Real Estate Photos & Video FAQ

Do you film in High Definition?

Yes. It’s vital to us, and we ensure our clients’ 100% satisfaction with our real estate photography services through high-quality, top-notch real estate photos. We’ll take pictures and feature your property the way you want it.

Do you do HDR Photography?

Yes, our photo is edited in High Dynamic Range, resulting in clear and sharp images. All of our packages include HDR images.

How high do you fly when doing aerial drone photos or videos?

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

What's included in the Aerial Drone Photo Package?

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.

What's included in the Aerial Drone Video Package?

There are several different ways to accomplish drone video. The typical drone video is 1 minute to 2 minutes long, flying over the property, showing its layout. We can also create an animated video with video notations that feature elements of the property.

Does anyone need to be at the home for the appointment?

We can use a contractor’s lockbox/Supra to enter the home for a photography session with the homeowner’s permission. Unless you or the homeowner needs to be on-site to allow use in at the appointment time.

Can the homeowners/residents be home during the photo/video session??

Absolutely. It’s your seller’s home, so if they are free to hang out while we are doing photography, it’s terrific. However, we can produce better photos during the limited time we are on the property when distractions are minimal. Whether you or the seller are on-site, it would be great if you ensure all staging and cleaning is done before the appointment. Also, please keep all children and pets away from equipment during the appointment.

Is it okay if a home is not furnished?

Generally, homes are generally more attractive if they are furnished or staged before the photography session. However, we can take photos of an empty house.

However, it is highly encouraged that you hire a home stager if the home’s vacant. At least, try to stage essential rooms like the master bedroom, bathrooms, the living room, and the kitchen.

If needed, we can do digital staging. Please ask for a quote on digital staging.

Do you upload photos to the MLS for me?

We do not have a real estate license, and we cannot do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What usage rights do I have for the media with my purchase?

For residential real estate agents with your purchase you are granted permanent, non-transferable usage rights to the media that we produce for you. This means that you can use the media for your listing, personal brand/marketing, or social media. However, you are not permitted to sell, give, or transfer the media to others without our express written permission. If a third-party is interested in purchasing or using the media, they must contact FPM. Full Package Media is the owner of the copyright of all media produced.

Most other companies only allow you to use media while the listing is active, we go above and beyond by giving you much more extended usage rights compared to our competitors!

Below are some common scenarios and how the usage rights apply:

You can:
- Use the media for your listing on MLS
- Use the media on sites like Zillow or Realtor.com
- Use the media on your personal or business social media accounts
- Send the media to a graphic designers to make a flyer for your listing
- Use the media for an end of the year social media post showcasing the homes that you sold throughout the year
- Reuse the photos if the home goes off the market then comes back on the market as long as you are still the listing agent
  - Note: Some MLS policies state that photos can only be used for a certain period of time before they must be retaken. Consult the MLS board that you are apart of for polices, rules, or guidelines.
- Give the photos to the homeowner who is selling the house for keep-sake or memory purposes.
You can not:
- Give, sell, or transfer the media to another home-services provider like the roofing company, cleaning service, stager, window company or others
- Give, sell, or transfer the media to another real estate agent (including the buyer’s agent), even if you no longer have the listing
- Give, sell, or transfer the media to the buyer of the home
- Give, sell, or transfer the media to the homeowner’s who are selling the house if they intend to use the media to rent out or use the photos for any commercial purpose
- Sell the media to anyone
- Claim the media as something that you produced

For commercial photography clients (not residential estate agents) our media rights are different, contact us for more information.

Can I transfer the media to another agent?

Media (photos, videos, 3D tours, or anything else produced by FPM) can only be transferred to another agent by FPM staff with permission of the original agent. To transfer media, contact our customer service staff. For more information about the usage rights you get with your purchase, click here.

A few things to note about media transfers:

There will be a cost to transfer the media, this must be paid by the agent receiving the media
The original purchaser of the usage rights will no longer be able to use or have access to the media

Is Gogotoftw licensed to fly drones?

We are required to be certified drone pilots through the FAA. Photographers go through FAA training first to obtain their Part 107 certification and then go through an extensive training process with FPM to learn how to safely operate the drones and capture great media!

Photographers also obtain real-time airspace authorization from the FAA prior to each and every flight.

When is the best time to get real estate photos?

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.

How long will the real estate photos/video appointment take?

