Real Estate Photography Techniques: HDR vs Flambient

View Our Portfolio

When it comes to selling a home in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, eye-catching photos are key to attracting buyers. (Learn more about photography equipment and editing.) But did you know there are different ways your photographer can capture your space? Two of the most popular real estate photography techniques are HDR and flambient. Here’s what you need to know:

HDR (High Dynamic Range) Photography

HDR is the go-to technique for many real estate photographers. Modern cameras can’t always capture both bright windows and deep shadows in a single shot. With HDR, we take several photos at different exposures—some for the highlights, some for the shadows—and blend them together. The result is a crisp, balanced image that shows off your property’s best features.

Pros: Fast, affordable, and great for most listings—especially those with lots of natural light. Research shows listings with professional HDR photos sell faster and get more online views.

Flambient (Flash + Ambient) Photography

Sometimes, rooms have tricky lighting—like a mix of warm lamps and cool daylight. That’s where flambient comes in. We take one photo with natural light, and another with a flash, then blend them. This technique gives you super clean colors and even lighting—perfect for high-end properties or spaces where color accuracy matters most.

Pros: Superior color accuracy and detail, ideal for luxury homes or listings where you want that polished, magazine-quality look.

Which Should You Choose?

HDR is perfect for most homes, especially if you want a quick turnaround and great value.

Flambient is best for high-end or architecturally unique properties where every detail counts.

Both techniques deliver professional results. If you’re unsure which is right for your listing, I’m happy to help you decide.

Get Professional Photography