“Welcome Home” || Photo copyright Nick Laessig
“Welcome Home”
Real estate photography is often overlooked or not considered to be true photography, however, some of the biggest uses of commercial photography is that of architecture. I am driven by the desire to create an architectural image that cannot only sell the home but also leave a “wow” factor for my audience. I shot this image during one of my recent twilight shoots on a beautiful equestrian property. Shooting at the golden hour is unique and allows me to capture the strength and color in the sky while representing a very warm and welcoming feeling into the home. For me, it is important to pay close attention to detail and to create the best image by utilizing what is in front of me. There is very little change that I can do on my subject, therefore the angle at which I shoot is extremely important.
Shooting real estate photography has given me a chance to become better at the other genres of photography, mainly landscape and portraiture. I must view every shot and angle with a very critical eye, removing any unnecessary objects. Some days it’s only a tissue box or roll of paper towels, but other days it can be rearranging an entire living room in order to achieve a specific shot that will showcase the room at its finest. Before beginning real estate photography, I would just press the shutter button and edit anything I didn’t see in Photoshop later. However, for my landscape and portraiture photography I view each shot as if post processing is irrelevant and I strive to achieve the best image while I’m right there in front of it.
Most of the time I use exposure compensation to layer the sky and windows, instead of the common flash technique. I captured this image with my Canon T2i with a 10-20mm wide angle lens. I combined three different shots, at different shutter speeds, in order to create a strong and realistic-looking image. All three shots were at an aperture of 7.1 and an ISO of 100. It is important to be able to have great detail in the home and through the windows, while expressing the strength in the night sky. After I bring the images into Photoshop, I will enhance color, exposure, and clarity where it is necessary. My go-to tool that allows me to do this is the adjustment brush in the Camera Raw processor.
About the Photographer:
My name is Nick Laessig and I am currently studying Business Management at Northern Arizona University. I began photographing landscapes at just the age of 13 and by age 15 had established a business focused around real estate photography. Having shot over 300 homes in 10 different cities across Arizona, I understand the importance of commercial and architectural photography. I enjoy the business side just as much the photography and at the age of 18, I officially established my business as Nick Laessig Photography, LLC. Today, I offer daytime, twilight, and aerial photography as well as virtual tours for residential and luxury homes across Arizona.
Website: www.nicklaessig.com
To read more about the Northern Arizona University “Behind the Image: Guest Blogger” project on our blog, please read the introduction at youcansleepwhenyouredead.com/wordpress/4th-annual-northern-arizona-university-behind-the-image-guest-blogger-project. Please take a minute to leave your thoughts and constructive comments in the Comment section below – Nick would love to hear from you!