I've been testing out a new lighting technique recently, with the aim to create more mood and atmosphere in my property photos.
I've posted some of these images onto my Instagram (olivergrahame) and have really appreciated the comments and messages, particularly from other property photographers, asking about the method I used to achieve the final look. As such, I thought I'd write a post detailing how I've shot and created my ‘fake sunshine’ images.
My aim with this style of interior photography is to show off a space in the best possible light – normally sunrise or sunset – although with these shoots, I’m in complete control of the lighting.
The trick to achieving this effect is to light the property from the outside in. By doing this, all of the light comes from one direction – in through the window – therefore mimicking the sun. For kitchens and interior design photography, I can do this whenever the desired image calls for it. On the other hand, when I am taking photos for estate agents, this method can only be used in certain rooms; those which actually have windows through which the sun shines!
Since my light source is typically only 6-10ft off the ground, it normally produces results replicating sunrise or sunset – so this is a factor that might need to be considered – we don’t want to get into trouble for false advertising! That being said, if I'm shooting a property in winter but the sun only shines through a window in summer, I might use a little bit of artistic license…
When I'm planning a photoshoot I use Photographer Ephemeris to scout the position of the sun at various times. Then on location, I use the Sun Surveyor app, which allows me to see, via my phone’s camera, where the sun would be at any time of the day, any date of the year.
So, how to light the property from the outside? I use a Godox AD600 as my main outside light, and my go-to light modifier is a large beauty dish.
The downside of using a beauty dish is that they can be a pain to store and transport, since they don’t collapse like an umbrella or soft box. My beauty dish lives in the backseat of my car – well, at least when my dogs aren’t travelling with me!
If I'm shooting through a bigger window and need a softer light, I use my huge 6ft umbrella – though only when the weather is good, as otherwise even slightest wind might send my light flying off, Mary Poppins-style!
After some trial and error, making slight adjustments to my camera settings and the light’s power and positioning, I usually get everything covered in just one exposure. Although sometimes, I might add some more flash to specific areas inside the room.
Despite the light in these images being almost entirely artificial, they actually offer a more realistic representation than my usual photos. This is, of course, because I am lighting from the same source as real life – the windows. I’m just creating and controlling the perfect natural lighting scenario, and the perfect time of year!
You can see some ‘before and after’ images below, comparing my usual lighting style for estate agent photography vs my fake sun techniques.
I hope that this post has been interesting and helpful for other architecture and interior photographers. I’ve left out a few of my trade secrets, but hopefully you will get the gist!