Who does Real Estate photography?

I'm interested in learning more about Real Estate photography. Obviously a wide angle lens is required as well as a tripod - I have the Nikon 14mm f/2.8 and the Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G lenses and a tripod but am considering the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 instead of my other wide angle zoom.

Any thoughts on the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 over the Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 other than an additional 2mm? I purchased the 18-35mm based on it being a little sharper, but it lacks the weather sealing that the 16-35mm offers.

Are there any suggested tutorials to hone the necessary skills? I have a couple of Creative Live videos, but they really aren't highly rated. Any suggested web sites or YouTube channels?

Thanks for any insight or suggestions!

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When I lost a job in 2018 I considered a job listing as a real estate photographer. They wanted photographers to have at least a lens of 14mm FX equivalent. And an iPad was a requirement for uploading with their system. I did not have the gear to meet that, and decided the return on investment would not support me anyhow. It is my impression that it was sort of a high-volume workload and you must just get in and shoot the photos and upload quickly in order to keep up.

So I would say the idea would be widest angle is best, have bright images indoors. Consider studio lights instead of wider apertures. But I never dipped into the field.

Originally Posted by BF Hammer

When I lost a job in 2018 I considered a job listing as a real estate photographer. They wanted photographers to have at least a lens of 14mm FX equivalent. And an iPad was a requirement for uploading with their system. I did not have the gear to meet that, and decided the return on investment would not support me anyhow. It is my impression that it was sort of a high-volume workload and you must just get in and shoot the photos and upload quickly in order to keep up.

So I would say the idea would be widest angle is best, have bright images indoors. Consider studio lights instead of wider apertures. But I never dipped into the field.

Some of what I've read is HDR is still being done over using studio lights, but honestly I don't know for sure. Thanks for your input.

I was looking at Indeed a few months ago and one ad that I remember wanted a full frame camera with at least 18MP. I forget the lens that they wanted but it seems like at least 10mm to 16mm. Fast lenses probably won't matter as you want the depth of field. The ad wasn't on there just now and it was for Alaska but I forget the company. Some ads I have seen want/prefer drone photography. I think you would do it for yourself and not get a job doing it, but it's just info. I was getting bombarded on facebook by ads and would try to find anyone who looked "good" on youtube and check them out. I didn't save anyone and don't remember any names. With fb, you click on one ad and you will get a ton more of the same, so take that for what it's worth. Check out real estate agents in your area, and check out their pics. Ones that don't have good ones, ask if you can do a session for free, for the first one only to see if they like your work. Take pics inside a garage and pretend it is a home, for the notoriously poor lighting, and also to figure that you probably won't be able to use bounce flash. Use contracts, I am sure you know, you will have heard about that in that group on fb. Consider licensing/copyright issues and model/property releases as well.

Rob

Not a Nikon lens, but the Irix 11mm FF lens gets really good reviews is you are looking for something really wide.
There are two versions, Blackstone and Firefly with the latter being cheaper with the same optical performance but with more plastic used.

Originally Posted by Peter7100

Not a Nikon lens, but the Irix 11mm FF lens gets really good reviews is you are looking for something really wide.
There are two versions, Blackstone and Firefly with the latter being cheaper with the same optical performance but with more plastic used.

Wowzer - 11mm on FX! I had no idea anyone made an FX lens that wide. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Not sure how easy it would be to ensure lines are parallel and straight. Being off the slightest can make it difficult to correct the distortion. Thanks though - it definitely looks impressive!

I found info on Nathan Cool who hosts a YouTube channel and offers free tutorials as well as has written some books. So I will start with some of his videos to see what he teaches.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7...Hy2zhQ_zl-C4XQ

Originally Posted by BackdoorArts

Real Estate needs to show lines that are straight. If I was to do it I would go in with my D500 and my Sigma 8-16mm rectilinear lens. I'd bring an FX camera with a 16-35mm for backup. With the latter prepare yourself to correct in post appropriately.

Not for nothing but the level of incompetence in much of the HDR stuff I've seen in local ads is mind numbing. But since the place sells so be it.

Well crikey - I never even considered DX for real estate. Although it appears Sigma no longer makes that lens, there are preowned copies out there as well as the Nikon 10-24mm lens. Wow, you've definitely given me a great deal to consider, Jake. Thanks!