Specifics about the shoot:

When is the best time to book a shoot?

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 which is available for an additional cost.

How much notice do I need for a booking?

We can book out as far as a month in advance but we would like to have at least 3 days’ notice. Any time frame less than that we cannot guarantee a time slot but we will do our best to accommodate.

How long will the shoot take?

The amount of time it takes varies based on the property’s size.

Generally, prepare for about an hour. Nevertheless, expect additional times for larger buildings, homes, or properties.

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

Who retains the copyright for the images?

We retain the copyright to the images unless special arraignments are made and additional licensing fees are paid. Our package prices do NOT include anything more than MLS usage licensing, and related social media. The Agent/Client will have the right to reprint all images furnished in unlimited media (print, web, video, e-mail) to market the property in any manner for one year or until the property closes, whichever comes first. After that period, images must be relicensed or a new shoot ordered. And after a year, you probably need a reshoot anyway.

To be very clear, only the original client is licensed to use the images, and that license is non-transferable. If the client is a homeowner and later decides to hire an agent, that agent would need to re-license the images for them to use them. Agents may not transfer the license of images to another listing agent without relicensing fees.

What are your responsibilities for getting a property image ready?

Please note that we expect the property to be photo-ready for the time you set your appointment. If we must wait longer than 1/2 hour (30 minutes) after that set time at a site for it to be prepared (or to be let into the property), we add a $25 fee; if we must wait an hour, $50; two hours or longer, or if the shoot is entirely canceled, a $100 fee will be assessed. We reserve the exclusive right to kill the shoot after one hour or more of waiting, at our sole digression. Late or cancel/kill fees must be paid in full before a new date will be scheduled.

Does Home Sold do any staging?

No. We do photography only. If a property is not staged when we arrive, we will either shoot as it is or come back for a later shoot depending on the Agent’s call. Reshoots may invoke a reschedule fee. 

We would be happy to connect you with some staging experts we love working with!

Would you be willing to shoot a headshot for me?

Yes, we love offering headshots to realtors, and I am happy to do this for you…. just not during a real estate shoot. Any pictures beyond the scope of real estate photography will not be shot while shooting a home. If you need a headshot, I would be happy to schedule a time for that in a studio, not in a location. I do not carry the necessary lighting equipment when shooting a home to also shoot portraits. Charges start at $250 for a single headshot, with discounts for 10 or more headshots.

When will I receive my pictures?

Photos will be delivered within 24-48 hours after the photoshoot. If you need a rush, please let us know. 24 hour or less delivery is available for a $25 rush fee.

When and how are photos delivered?

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

Photos are delivered via an easily downloadable online gallery and sent to your email.

How will I receive notice that my images are ready?

You’ll receive an email from us. Photos will be delivered within two days after the photoshoot. If you need a rush, please let us know. Rush orders are $25 to deliver within a 24-hour window.

What if I have special instructions or things I’d like highlighted?

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

What if the weather isn’t the best for the shoot?

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

What do we do in the case of rain?

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 reschedule the photo shoot.

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

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 $50. If we show up to a property and can’t get in or the agent or seller cancels the shoot, we will charge $50 + 50% of the quoted amount.

Drone Questions:

How high do you fly the drone when doing aerial photography and videography?

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

What is included in drone photography?

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.