FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Do I Schedule a Real Estate Photography Appointment?
Use the scheduling form on my website to view my current calendar and schedule an appointment. If you prefer to do things the old fashioned way, you can also call, text or email me. All of the relevant contact information is located on the Contact Page. The earlier you let me know of your need for real estate photos, the more convenient the appointment timing for you and your sellers.
How Much Notice Do You Need Prior to the Appointment Time?
Ideally, 2 – 3 days notice is enough advance to reserved your preferred date and time. If I have a cancellation, I can accommodate last minute requests, but that is rare. The more notice, the better. If you’re interested in a mid-day Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday appointment you may want to book early, as those tend to be the most popular times.
How Long will the Real Estate Photography Appointment Take?
It depends on the size of the home, but generally plan for the photography session to take one to two hours if you’re just ordering photography. Smaller homes take less time, usually around an hour, while larger homes (larger than 3000 square feet with many rooms) take between two and three hours. Why does it take so long? Rather than use quick run-and-gun techniques (that often produce cheap-looking results), I use a series of flashes carefully placed around each room to ensure the entire home is displayed as beautifully and well lit as possible. Light and bright, right? Because of this, some homes can be more challenging than others. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about an hour of photography time for each 1,500 square feet if furnished or 2,500 square feet if vacant.
When is the Best Time for Real Estate Photography?
While most appointments are made based on your availability and the availability of the sellers, there are a few times of the day that make for better photographs than others. West-facing homes are best photographed in the early afternoon while east-facing homes are best photographed in the morning. North-facing homes are best shot in the early morning before the sun gets too high in the sky. No matter the direction of the home, every home can benefit from being photographed during twilight.
I can use a contractors lockbox (the ones with an alphanumeric code) to access the home for a photography session with the homeowner’s permission. Unfortunately I cannot use the Realtor’s standard blue lockbox. Otherwise, you or the homeowner will need to be on site to let me in at the time of the appointment.
Who Needs to be at the Home During the Real Estate Photography Appointment?
I have several resources available to help you and your sellers prepare the home for the photography session. You can view the Preparing for Real Estate Photography page on my website. Or click here to download our handy Guide to Real Estate Photography Home Preparation.
How Can I Prepare the Home Prior to the Real Estate Photography Appointment?
I use a high-end Canon camera with a selection of wide-angle zoom and tilt-shift lenses. I also bring small flashes, strobes (really powerful flashes), flash stands, tripods, monopods, umbrellas, and a variety of other equipment to produce the best images possible and ensure all straight lines are perfectly straight.
What Equipment Do You Use?
Real estate photography sessions include a 24 hour turnaround, so expect to see your photos within 24 hours of the end of the photography appointment. For example, if you scheduled an appointment for 10am on Tuesday and it takes me one hour to photograph the home, you will have the processed images by 11am on Wednesday. I also offer a Same Day Rush service for an additional $150 rush fee.
When Will I Receive My Photos?
Traditionally I’ve delivered photos digitally through a Dropbox.com link. Inside that link, you will find at least two sets of images: one set of high quality images for printing on flyers or other print advertisements, and a second set specifically sized for you to upload to the local MLS. Lately, however, I’ve been experimenting with alternative, easier to use delivery options.
How Will I Receive My Photos?
If it rains, I can take photos of the home and produce very good results. I’ve actually photographed a few dozen homes in the rain and my clients were always pleased with the results. Photos of the interior are generally unaffected by poor weather, though visibility of ocean views will be obscured. In the event of extremely heavy rain, I will start by photographing the interior of the home with the hope the rain will subside by the time I am finished. Please monitor weather forecasts and notify me as soon as possible if you would like to reschedule due to rain.
What Do You Do If It Rains?
If you need to cancel and reschedule our real estate photography appointment for any reason, please call or text me at 714-712-0071 or email me at eric@ericnortonphotography.com as soon as possible. I reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee of $75 if the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment time.