Real Estate Photography Q&A (see the Pricing page on my website for costs)
Q: How much time do you require for doing a photo shoot?
A: I work quickly. If the home is properly prepared (photo-ready), a 2,000 sf home can usually be photographed within 30 minutes. This includes both the inside and outside. That can scale up for larger homes, an extensive lot and landscaping, other features and amenities such as garages, pools, outbuildings, etc., or lack of proper home preparation. Drone photos take longer as well.
Q: When can I expect to receive the finished photos and virtual tour?
A: By 5 pm the day following the photo session (even if a weekend)
Q: What if I need the photos sooner than that?
A: For an additional fee, I will have your photos ready by noon the following day.
Q: What will I receive after a photo shoot?
A: You will receive an email with a link to download your still photo package from my Dropbox. There is also a video tutorial to help you with that. There are two URLs for the virtual tour. One is branded with your agent photo and broker logo. The other is non-branded and ready to be copied into MLS.
Q: Do I pay you when you take the photos?
A: It is not required, but if you wish to pay up front, that's great! I just can't process a credit card transaction at the shoot. Typically, I email an invoice which the agent can pay online with a credit card or snail-mail a check.
Q: How long is the virtual tour active?
A: It will remain active as long as your listing is active. Once the home sells or the listing expires, please notify me to delete the virtual tour so it doesn't remain active on various real estate websites.
Q: Do I have to meet you when you do the photo shoot?
A: I prefer that you do whenever possible, but if it is not convenient, I can do the shoot without you being there as long as you can be reached by phone in case questions come up.
Q: Are you licensed to operate a drone for aerial photography?
A: Yes. To operate an unmanned aircraft system ( UAS ) or drone, for business purposes, the operator is required to have a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. Without that certificate, the operator (and probably both the agent and broker) may be subject to fines of $1,100 or more by the FAA. I have that certificate.
Q: Do I own the photos after I pay for them?
A: Great question and often misunderstood. Copyright law can be confusing. The photographer owns the copyright. Your payment is for a license to use the photos for as long as you are the listing agent and the listing remains active. Once that period ends, the license expires. If you wish to own the copyright, you may negotiate with the photographer for an assignment of ownership document.
Custom Floor Plan Q&A (see the Pricing page on my website for costs)
Q: How much time do you require for doing a floor plan
A: It takes about an hour to diagram a 2,000 sf home. This includes the area covered by the assessor's figure. If you wish to have other areas included in the floor plan (such as unfinished basements, porches, detached garages, pools, outbuildings, etc.), that will take additional time.
Q: When can I expect to receive the finished floor plan?
A: In 3-4 calendar days from the day of the measurement appointment (sometimes sooner depending on my workload).
Q: What if I need the floor plan sooner than that?
A: For an additional fee, I will have your floor plan ready within 2-3 calendar days (sometimes sooner depending on my workload).
Q: What will I receive after a floor plan session?
A: You will receive an email with multiple attachments. The plan rendering will be in both branded and non-branded versions. Each will also be provided in a JPG and PDF format. So, you will typically receive 4 attachments within the email. If the floor plan is very large, it may be presented on multiple pages (so that each can print legibly on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper). The branded version will contain your name and contact info. The non-branded version will not.
Q: Do I pay you when you take the measurements?
A: It is not required, but if you wish to pay up front, that's great! I just can't process a credit card transaction at the appointment. Typically, I email an invoice which the agent can pay online with a credit card or snail-mail a check.
Q: If I have you also do photography and a virtual tour, will the floor plan appear on the tour?
A: Yes!
Q: Do I have to meet you when you do the measurements?
A: I prefer that you do whenever possible, but if it is not convenient, I can do the measurements without you being there as long as you can be reached by phone in case questions come up. Due to the length of time I require for drawing and measurements, you may wish to meet me at the home and leave after I get started and return later, or leave me instructions as to how I can lock up for you.
Q: Do I own the floor plan renderings after I pay for them?
A: Great question! Copyright law can be confusing. The architect owns the copyright. Your payment is for a license to use the floor plans for as long as you are the listing agent and the listing remains active. If you wish to own the copyright, you may negotiate with the architect for an assignment of ownership document.