Question 1

How far in advance should I book my real estate photography session?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 3-5 business days in advance to secure your preferred date and time. For busy seasons (spring and summer), booking 1-2 weeks ahead is advisable. For rush or last-minute bookings, please contact us directly to check availability.

Question 2

How long does a typical photoshoot take?

Accepted Answer

A standard residential property (up to 3,000 sq ft) typically takes 1-2 hours for photography only. Additional services like virtual tours, drone photography, or video will add time. Larger properties may require additional time. We'll provide a more specific estimate when you book based on your property details and selected services.

Question 3

Do I need to be present during the photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

It's not necessary for you to be present, but someone must provide access to the property. Many clients provide a lockbox code or arrange with their agent. If you do stay, we recommend staying out of the areas being photographed to ensure efficient workflow.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment may be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the service cost.

Question 5

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my exterior/drone photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

If weather conditions aren't suitable for exterior or drone photography (heavy rain, snow, or extreme overcast), we'll proceed with interior photos and reschedule the exterior portion at no additional cost. We'll monitor the forecast and communicate with you in advance if we anticipate weather issues.

Question 6

How should I prepare my home for a photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Preparation is key to great photos! We recommend thoroughly cleaning, decluttering, and staging your home before we arrive. Turn on all lights, open blinds, remove personal photos, hide trash bins and pet items, and ensure the exterior is presentable. For detailed preparation guidelines, check out our blog post on 'How to Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photo Shoot'.

Question 7

What equipment do your photographers use?

Accepted Answer

We use professional-grade DSLR cameras, wide-angle lenses, and professional lighting equipment to ensure the highest quality real estate photos.

Question 8

Can you photograph both interior and exterior of the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our standard packages include both interior and exterior photography to showcase your entire property.

Question 9

Do you offer twilight photography?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer twilight photography services for an additional fee. These dramatic dusk shots showcase your property with interior lights aglow against the evening sky. Twilight sessions must be scheduled around sunset times, which vary seasonally. Please inquire about availability when booking.

Question 10

Do real estate photos really help sell properties faster?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. According to industry studies, properties with professional photography sell up to 32% faster and often command higher selling prices than those with amateur photos.

Question 11

How quickly will I receive my photos?

Accepted Answer

Our standard turnaround time is 24-48 hours for photography. Virtual tours and videos typically take 48-72 hours. Rush delivery options are available for an additional fee. Your images will be delivered via a downloadable online gallery.

Question 12

How many photos will I receive?

Accepted Answer

Our standard package includes 25-30 professionally edited photos. Additional photos can be requested at an extra cost.

Question 13

Who owns the copyright to the photos?

Accepted Answer

Estate Shutter retains copyright ownership of all images. When you purchase our services, you receive a license to use the images for marketing the specific property for which they were taken. The standard license covers MLS listings, property websites, social media, and print materials related to selling that specific property.

Question 14

Is drone photography legal in residential areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our drone operators are fully licensed and insured in accordance with Transport Canada RPAS regulations. We obtain all necessary permissions before conducting aerial photography.

Question 15

What weather conditions are needed for drone photography?

Accepted Answer

We require relatively clear weather with minimal wind (under 20mph). Rain, snow, or high winds will require rescheduling for safety and quality purposes.

Question 16

How high can the drone fly to capture my property?

Accepted Answer

Our drones can fly up to 400 feet in altitude in accordance with Transport Canada RPAS regulations, which is typically more than enough to capture stunning aerial perspectives of your property.

Question 17

Do you provide both drone photos and videos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both aerial still photography and video services. These can be purchased separately or as part of a comprehensive package.

Question 18

How long does a drone photography session take?

Accepted Answer

A typical drone photography session takes 30-45 minutes for a standard residential property. Larger properties may require more time.

Question 19

Are there any properties that particularly benefit from drone photography?

Accepted Answer

Properties with large lots, acreage, waterfront locations, unique outdoor features, or those in scenic areas benefit tremendously from aerial perspectives.

Question 20

How long does it take to create a 3D virtual tour?

Accepted Answer

The scanning process typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the property size. The completed virtual tour is usually delivered within 24-48 hours after the scan.

Question 21

Can I share the virtual tour on social media or my website?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We provide you with an embed code and direct link that can be shared on any website, social media platform, emails, or text messages.

Question 22

How long will my virtual tour be available online?

Accepted Answer

Our standard package includes unlimited hosting for one year. Extended hosting is available for an additional fee.

Question 23

Do I need special equipment to view the virtual tour?

Accepted Answer

No, the virtual tours can be viewed on any device with internet access - computers, tablets, and smartphones. For VR experiences, a compatible headset is required.

Question 24

Can I have certain areas of my property excluded from the virtual tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can exclude specific areas per your request. Simply let our technician know which areas should not be scanned.

Question 25

Do you offer virtual staging?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer virtual staging services for empty properties. Our designers can digitally add furniture, décor, and accessories to show the potential of each space. Virtual staging is more cost-effective than physical staging and can be completed within 48-72 hours of the photoshoot.

Question 26

How realistic does virtual staging look?

Accepted Answer

Our digital staging uses advanced 3D rendering technology to create highly realistic results. Most viewers cannot distinguish between physical and virtual staging without comparison.

Question 27

What rooms can be virtually staged?

Accepted Answer

Any room can be virtually staged. The most common rooms are living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Question 28

Can you stage a property with existing furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer virtual renovation services where we can remove existing furniture and replace it with virtual furniture, or edit wall colors and flooring.

Question 29

How many design styles can I choose from?

Accepted Answer

We offer numerous design styles including modern, traditional, farmhouse, industrial, minimalist, mid-century modern, and more. Custom styles are also available.

Question 30

Do I need to disclose that the property has been virtually staged?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we recommend disclosing that the property has been virtually staged in your listing description to maintain transparency with potential buyers.

Question 31

Do you service my area?

Accepted Answer

We service London, Windsor, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas in Southwestern Ontario. For locations outside our standard service area, additional travel fees may apply. Please contact us to confirm availability for your location.

Question 32

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-transfers. For real estate agents and brokerages with established accounts, we offer net-15 or net-30 payment terms upon approval. Payment is due at the time of booking unless other arrangements have been made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & scheduling

Preparing your property

Delivery, files & licensing

Drone & aerial photography

3D virtual tours

Digital & virtual staging

Service areas & payment

Still Have Questions?