FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

 
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Do you have questions regarding real estate photography pricing, turnaround time, payment methods, and other concerns? This is where all your most frequent questions about real estate photography answered. Please have time to look at them. If you have queries unlisted here, you may message or email us via our Contact page. 

SCHEDULE/BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

+ How can I schedule or book an appointment for real estate photography?

You may schedule/book an appointment here. If you prefer the traditional way, you may call our office at 615-310-7171 or text at 615-310-7171 -** Video:** https://youtu.be/jwL0xoP7E3E

+ When's the best time for real estate photography?

Since most appointments are made based on your availability and the sellers' availability, there are preferred times of the day for better photographs.

West-facing homes are best captured in the early afternoon, while east-facing homes are best photographed in the morning. Meanwhile, north-facing homes are best shot early in the morning. Regardless of the direction of a home, it can benefit from being captured during twilight.

Video: https://youtu.be/YxdsUqMtEq0.

+ How much notice do you need to schedule my appointment?

We would prefer a three-day notice - Video https://youtu.be/YtB937yWrc4.

PRICING

+ How much does it cost for your real estate photography (pricing)?

The pricing depends on your specific requirements. The good news is, we offer pricing and packages that suit your needs and budget. Please see our real estate photography pricing here.

PHOTOSHOOT DURATION

+ How long will the real estate photography appointment take?

The amount of time it takes to do real estate photography, whether it is a home or a commercial building, varies. Moreover, the number one most important factor is the property's size.

Generally, prepare for about an hour. Nevertheless, expect long hours, especially for larger buildings, homes, or properties.

Meanwhile, we can discuss the time required for your photoshoot at the time you book it.

+ When will I receive my photos?

Photos will be delivered two days after the photoshoot. If you need a rush, please let us know. Rush orders are $50 Next Day Rush.

+ How and when are the photos delivered?

Photos are typically delivered two days after a photoshoot by 5 p.m.

Photos are delivered via an online gallery through Dropbox and sent to your email.

+ How will I be notified once my images are ready?

You'll receive an email from us. Photos will be delivered two days after the photoshoot. If you need a rush, please let us know. Rush orders are $50 Next Day Rush.

+ How will I receive my photos?

Your photos will be sent to your email and delivered digitally via a Dropbox link. We will optimize your images for MLS websites and basic print solutions.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

+ What if I have special instructions?

If you have any special instructions that the photographer needs to know, please let us know as soon as possible before the photoshoot.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

+ What if there are unfavorable weather conditions during the shoot?

We do not need to cancel appointments due to the weather. Sky replacement is an option for hissing skies, rain, and snow. We can pull blue sky colors out of most skies, making a dreary day bright.

+ What do you do in case it rains?

On days when the weather is not cooperating, we have several different choices.

#1 - We can go ahead and do the interior photos, and the weather clears up while we're there at the property. We will do the exterior shots.

#2 - We can do the interior photos and do the exterior pictures on another day.

#3 - We can reschedule the photoshoot.

The choice is up to the homeowner and real estate agent. Just let us know, and we will take care of it.

CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULES

+ What about cancellations and reschedules?

We don't charge for cancellations and reschedules as long as they are done 24 hours ahead of the scheduled shoot date/time. Under a 24-hour window, a cancellation/reschedule is $75. If we show up to a property and can't get in or the agent or seller cancels the shoot, we will charge $75 + 50% of the quoted amount.

TERMS & AGREEMENTS

+ What about terms and agreements?

If full payment has been made, you have the right to use the products, and it means you agree that the right to use the products has been given ONLY to you. You agree that you cannot transfer, assign or sublicense your rights to use the products, the photographs, video, or other kinds of media included therein to anyone without the copyright holder's written permission.

Your rights allow you to use our photographs, videos, and other media for marketing purposes. However, your Rights do not authorize third parties to display, copy, or distribute our work to provide services competitive with our products unless our written permission allows you. For real estate, these rights are valid without limits, as long as you have the listing. If you no longer have the listing, the rights to use the products are also gone.

If someone asks you about your rights to the products, you would need to refer them to us. If we allow others to use our products, an additional licensing fee may be necessary.

FREE MARKETING PHOTOS

+ Do you have free marketing photos I can use?

Here's a link for free marketing photos: https://www.realestatephotographerpro.com/blog/free-real-estate-photography-photos

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO SERVICES

+ What is a Blue Sky Guarantee?

Even if the weather is unfavorable on the day of the shoot, we assure you that at least half of the sky will be blue in all exterior images.

+ Do you film in HD (High Definition)?

Yes. It's vital to us, and we ensure our clients' 100% satisfaction with our real estate photography services through high-quality, top-notch real estate photos. We'll take pictures and feature your property the way you want it.

