What Makes a Shot Look Professional - Field of View's Effect on a Scene
Have you ever noticed that some photos just look more professional than others, even if they're taken of the most ordinary subjects? Often, the secret isn't in expensive gear but in understanding and using the field of view (FOV) effectively. FOV changes how a scene is captured and presented, impacting the mood, focus, and overall impression of your photos. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR or an iPhone, manipulating the FOV can significantly enhance your images.
If you want to level up your photography, start experimenting with the field of view in your shots.
Understanding Field of View
Field of view is about how much of a scene your camera captures. It's shaped by the lens's focal length and the camera's sensor size.
A wide FOV includes more of the scene, perfect for landscapes or when you need to show a sense of space.
A narrow FOV, on the other hand, brings your subject into tighter focus, ideal for portraits or highlighting details.
Even with an iPhone, you can adjust your FOV. Switching between the standard, wide, and telephoto settings allows you to experiment with different compositions and perspectives without changing your physical position.
Choosing the Right Lens
The lens you choose directly affects your FOV. Wide-angle lenses let you capture broad scenes, while telephoto lenses zoom in for detailed shots. The trick is to match the lens to your vision. Do you want to immerse the viewer in the environment, or isolate a subject against a blurred background?
For iPhone users, tapping into the "1x" or "2x" options simulates changing lenses, offering a straightforward way to alter your FOV and play with composition directly from your phone.
Manipulating Depth of Field
Depth of field (DOF) and FOV are closely linked. A wide aperture (low f-number) creates a shallow DOF, focusing attention on your subject by blurring the background. This technique adds depth to your photos and is a go-to for making your shots stand out.
iPhones and many other smartphones offer a "Portrait" mode that simulates this effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject sharp. It's an excellent tool for achieving a professional look with minimal effort.
Framing and Composition
Finally, how you frame your shot can make or break its professional appearance. A well-chosen FOV can help balance the elements in your scene, guiding the viewer’s eye to the subject or creating a certain atmosphere. It's about making intentional choices with your composition to tell a story or evoke an emotion.
Remember, achieving a professional look in your photography is about understanding the tools at your disposal, whether that's a high-end camera or the phone in your pocket. Experimenting with different fields of view can transform your shots from ordinary to extraordinary.
ERIC'S TOP 5 TIPS TO PREP FOR REAL ESTATE LISTING PHOTOGRAPHY
I share with many of my closest clients that Real Estate was among the first services that I offered when I launched my business 5 years ago this month. The first listing that I photographed had a offer put in and was accepted within 3 days of going live. The part about that is uncommon is that the offer came from a out of state family that didn't see the house in person only by pictures. Ever since that day I have been doing business with some of those same individuals today. Many realtors will prep their homeowner to get their home ready for the listing photo session but I have noticed there are many areas of the home that are overlooked. That is why I put together my Top 5 Tips to get your home ready for real estate listing photos. Now before I share that it goes without saying that your realtor will prep you for the basics to get your home ready like cleaning, organizing, decluttering, etc.
5.) Check Light Fixtures-Many times fan light fixtures, bathroom vanities and recessed kitchen lights are missed. Make sure that the bulbs are all working and that they are all the same intensity and color temperature.
4.) Cluttered Areas- I share with so many that there is a difference between organized and unorganized areas. Avoid leaving rubber mate totes and cardboard boxes in the home. Use the garage as a place to store those items until after the shoot.
3.)Pet Items- Make sure to stow the pet items like bowls, toys and litter boxes away for the photoshoot.
2.)Driveway and Sidewalk being cleaned- Having the driveway and sidewalk cleaned beforehand is a very fast and small investment to make to give your property a facelift.
1.)Bathrooms and Kitchen - Remove personal items like toothbrushes, soap bottles and kitchen cleaning items. Decorative soap dishes can stay in the area but labeled soap bottles, toothpaste and toothbrushes can be stored until after.
For more information about Real Estate Listing Photography or other photography or video services reach out to Eric info@ntp2.com and make sure to follow on Social Media @NTP2Photography.