Here are some additional factors that can influence the time it takes to do a real estate photoshoot:

Interior vs. Exterior: If the property has both, it will take longer.
Number of Rooms: More rooms mean more time to set up and capture each space.
Lighting Conditions: Poor lighting might require additional time for setup and adjustments.
Complexity of the Property: Unique architectural features or staging can increase the time needed.
Client Requests: Specific requests for angles, shots, or virtual tours can extend the shoot time.
Weather Conditions: Outdoor shoots can be delayed or shortened due to rain, snow, or extreme heat.

To ensure a smooth and efficient photoshoot, here are some tips for clients:

Prepare the Property: Tidy up, declutter, and remove personal items.
Good Lighting: Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
Accessibility: Ensure easy access to all areas of the property.
Clear Communication: Discuss your specific needs and expectations with the photographer.

By considering these factors and following these tips, you can help to streamline the photoshoot process and achieve the best possible results.

How are the photos delivered?

Photos/Videos are delivered via an online gallery through Dropbox and sent to your email.

How will I be notified once my real estate photos are ready?

Photos/Videos are delivered via an online gallery through Dropbox and sent to your email.

What if there are unfavorable weather conditions on the day my shoot is scheduled?

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 do the interior photos and do the exterior pictures on another day.

#3 – We can reschedule the photoshoot.

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

What if I have to cancel or reschedule?

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 $75. If we show up to a property and can’t get in or the agent or seller cancels the shoot, we will charge $75 + 50% of the quoted amount.

Preparation for Real Estate Photo/Video Session

What Should We Do to Prepare the Home for the Photoshoot?

At a minimum, the house should look clean and organized.
Decluttering countertops go along way in making a home look open and inviting.
Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can also make the house look cleaner.
Perhaps most important, check to ensure every light fixture in the home turns on with a working light bulb.

Typical Photo Shoot List (in order)

3 or 4 Photos in front of the property
1 or 2 Photos Entrance
3 or 4 Photos Living room
1 or 3 Photos of the Dining room
2 or 4 Photos Kitchen
1 or 2 Photo Hallway Bathroom
2 or 2 Photos of the Primary Bedroom
2 or 3 Photos of the Primary Bedroom
1 or 2 All other Bedrooms
1 or 2 Hallway Bathroom
4 or 8 Photos of the backyard

Exterior Checklist

Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.
Freshen up landscaping.
Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.
Remove dead plants, trees, etc.
Sweep outdoor space and walkways.
Remove visible foliage from the roof and gutters.
Spread fresh mulch.
Remove debris, hose, and toys from the pool.
Store outdoor trash and recycling bins – it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.
Store garden hoses and caddy.
Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.
Store toys, bikes, etc.
Store BBQ and accessories or clean it.
Wash windows and glass doors.
Clean outdoor furniture.
Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.
Straighten outdoor furniture.
Store seasonal decor.
Mow the grass, rake up leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.

Interior Checklist

Clear all countertops and remove clutter.
Depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.
Turn off fans; store portable fans.
Clean mirrors and windows.
Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.
Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.
Display attractive books, magazines, etc.
Store remote controls and chargers.
Straighten furniture.
Hide electrical cords and cables.
Store toys and video games.
Store seasonal decor.
Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.
Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

Kitchen Checklist

Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.
Store food.
Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.
Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.
Clean surfaces and appliances.
Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.
Store draining racks.
Organize open shelves.
Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.

Living Areas Checklist

Minimize photos and personal items.
Organize bookshelves.
Minimize knick-knacks.
Set tables with simple place settings.
Remove excess furniture and accessorie

Bedrooms Checklist

Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.
Arrange decorative pillows.
Store clothing and shoes.
Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.
Remove all clutter.
Tidy master closets.
Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.
Remove laundry and stow hampers.

Bathrooms Checklist

Close toilet lids.
Remove countertop items.
Remove bath and shower items.
Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.
Store towels.
Store soaps and candles.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Ensure their cleanliness.
Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.

Terms & Agreements

If full payment has been made, you have the right to use the products, and it means you agree that the right to use the products has been given ONLY to you. You agree that you cannot transfer, assign or sublicense your rights to use the products, the photographs, video, or other kinds of media included therein to anyone without the copyright holder’s written permission.

Your rights allow you to use our photographs, videos, and other media for marketing purposes. However, your Rights do not authorize third parties to display, copy, or distribute our work to provide services competitive with our products unless our written permission allows you. For real estate, these rights are valid without limits, as long as you have the listing. If you no longer have the listing, the rights to use the products are also gone.

If someone asks you about your rights to the products, you would need to refer them to us. If we allow others to use our products, an additional licensing fee may be necessary.