Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just take my own photos?
Today’s smart-phone cameras are better than ever, and with a skilled user and a little patience they can do a pretty good job. But in today’s competitive market, “pretty good” might not be good enough. With dozens of realtors and thousands of properties out there, presenting your property at its best is essential to attracting prospects and maximizing value. If you don’t do it, someone else will.
What’s the difference between amateur and pro photos?
The lens on a phone camera has too narrow a field of view for interior spaces. This results in rooms looking smaller than they actually are, and makes smaller rooms nearly impossible to show (such as bathrooms). The narrow field of view forces the photographer to shoot “down” and this makes the room look even smaller. Another common issue is low dynamic range, which means either that the shadows are overly dark, or that the windows are overly bright. This can be especially important if the property has an attractive view. We use high-dynamic range techniques and color correction to show rooms more as a visitor would experience them.
How long will it take?
It can vary widely depending on the property and the number of facilities. The typical shoot will take about an hour, while a small condo may only take 20 minutes, and a large house with many facilities will take a few hours or more. For properties that have an attractive garden or outside appearance, we recommend an extended shooting time to include evening light for highest appeal.
How to make a property photo ready?
Make it as clean and uncluttered as possible. Remove unneeded appliances or packages from counter tops, put all toilet seats down, clean windows and mirrors, straighten curtains, and so on. If possible, put a table setting on the dining room table, or some decorative element.
Do you have to be present at a shoot?
It is not required, as long as you’ve arranged for us to access the property, but if you wish to attend that is fine too. Just be ready to constantly move out of view as we move through the property trying to be as efficient as possible.
When will you get the photos?
Generally speaking we will deliver photos on the next day, as it takes several hours for us to review and retouch the raw images to professional quality. Photos are delivered online for you to download.
How is payment handled?
Payment can be made either at the shoot, or by bank transfer after reviewing a “watermarked” preview of the finished photos.
When should you schedule?
Contact us at least the day before to schedule a shoot, with correct address, time, and any info needed to access the property. We are flexible according to your convenience, but generally prefer afternoons or evenings. Contact us today to discuss how to get the best results for your needs.