered at Sharp Frame Media.

Here are other related topics that might interest you:

4 Problems A Realtor Could Face By Not Using Video

Matterport For Short Term & Vacations Rentals

Why Are Floor Plans Important For Real Estate Buyers?

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 Is San Antonio Real Estate Industry Adapting The Latest Media Technology? appeared first on Real Estate Photography in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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News and Tips

Best Time of Day to Photograph Your Real Estate Listing

March 22, 2023 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Best Time of Day to Photograph Your Real Estate Listing

As a real estate photography company, one of the most important aspects of capturing stunning images of your listing is knowing the best time of day to photograph them. The time of day you choose to take your photos can make all the difference in the quality of the final images.

The two ideal times to photograph a real estate listing are early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Taking photos during these times of day can help you capture the most appealing light for your images. Early morning light is usually the most vibrant and flattering, while the late afternoon light has a warmer, softer feel. Early morning light is great for photographing the exterior of the home. The light is usually the most even and the shadows are minimal. The morning light also works well for interior shots, especially if you have large windows that let in natural light. Late afternoon light is perfect for adding a warm, inviting atmosphere to your photos.

The Direction of the House

Now, it is important to take into consideration the direction of the house, this pretty much makes all the difference. You see, the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. So if your home faces west, you would definitely not want to go for an early morning shoot since the sun would be right in front of the camera. In that case, you would want to consider a photography shoot scheduled for noon or afternoon. If your home faces east, north, or south, scheduling your photography session for the morning would be the best bet so you can take advantage of the perfect light of the day.

If you are not sure about the direction your property is facing according to the exact time of sunrise or sunset, you can use the Sun Seeker app. It is an app designed to show the exact location of the sun throughout the day according to the location of your property.

In addition, sometimes the weather is not the best and it may be cloudy or rainy so always check ahead of time the weather conditions before scheduling your photo shoot. In case it is cloudy, don’t worry, your best bet is to go for a virtual dusk, overcast days are perfect for virtual dusk.

Golden Hour

The golden hours are one of the most magical times of day when the sun is just low enough in the sky to cast a unique, ethereal light over everything it touches. It’s the perfect time of day for photographers, as the golden hour provides an opportunity to capture the beauty of the world in a way that no other time of day can. The golden hour occurs twice a day, once at sunrise and once at sunset. During this time, the sun is low enough in the sky that its light is soft, warm, and diffuse. This gives everything a unique hue and makes colors appear more vibrant and alive. This is why the golden hour is so popular with photographers; it’s the perfect time to capture stunning, dreamlike photos. This particular time of the day provides a natural golden light touch to any photograph.

Twilight

Moreover, if you are going to a sunset golden hour, shoot for a twilight session, which is 10-15 right after sunset. Twilight is the time when the day is transitioning into the night and it is the perfect time to show your property’s natural glow from the inside out. The sky is filled with a soft orange, pink, and purple hue that is truly breathtaking. However, it is a very short period when you can capture the perfect twilight since you only have a 10-minute window before it fades into the dark sky.

Following these helpful tips will position your property at another level by choosing wisely the perfect moment for the ideal photograph session. Let your property stand out by providing a magazine-like, jaw-dropping photograph to your clients. At Sharp Frame Media, we focus on getting the perfect time of day for your property. If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area or San Antonio, Texas, reach out to us and we will be happy to guide you through this process and help you find out the perfect time or options to highlight the best of your property.