Frequently Asked Questions
I have seen photography services offered for less money. Why should I pay more?
What kind of camera do you have?
How fast can I get the photos?
How do I distribute the photos to my printers and advertisers?
How long does a shoot take?
Do you do flyers or virtual tours?
What if the weather is bad?
How can I help prepare for the shoot?
What is a property release and why do we need one?
Why do you require a contract?
I have seen photography services offered for less money. Why should I pay more?
There are many companies offering photography services to Realtors. Some of them charge less than I do. However, because they charge less, chances are they will be working under time constraints and equipment budgets which will severely limit their quality of work. Or, they will be less experienced. Don't be fooled. While cheaper photography may suffice for a median home, the high end properties you're marketing deserve high end photography and service.
What kind of camera do you have?
I have taken great pains to secure the most state of the art professional digital equipment available. The camera I use most often is capable of capturing over 16 Megapixels in resolution!
How fast can I get the photos?
Normally within 24 hours depending on the size of the job and the current workload. Please notify me upfront if you have any special needs.
How do I distribute the photos to my printers and advertisers?
I will supply you with an internet address where the hi resolution files can be downloaded. You can then simply supply this address to your printer. Alternatively, I can provide you with data CDs for just $8.00 each.
How long does a shoot take?
I've learned through experience that quality cannot be rushed. However, I've also learned that in some cases the property owner does not want to be inconvenienced by a long photo shoot. Working quickly, I can complete a six image shoot in about one and a half hours. More time usually improves the results however.
Do you do flyers or virtual tours?
No. However, be sure to check out my links page for information on related services.
What if the weather is bad?
Bad weather can be frustrating; especially with view properties. Please be aware, it is equally as important to me as it is to you that we achieve the best possible results. However, because I don't see the property before the scheduled shoot and I cannot evaluate the needs of your deadlines, I need to rely on you to make the call on the morning of the shoot. Please contact me at least 2 hours prior to the shoot in the event you decide to re-schedule.
How can I help prepare for the shoot?
There are a number of important things you can do to ensure the best possible results. Print out this handy checklist.
What is a property release and why do we need one?
The property release serves two functions:
a) When a photographer takes a photograph, he or she automatically becomes the Copyright owner of the photograph. This means that the photographer can control how the photograph is used. However, when a photograph contains information that can be considered private, such as the interior of a persons home, the property owner must grant permission for the photograph to be used commercially. Technically, the photographs cannot even be used for real estate advertising without such permission. This permission is commonly taken for granted, but I prefer to get it in writing for the protection of all parties involved.
b) My property release forms can stipulate that, as the Copyright owner, I cannot divulge the exact location of the property or the identity of the property owner to anyone interested in the photo. This is especially useful in cases where the property owner is a celebrity.
Why do you require a contract?
The purpose of my contract is to outline Copyright ownership and usage rights. It's industry standard text designed to eliminate any confusion which may arise down the line. For more information about these topics, see my links page.