Flambient Method: What It Is and How to Use For Real Estate Photography Shoot

An attractive photograph attracts the attention of the viewer effortlessly. With the conceptualization of buying, selling or renting property online, having good photographs have become a prerequisite. The core decision of even considering a property is based on how it really looks in the picture, and with this comes a realization how important real estate photography is.

Considering the fastest growing photography techniques ‘Flambient’ which is a combination of two words ‘Flash’ plus ‘Ambient’, the technique is used by photographers to capture the best shot by using both the sources of light namely flash and the natural or ambience light. The basic idea is to enhance the photograph with proper lighting and remove any chances of dullness in the actual photography.

Why Flambient?

The real challenge for any photographer is to make the photograph look appealing while retaining its natural look which is pleasing to the eyes and especially when it comes to real estate photography the final output of the photographs has to be a perfect blend of vibrance and brightness, since the photograph is the first thing a prospect will come across. So in order maintain this balance, flambient method is used by the photographers because if they shoot property as per natural light which may not properly lit will lead to dull image and on the other hand if they use all flash , without having an in depth knowledge of using multiple off camera images will over exposed and fake.

The flambient method enhances the benefits of both ‘only flash’ and ‘only ambient’shots. It also overcomes the limitation which would prevail on individual basis.

The prerequisites of Flambient

• A professional DSLR camera
• Angle lens; the smaller the lens more space they cover. Preferably a wide angle lens 15mm or 16mm
• External or camera flash depending upon the ambience of the property
• A tripod for sharp and clean images. Tripod eliminates the noise and blur while you shoot on narrow aperture and slow shutter
• The three shots namely the flash shot, the ambient shot and the window shot.

The 3 shot Flambient

To get the best of flambient method, it is highly recommended to click three shots that will blend together to form a perfect one.

1. The Ambient Shot-

As the name suggests, the word ‘Ambient’ is derived from the word ambience. The idea behind this shot is to shoot the scene the way it is, without the use of flash light. Here the ambient shot is captured using the natural light or any external source of natural light that is entering through doors or windows.

Generally the ambient shots are taken into raw form as they become the base of flambient method but it may vary depending upon the shots taken.

No matter what level of photographer one is, getting the perfect shot with the perfect exposure in just one go may not be technically possible. Hence it is advised to take minimum of 3 shots ranging from exposure of -2 to +2 in order to get all the details of the property including shadows and highlights in the best raw light possible.

2. The Flash shot-

Since we all are aware that photography is all about proper lighting, the flash shot been an important element in the flambient method is nothing but shooting with flash fired. The idea behind a flash shot is to get a properly exposed picture where the view outside the windows look amazing as well as the room looks brightened with everything having its natural color. The flash shot covers what the ambient shot missed i.e. the proper lightening.

The photograph need to looks natural as well as pleasing to the eyes, it is important to note here that the photograph shouldn’t be over exposed. Though there are no strict rules to be followed but it is advised by the professional photographers to place your flash 18 inches to 2 feet below the white ceiling pointing straight to the ceiling.

The flash power will entirely depend upon the interiors to according set your flash and shoot.

3. The window shot-

Though it is an optional but if the property has windows or even doors it is will always be a plus point to include its shots, it is because the windows could be the source of both natural as well as flash light, but most of the time the flash light is used in the process to capture the windows.

The basic idea to of window shots is to give the photograph an edge by giving it a view of what the outside world looks like from the inside. The flash that points directly to the windows produces great results in the view. Though there is no such rule but -2 EV is recommended to click the window shots.

The Flambient processing

Nothing looks easy until you practice or master it. To blend and create the perfect flambient one can use different software or connect to professionals like us who understand and know the technique well.

The advantageous flambient !

1. Natural look.

The flambient method produces images what ‘only flash’ or ‘only ambient’ cannot produce. The flambient method combines the both techniques and gives photographs a natural look with perfect balance of colors and light without over or under exposing the light.

2. Time Saving.

The flambient method produces amazing results without compromising on the quality of the outcome. The method is easy when compared to ‘only flash’ and ‘only ambient’ as it would consume time in post processing and yet won’t give the desired results.

3. Reduces reflections.

It is quite possible that the property may not be properly lit which may result in difficulty of getting the right pictures. Also there is a chance where one has to work against the light because of the placement of natural light which produces shadows and ugly reflection. These reflections can be easily taken care by the flambient method of photography.

With all this we can conclude that -Making high waves in the world of Real Estate photography, the flambient method is here to stay and conquer. However you can also take help from any real estate photo editing agency if you still not satisfy for your photo-shoot.