+ Do you do HDR photography?

Yes, our photo is edited in High Dynamic Range, resulting in clear and sharp images. All of our packages include HDR images.

+ How high do you fly when doing aerial drone videography or photography?

Legally, we cannot go higher than 400 feet. Typically, we fly much lower than that when shooting aerial video and photography.

+ Is it safe to fly your drone?

Don't worry, your property and people are our # 1 priority! Our team has adequate experience and can take aerial photos or videos without risking people or property. Moreover, our drone systems have an automatic return home function if there is ever a poor signal or low battery.

+ What if you're doing aerial drone work?

If we are doing drone photography, it's always helpful to know the property lines before the scheduled photoshoot.

+ Can you do Photoshop?

Yes, and no. We can remove some small non-material things via Photoshop, but the home should be ready to be photographed before we arrive. Please remember to ensure the house looks good in the images and looks just as good in person.

+ What's included in the aerial drone photos?

We typically fly the property lines at three different altitudes taking photos at different angles to showcase the property's features. Moreover, we may take the opportunity to do some blow altitude photos to showcase the property at angles that cannot be seen from ground level. Usually, this is somewhere between 45 feet and 80 feet. For example, showcasing a home on the side of a bluff or showing the layout of a farm's rolling hills.

+ What's included in the aerial drone video shoot?

There are several different ways to accomplish drone video. The typical drone video is 1 minute to 2 minutes long, flying over the property, showing its layout. We can also create an animated video with video notations that feature elements of the property. See examples below.

Example of animated drone video to highlight features of properties:

https://youtu.be/liSRfO-Nla0

Video example of a commercial apartment complex drone video: https://youtu.be/Dw8_6pBFUa8

LOCATION & SERVICE AREAS

+ Where are you located? What are your service areas?

We are located in Columbia, Tennessee. We service the Middle Tennessee area and the North Alabama real estate markets. However, we will come to you for an additional charge, whether in or out of state.

DURING PHOTOSHOOT CONCERNS

+ Who needs to be at home for the photography appointment?

We can use a contractor's lockbox (with an alphanumeric code) to enter the home for a photography session with the homeowner's permission. Unless you or the homeowner needs to be on-site to allow use in at the appointment time.

+ Can the sellers be home during the photography session?

Absolutely. It's your seller's home, so if they are free to hang out while we are doing photography, it's terrific. However, we can produce better photos during the limited time we are on the property when distractions are minimal. Whether you or the seller are on-site, it would be great if you ensure all staging and cleaning is done before the appointment. Also, please keep all children and pets away from equipment during the appointment.

+ Is it OK if a home is not furnished?

Generally, homes are generally more attractive if they are furnished or staged before the photography session. However, we can take photos of an empty house.

However, it is highly encouraged that you hire a home stager if the home's vacant. At least, try to stage essential rooms like the master bedroom, bathrooms, the living room, and the kitchen.

If needed, we can do digital staging. Please ask for a quote on digital staging.

+ My friend, family member, relative, acquaintance, or a random guy with a camera offered to shoot my listing for free. Why should I hire you?

Hiring a professional photographer is the best option to have the highest quality images of the home to sell your posting to potential buyers and market yourself to sellers. With our process, you're getting a team of experts that deliver the best photos/video possible. We have thousands of training hours and have all of the professional gear to produce a high standard of work. We have also purchased the appropriate computer programs and gear to create the best outcome.

Real estate photography is a highly specialized industry that can't adequately be photographed by amateurs or some other types of photographers who lack the proper lighting equipment & experience. Professional real estate photographers know their way of capturing homes at their best.

CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE SHOOT

+ What if I have to cancel or reschedule the real estate photography appointment?

If you need to make changes to your appointment and use the online scheduling platform, you can log back into your schedule and change the online scheduling system. If you have any questions, please call or text 615-310-7171 or email kenneth@realestatephotographerpro.com as soon as possible.

TAXES

+ Do you charge tax for real estate photography and video services?

Right now, taxes and fees are included in our pricing structure.

MLS

+ Do you upload your photos to the MLS for me?

We do not have a real estate license, and we cannot do this.

DISCOUNTS

+ Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we can create discounts for our customers who have committed to partnering with us. Please contact us for further details, and we will discuss a discount program that meets your needs.

EQUIPMENT

+ What equipment do you use?

Each photographer carries a different photography equipment brand, but all of our photographers have professional-grade quality gear. The gear is appropriately maintained and updated and meets and exceeds industry standards.

We also use a professional editing process and have a team of editors who have been trained and certified for Real Estate photography editing.

Here are examples of some of the photography gear that might be used on a real estate photoshoot. Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera

  • Manfrotto MKBFRC4-BH Befree Carbon Fiber Tripod

  • DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Drone