How to Shoot Brackets for Real Estate Photography
Shooting bracketed exposures is the foundation of clean HDR real estate photography. When done correctly, brackets allow you to produce bright interiors while preserving window detail and natural contrast.
Step 1: Use a Tripod
Stability is critical. Even slight movement between frames can create ghosting. Use a sturdy tripod and avoid touching the camera between shots.
Step 2: Enable Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB)
Most cameras allow automatic bracket shooting. Set your camera to capture 3, 5, or 7 exposures in quick succession.
Step 3: Use ±2 EV as a Starting Point
±2 EV spacing usually captures enough dynamic range for most interiors. Dark rooms with bright windows may require additional brackets.
Step 4: Watch Your Histogram
Make sure one exposure protects highlights (windows not clipped) and another captures shadow detail.
3 vs 5 vs 7 Brackets
- 3 brackets: Fastest, good for balanced interiors.
- 5 brackets: Great balance of speed + dynamic range.
- 7 brackets: For extreme contrast scenes.
AHDR Studio merges bracketed exposures into bright, MLS-ready HDR images while protecting window detail and preserving natural contrast.
FAQs
How many brackets should I shoot for real estate?
Most interiors work well with 3 or 5 brackets. Extremely high dynamic range rooms may benefit from 7.
What exposure difference should I use?
A common starting point is ±2 EV between exposures.
Should I shoot in RAW or JPEG?
RAW gives more flexibility in post-processing, especially for highlight recovery.
Why are my windows blown out?
If your brightest exposure is still clipping highlights, you may need an additional darker bracket.