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Re: [OM] (OT, kinda) Helping a nephew

Subject: Re: [OM] (OT, kinda) Helping a nephew
From: "Jeff Keller" <om-list@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:39:37 -0700
I mostly agree with Boris.

Speed is an issue for the photographer. Boris mentioned the one with the most 
pictures wins ... (but there are some issues here)

My biggest difference in preference is that 17mm full frame is about ideal for 
fixed focal length. With good position and framing, cropping isn't required 
but it is wide enough to support cropping. A superwide zoom is very useful 
even though it will almost always be used within a couple mm of its widest 
setting.

A PTLens processed picture is better than can be achieved by almost any lens 
on its own. A cheap wide lens may work superbly 95% of the time if you post 
process. Both the Canon 17mm TS and Zuiko 7-14 require post processing on some 
pictures. A cheap lens will require more. Time is again the issue. Flare is an 
issue that comes with superwides. I used to use an old 15mm Nikkor which was 
very nice but flares so much I mostly gave up on it. Post processing for flare 
is way too time consuming and yields poor results (at least for me).

California is surely different in some ways but the real estate agent almost 
always pays for the photographer. The agent doesn't want to hear any 
complaints from the owner and wants people to come to the house and/or talk to 
the agent. This doesn't necessarily mean that they want the most complete set 
of pictures nor even a great picture of the house. Pictures get people to the 
house; the agent sells the house.

HDR is very popular and very abused locally at least. Generally the only high 
res pictures will be of the outside and maybe the kitchen. Seldom is a printed 
picture longer than 8.5" on the long edge. Seldom will anything beyond a good 
12 Mpixel image have any added value. When going beyond "consumer" quality, 
the value is probably tied to time.

A gear drive tripod head can be very worthwhile. The biggest problem is that 
the photographer will quickly learn to see fraction of degree tilts that 
buyers won't notice and the photographer may still post process for tilt ... 
so much for saving time. A bubble level is essentially required. All too often 
the photographer is in an awkward position challenging his ability to 
determine level without the aid of a bubble.

Flash lighting is very time consuming and expensive ... don't do it (except in 
the rarest cases).

Video tours can be important and should be considered.

Most real estate pictures were and possibly still are taken by real estate 
agents. Sometimes by agents who for $100 will go take pictures of another 
agents house because they need the additional income. Anybody can play 
baseball. Not very many people can make money doing it.

Jeff Keller

-----Original Message-----
From: Willie Wonka [mailto:alienspecimen@xxxxxxxxx]
Subject: Re: [OM] (OT, kinda) Helping a nephew

This time I disagree with you, Andrew?

Two things:  He just needs to set himself apart from the competition and he 
does not need pro gear to do it.

On the former:

He isnt a photographer yet, and it will show...

His pictures will be viewed over the internet and printed on standard paper at 
best.  Here is the best tip: post as many as you can.  As a salesman you know 
what features would sell the house, take pictures of those (a pretty 
fireplace, ornated window, big pictures, size really matters here...:)  I am 
on the market now and can tell you from first hand experience what I and 
everyone else does-look at the ones with most pictures.

Here's my my least favorite boss' favorite story:

When an angry bear comes I dont need to run faster than the bear, I just need 
to run faster than you.  Number of big, well composed pictures for his 
listings is just good enough to set him apart from the competition.  They dont 
really need to be of professional quality.  IMHO 24mm is wide enough.  He 
needs an el cheapo tripod and a few lessons in composition for a start.

On the latter:

Remember when you took your photography class what requirement was?  Get a 
camera with manual controls, not a professional one.  Long after that you 
picked the camera, depending on your needs.  Let him figure out what gear he 
needs later, once hes comfortable and knows what hes doing.  Unless he starts 
taking professional pictures of mansions for glossy magazines, I doubt that he 
would "graduate" to a DSLR and you know what?  In this case he will end up 
with a fantastic camera that he could slide in his shirt pocket and take 
anywhere.  Spending thousands on something he probably does not need is an ill 
advise.  Remember that great cameras dont necessarily take great pictures...:)

On the subject of cameras...Did you get a chance to play with the new Sony?  I 
am interested in your comments.  Feel free to contact me off list.

Best

Boris




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