Description
FStoppers Mike Kelley Where Art Meets Architecture 1 | 10 GB
“Where Art Meets Architecture” by Mike Kelley, produced in collaboration with Fstoppers, is a comprehensive 7-hour digital download tutorial that provides in-depth guidance on how to photograph real estate, architecture, and interiors. With Kelley’s unique expertise, this course is aimed at both beginner and professional photographers looking to elevate their work to a commercial standard. The tutorial is divided into three main chapters, each covering different aspects of the real estate and architectural photography niche. Whether you’re shooting basic real estate photos for agents or creating intricate twilight exterior shots for high-end clients, this tutorial has something for everyone.
Chapter 1: Real Estate Photography
The first chapter of the tutorial focuses on real estate photography. Kelley starts by walking viewers through the fundamentals of this genre, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. In this section, you’ll learn how to use minimal equipment to get started and create stunning images that sell properties.
Kelley covers essential techniques like using natural light effectively, bouncing flash, and how to retain exterior window views while maintaining a balanced exposure inside the room. He dives into practical tips on how to choose the correct focal length, properly compose your frame, and make adjustments for common issues like pincushion and barrel distortion. A particularly valuable part of this chapter is Kelley’s focus on how to create final images entirely in-camera, reducing post-production time and effort.
For those looking to get their feet wet in real estate photography, this chapter provides a robust foundation. Not only does Kelley teach technical skills, but he also shares valuable insights on how to turn real estate photography into a profitable business. His candid advice on how he found success in the real estate market will inspire aspiring photographers to carve out their niche in this lucrative field.
Chapter 2: Architecture and Interior Photography
As the tutorial progresses into the second chapter, Kelley moves beyond basic real estate shots and delves into the higher-end field of architecture and interior photography. In this section, Kelley takes you on location to photograph an architect’s personal home. Over the course of this chapter, Kelley walks you through the creation of eight flagship images from start to finish, covering everything from the initial capture process to advanced post-processing techniques in Photoshop.
This chapter is designed for photographers looking to work with architects, interior designers, and high-end clients who require more than just basic real estate photos. Here, Kelley introduces advanced techniques like tethering to an iPad or iPhone for live viewing and feedback, using scrims to control reflections and highlights, and his signature twilight exterior technique. Kelley’s unique approach to light painting and compositing, particularly for moody interior twilight shots, is another highlight of this chapter. His ability to stage furniture and manipulate lighting to create strong, inviting compositions is a testament to his mastery in this field.
Included in this section is a full Photoshop PSD file of one of Kelley’s twilight exterior images, allowing viewers to follow along as he teaches the post-processing steps that bring his signature look to life.
Chapter 3: Commercial and Advertising Photography
The final chapter shifts focus to the realm of commercial and advertising photography. Here, Kelley teaches how to produce high-quality images for commercial clients such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, and wedding venues. Emphasis is placed on creating visually stunning images that meet the specific needs of the client and the intended use of the space.
In this section, Kelley demonstrates how to create twilight images even while a restaurant is open for business, incorporating people into your photographs to enhance the realism and atmosphere of the space. He also covers the technical aspects of lighting large banquet halls, capturing multi-room locations, and replacing details in Photoshop for commercial-quality results.
One of the key takeaways from this chapter is the business aspect of commercial photography. Kelley discusses how to market yourself effectively, build residual income through image licensing, and develop and maintain client relationships. Pricing strategies are also covered, ensuring that you not only produce great work but also get paid fairly for it.
Conclusion
Mike Kelley’s “Where Art Meets Architecture” tutorial offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field of architectural and interior photography. The extensive range of topics covered—from the basics of real estate photography to advanced techniques for commercial shoots—makes this tutorial suitable for photographers at any level. Throughout the course, Kelley offers a wealth of insights on both the creative and business sides of photography, ensuring that you’re not only improving your craft but also setting yourself up for financial success in a competitive market.
If you’re looking to elevate your photography to the next level, especially in the fields of real estate, architecture, and commercial photography, this tutorial is an invaluable resource. With Mike Kelley’s guidance, you’ll learn the skills needed to produce stunning images that can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career in this exciting niche. For more information on this tutorial, visit the official page on Fstoppers.
