Does it work for u

[phishphorphun]

This is one of my "trademark" shots I am trying to establish in the Real Estate photography I am doing.

Basically what I am trying to do, is create a image that depicts the first impression when you ring the bell and the doors are opened.

I set the tripod on the steps outside the house and openend the doors. Used a diffused flash for fill. But no additional light or flash in the interior. So all the light inside was from the lights I turned on and the natural light coming in from the windows and doorway.

I cropped this a little to eliminate the windows around the doorway.

Suggestions are definitely welcomed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/phishphorphun/Architectural/EntryFoyer1YeohaRd.jpg

[Schnauzer]

I think it works Bobby. I like the idea. Good shot also.

I asked my wife the workaholic if she liked it. she liked it very much. Besides a physical therapist she was also a associate broker selling real estate for years.

[paradise]

Bobby, I think you did great. Honestly that looks straight out of the "catalogs"

I think the feelling of high space can be enhanced by getting rid of the door on the right, my focus tends to go towards it for some reason. I also think it could use a touch more lighting. I used shadow highlights tool (my favorite tool in PS as you probably know) to even out the exposure a tad. Btw, if you had a wider lens (goes back to our AIM conversation) you could have closed the door and shot from inside the house. That door on the left is a bit distracting.

http://aquatic-photography.com/gallery/files/6/1/1/bobby.jpg

[Ibn]

Anyway that you can use a gel on the flash there? The lighting from it is a bit too cold and a warmer fill would work be great. Also, I do prefer Ed's crop better (other than the top of the door which is still there) and felt that the door on the right hand side was rather distracting. Otherwise, this is a great shot.

[neonfish3]

This is one of my "trademark" shots I am trying to establish in the Real Estate photography I am doing.

Basically what I am trying to do, is create a image that depicts the first impression when you ring the bell and the doors are opened.

I think this is a great idea!
And you did a good job.
The view of both of the doors really gives a welcoming feeling. Personally, I feel like I'm just stepping over the threshold, being pulled into the room.

[GunmetalBlue]

Bobby, I saw the photo on the homepage before knowing what the subject was, and I have to admit, the doors were a distraction to me personally, before seeing what anybody else said. The funny thing is, it was the left door that bothered me. It lands right on the banister, and has a cramped feel. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like much can be done about that portion unless, as Ed suggested, it's shot from the inside.

I thought the addition of better lighting by Ed helped a LOT. If you didn't mind one more comment, I would definitely remove the blue "doggie" area rug if possible, for the shoot. It is adding to the already cramped look, it doesn't match anything, the placement of it is a little strange, and it brings the elegance of the home down a notch. Those types of things are fine for everyday use, but if you want to create a good first impression, it's best not to be too knickknack-y.

Overall though, I think your idea is neat! The "first impression" definitely plays an important role in real estate.
_______________________
-Miko

Subjectivity: If you agree, let it cement what you already knew. If you disagree, be good with it - I'm simply just another point of view.

[phishphorphun]

Thank you all for your advice and oppinions.

A couple points to make:

I intentionally want the doors in the frame. The idea is to illustrate you are standing outside, and the doors are opened to let you in. And this is the first impression. Btw, I have also taken shots where I am standing on the threshhold and the doors are not in the photo. But, if many of you think the doors are a distraction, then this idea is not good.

This house is magnificent. However the homeowner is a big animal lover. The entire house is decorated in an animal theme. Paintings, photos, rugs, nick nacks, etc. I am only the photographer, not the broker (who happened to be at this shoot) and I think he did't want to upset the homeowner with any suggestions of removing anything. I totally agree with the rug downgrading the elegance of the foyer.

A little light is better imo too. As for the shadow/highlights, you have to be careful. Particularly how it effects wood grains. It can really wash out the depth of the colors. I use it on almost all my shots to even out the exposure on these real estate shots. But I wouldn't print Ed's version on a brochure...imo.

I find the borrowed lens that I am using, Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8d, is very erratic with color rendition and exposure. Even without making any setting changes, images are irregular. And a yellowish (warm) tint is usually delivered with this lens. I sometimes use a cool filter in CS2 when processcing the rooms that should look whiter.

I will be getting a 12-24mm Nikon or Tokina a soon. I have done four shoots in the last week, another week like that and I should be able to budget the Nikon into the bag.

Thanks again for the critique. Truly appreciated.

[paradise]

Bobby, Shadow/highlight can be used carefully on any size image. I did it on a web image, but if you are doing for print, as I often do for my real estate agent, (my mom), It's done easily on a bigger image. You just have to be careful not to offend the textures, like you said.

I totally get the feeling you were trying to portray with the shot, but we are talking less about art and more about "SELLING". Your photos need to sell the house, so you CAN ask the owners to remove the rug if you feel that it will help. You are helping them :) I have done so on many occasions. And things like doors that dont belong need to be addressed, because it may confuse the potential buyer.

I think the 12-24 will really change the way you do this, will give you a lot more options. Just remember, you will need to correct perspective in most shots. It's easily done, let me know if you need help with that.

[Ibn]

By default, Sigma lenses add a yellowish/warm cast to the pictures.

[alanhill]

The rug doesn't bother me. Funnily enough it's the little things that distract my eye: the towel(?) over the bannisters on the landing and the back of the television. I do agree with the point about the colour of the light, you certainly need a filter to warm up your flash.

Alan

[fotografa]

My suggestions:

1. Back up to get the door frame in so the doors don't appear out of nowhere.
2. Remove the mat. Everything in the house looks color cordinated minus the random dog rug.
3. Remove the towel.
4. Turn off the lights that go up to the stairs [that square light above the second 'section' is distracting].