What is the best light for shooting real estate video tours?

http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com - When shooting real estate video tours, especially interiors, the quality of the light is what makes the difference between a poor to average video tour and an exceptional one.

Contrary to what most Realtors like ("shoot in the middle of the day with bright sun and blue sky"), that is actually the worst time of day to shoot a home! The difference between the (cooler) color temperature and high intensity of the light outdoors, contrasted with the much darker and warmer (orange) color temperature of the light indoors, makes shooting interior video extremely difficult. And the results are mixed at best. During the winter months when the sun is very low in the sky all day and is also reflecting off of the white snow is even more difficult - and sometimes impossible!

Shooting on an overcast day or at dusk creates a much more pleasant blend of interior and exterior light. The light is soft and indirect, unlike during the middle of the day. Instead of blown out, white windows, you can see through the windows to the outside view.

The ambient light inside the home is much more beautiful than dealing with harsh, streaming sunlight coming through windows, washing out all of the colors. Too bright highlights and dark shadows can make for an unpleasant look. Shooting after dark actually removes all traces of that super bright, cooler, outdoor sunlight and the results can be stunning. Throw in a roaring fireplace and some well placed lit candles, and you can have a video tour that really stands out from the pack!

Granted, it's not always possible or practical to specifically choose when you shoot video for a home, but if it's possible to make that choice, choose a time that will show off your listing in it's best possible light!

Real estate video tours and photography by http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• real estate video tours
• light
• sunlight
• cloudy
• golden hour
• magic hour
• exposure
• issues
• lighting
• interiors
• Massachusetts
• New England
• New Hampshire
• Maine

[NashuaVideoTours]

Sorry, but YOU'RE incorrect. The camera used is a 5D Mark II, hardly a "cheap consumer camera with cheap glass and a cheap sensor". It has a "cheap" $2000 wide angle lens on it as well. And as far as deleting a video and offering horrible advice, I probably have just a bit more experience at this than you do, sir.

[PGListings]

Wow, that Lightwater guy is out to lunch. I'm just now getting started with videos and the advice you present here is absolutely correct; it was the first thing I noticed on site. What makes it worse is when you are trying to shoot an interior on a sunny day with a blanket of snow outside, talk about light overkill! Going on site on an overcast day or in the evening makes for much better results for both stills and video.

[marxdesign]

This is absolutely true! Dusk and evening photography and video work will produce accurate colors and be the most impressive. Unfortunately, clients prefer to shoot at mid day.

[LightwaterVideo]

Though I would not shot a house at dusk because the exterior would be horribly lit and unless you want to come to the house twice. I'm sorry but this is horrible advice. Please delete this video.

[LightwaterVideo]

I can't say I agree with this at all. The camera used to shot this was a cheap consumer camera with a cheap wide angle adapter. The blooming effect that you get from the blown out areas is because of the cheap glass used and the blown out areas are because of a cheap sensor with poor dynamic range. If your shooting with this type of camera and lens then your better off shooting at dusk. Though mid day will give you best results with a better camera.

[realestatenavigator1]

He using a weighted stabiliser

[TheLuxuryRealtor]

great video!! what camera did you us and why does the camera not shake ?

it it must me a great lens?