Service Policies and Terms

For Residential Real Estate Photography

  • Regarding the Corona Virus and other respiratory health risks:

    For the protection of your health and ours, in addition to following COVID-19 Safety Protocols, we are asking that no one other than the photographer be present at the home during the photoshoot. We are members of CMLS, have a Supra key, and carry a 1 million dollar liability policy for worry-free property access and your peace of mind.

    Homes will be shot as-is, with nothing in the home moved by the photographer, however, if our checklist is closely followed, the resulting photos will be great!

    These precautions will apply to all future appointments. Thank you, stay safe, and we look forward to assisting you with your business during these trying times.

    • The Photoshoot

  • As a member of the Columbia CMLS, we have lockbox key access, and can offer Agents and Homeowners the convenience of not having to take time out their busy schedule to provide access to the property.
  • Our “Pro Shoot” real estate photography process provides magazine quality images that include front and rear exteriors, and interiors for all major rooms such as kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, den, study, master bedroom, master bath, and other bedrooms.
  • Unless otherwise directed, priority will be given to taking images that will showcase architectural details and interior or exterior views of things like lakes, streams, oceans, mountains, pools, outdoor kitchens, etc.
  • Images of Half-Baths, Powder rooms, Small Bathrooms, Utility rooms or Garages are not recommended unless they contain features of architectural significance or a uniqueness that adds great value to the property, and will not be given priority unless you give us direction otherwise.

Preparing For The PhotoShoot

  • Properly preparing and staging/styling before the photographer arrives for the photoshoot is vital! Please do not plan to prepare for photos during the photoshoot – due to health safety concerns heightened by Corona Virus and other infectious diseases, we will no longer provide hands-on assistance with photo styling. All homes will be shot as-is, with no one other than the photographer present during the shoot.
  • Prior to the photo session, we will provide a copy of our “How To Prepare Your Home For A Photoshoot” checklist for the property owner. Please follow this checklist to ensure the best possible photographic result.
  • A positive buyer response to the images produced is highly dependent on how well the checklist is followed.

Scheduling / Availability

  • Appointments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. While every effort is made to accommodate your needs, scheduling will be more successful with as much advance notice as possible. Five business days is preferred, as that gives the homeowner time to prepare for photos and gives you the best window for scheduling. The photo session generally takes 1 hour for the first 1000 square feet and 30 minutes per additional 1000 square feet. Large home sites and/or sites with multiple exterior features will add time depending on number of features and site size. Additional services will also add time depending on services requested.

Turn-Around Time

  • Photos are optimized for use with MLS, Virtual Tours (to your tour specs if using another tour in addition to the one we provide), and print media, and will be delivered in a DropBox folder via a link emailed to you within 2 business days. Video products may take up to 3 business days or longer, depending on the product ordered.

Pets

  • During the appointment time, please make sure pets are kept in an area that is not to be photographed.

Cancellation / Rescheduling Policy

  • We understand the fluctuating demands that the real estate business can bring and we try to be as flexible as possible. If cancellation or rescheduling is necessary, please give us 24 hours notice. Appointments that are not canceled or rescheduled 24 hours or more prior to the appointment are subject to a $75 cancellation charge.
  • Properties that have not been adequately prepared for the photoshoot may also be subject to a rescheduling fee.

Rain / Weather Delay

  • Rain /Snow /Sleet will result in poor quality exterior photos and in case of inclement weather on the date of your appointment, we will reschedule the exterior session and continue with the interior session with the exception of any exterior views from the interior that are better taken on a clear day.
  • Appointment delays due to weather will not be subject to a cancellation fee. In the event of poor weather conditions or the prospect of less than ideal conditions for providing quality photos, we will offer an alternative appointment time for exterior photos and views at no additional charge.

Copyright and License

  • Photo copyright is owned by the photographer and a license will be provided to you for your usage only. Transfer of License to any third party and/or any type of usage of the images by any third party, including but not limited to other agents or brokers, architects, builders, stagers, designers, home owners, or home buyers, is not permitted unless approved in writing by the photographer.
  • A license for a Real Estate Agent and / or Broker, allows use of the images only by that Agent and/or Broker, for any and all marketing associated with the photographed real estate listed by the agent and/or broker for the duration of the active listing period of the property until it’s date of closing. Should the listing expire or if it is withdrawn from the market prior to expiration or closing, the usage license becomes void as of the date of expiration or withdrawal from the market.
  • A License for a Home Owner / Property Owner, allows for use of the images by that Home Owner / Property Owner only, for any and all marketing associated with the photographed property for the duration of the active selling period of the property until it’s date of closing or withdrawal from the market.
  • Images may never be distributed or sold to any third parties, including but not limited to other agents or brokers, architects, builders, stagers, designers, home owners, or home buyers for use in any way unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Photographer.
  • Licenses for commercial uses other than marketing real estate are customized according to, but not limited to, how, where, and how long the images are to be used.
  • The Photographer reserves the right to use any and all images, in any media, for purposes of promoting the Photographer and/or Photographer’s business unless prior written agreement has been otherwise made.
  • By scheduling a photoshoot or other services, customer agrees to the above policies and terms.

Photo Retention Period

  • We will retain photos on our computer system for up to 1 year beyond the date of expiration or withdrawal of a photographed property.
  • If the agent originally licensed to use the photos re-lists the property within the retention period, we will provide a link to the photos and a new license for that agent to use the photos at no additional charge. Use of the retained photos may not include the re-use of ancillary services without additional charge.
  • We reserve the right to re-license the use of our retained copyrighted photos for a fee that is commensurate with the rate of the requested service.