This post will show you how to remove flash shadows in Photoshop for image editing of real estate photography.

Shadows can add contrast and dimension to an image, but they can also be distracting and make your real estate photography look less professional.

The good news is that it’s easy to remove distracting shadows with the help of Photoshop.

But before we show you how to remove flash shadows in Photoshop, let’s take a look at when shadows are bad in real estate photography (and photography in general).

What Are Undesirable Shadows in Real Estate Photography?

Shadows can be a beautiful addition to your photography. They can add depth, contrast, composition, and balance to an image. 

For instance, shadows create an excellent contrast for black and white photos. But they can also be distracting, and make your real estate photography look bad.

For this reason, photographers love working in the morning and late afternoon when they can access the soft even light that’s available at these times. 

In contrast to this easy-to-work-with light, shooting around midday often creates harsh, unwanted shadows. 

Typically, the sun is out blaring in the midday hours, giving you undesirable shadows, such as the following:

  • Shadows from the sun or light to the side, a shadow cast from one object to the next 
  • Shadows from the sun or light overhead 
  • Shadows from harsh flash use indoors, often seen slightly behind or next to an object against a wall  

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How to Remove Flash Shadows in Photoshop (6 Simple Steps)

Now, that you know examples of undesirable shadows, let’s show you how to remove flash shadows in Photoshop using 6 simple steps next.

To get started, you can either watch the video tutorial or continue reading the text below:

Assuming that you have already enfused the photo, it is now time to add the basic adjustment to it.

Step 1. First, make the photo bright and well-balanced.
Step 2. When you’re done adjusting the photo, move it to Photoshop. Here we are going to remove the flash shadow of the fan in the ceiling. 
Step 3. Next, duplicate the Layer, and use the Path Tool to soften the shadow.
Step 4. Then, use the Clone Stamp Tool to remove the shadow. You can adjust the Opacity depending on how you need it. Just keep Patching till the shadow is completely gone.
Step 5. Now, select the ceiling using the Magic Wand Tool, and use the Dodge Tool to lighten the dark area.
Step 6. Lastly, use the Brush Tool to remove the color cast on the ceiling. Additionally, you can add more adjustments in Lightroom if you want.

And there you have it!

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We hope this post helped you learn about image editing for real estate photography and how to remove flash shadows in Photoshop.

Before you go, you may also want to check out the following resources:

Stina Pettersson

Professional Blogger

Stina is an entrepreneur, digital marketer, and professional blogger who's passionate about real estate photo editing, being outdoors with her pup, and sweaty gym sessions. She loves the written word and has been writing for publications like Forbes and Thrive Global. Originally from Sweden, she's called South Florida her home since 2013.

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