hello,
what would you say is the best workflow for high end real estate? I am hesitating between using flashes inside and working with masks in Ps or just shoot mostly using natural light and edit with luminosity masks, maybe Raya pro... I usually do much simpler real estate photography (1h to shoot) but I have a client who wants really good quality pictures, it involves being able to shoot for a whole day in huge and expensive properties and one day of post for 20 to 30 pictures. I can't really make up my mind on the process....thank you
The question of workflow and time spent shooting is one every photographer faces as they move from Run & Gun" real estate to something of higher quality such as architecture or high end residences. I'd say it comes down to (IMO) profitability vs. commitment.
First let's talk about shooting style. The current trend is back to mostly daylight for higher end architectural images with an occasional use of flash. Deeper shadows are more acceptable today than they were just a few years ago. BUT this isn't always true for real estate so be sure and check with your client. But I would stay away from the over-lit version of the "flambient" style so popular in lower end real estate. While it's true that buyers want to "see" the property you are also responsible for giving your images emotion and that means staying away from flat lighting.
Your estimate of 1 day for shooting and 1 day for post is probably pretty close. For me I cap that right around 4,500 sq. ft. or 15 rooms. (sorry I don't know what that is in sq. meters) As it starts to get bigger a single day can get rushed. Also… you want good light for higher end images and you can't be two places at one time so stretching out to 1.5 or 2 days helps. After I make a quote and get accepted I really don't care how long it takes. I just want to do a good job. (so much for "profitability")
For post it doesn't matter whether you are doing flambient or all daylight you are going to need brackets and luminosity masks. I use either Raya Pro or the TK8 Panel. Whatever you choose it's really important to know the software well and get a system that you can replicate quickly or you can get bogged down fast.
I shoot mostly for interior designers and architects so please take my share with a little perspective. Other folks may chime in here but I'd suggest following your gut and you'll find out pretty quickly what works and doesn't work for you. Stay passionate and have fun!
To add to what Daniel L Miller said, look at a lot of the shelter magazines that feature the sort of images your client is looking for.
You can learn a lot from just reverse engineering the lighting strategies, composition, camera height, lens selection and time of day concerns.
The commitment to enough time to adequately capture the property is key. This also will inform you as to pricing and usage fees.