We all love a good hack, so let’s look at some of my favorites!

From composition to lighting to dealing with those pesky cables… buckle up for some super quick tips that will make you look and feel like a seasoned pro.

Hack #1

What’s one thing you can do instantly and FREE at your next shoot to make any space instantly feel more upscale?

Zoom in. 
Wider shots show almost too much of a room and end up feeling busy. Instantly, the photo has a real estate vibe, which is definitely not the high-end look that designers are after!
Going in tighter will instantly elevate the space by making the photo feel more intentional, structured, and focused. I recommend never going any wider than 20mm on a full-frame camera. 
Give it a go!

Zooming in lets you direct the viewer’s eye and put the emphasis on the design elements. Instant upgrade!

Hack #2

Struggle with those blown out windows, but want to see the view outside?

Meter for the exterior view and take one photo with a strong flash pointing right at it. 
Having one frame with sharp, detailed windows and the views outside makes it easy to add that pesky outside view easily while blending. I like to use the flash at full power for this shot, and having the flash at a very slight angle will help to avoid any flash reflection in the glass. 

From left to right: Strong flash with exposure set to outside; bright naturally-lit; blend of two shots.

Hack #3

The one hack tool I always have on location?

Gaffer tape!
If you're not familiar, gaff tape is super sticky but doesn't damage surfaces. It's commonly used on film sets, can be cut by hand, and comes in perfectly handy for tucking cords in tight corners so they disappear! Most photo stores will carry it, but Amazon also has a good selection.

xo,

Natalia