How should the property be prepared prior to being photographed?
From lighting to decluttering to exterior elements, our tips provide you with valuable information to prepare your property and guarantee that it is photography ready. These guidelines in our Picture-Perfect Presentation can be
downloaded here.
What do you charge for your photography services?
We offer several packages and options beginning at $95 for a basic photo package. Aerial photography, video tours, and brochures are among our offerings. A full
menu of services and prices are available for residential and commercial properties.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be requested online by completing our
online scheduling form or by calling
713-545-9177 for Houston appointments or
512-949-0988 for Austin appointments during business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. We recommend two to three days advance notice.
How long does a full photo shoot take?
A full photo shoot averages between 30 and 45 minutes. If you feel you need more time, we can always prorate the appointment time according to your needs.
What time is my appointment?
We will send a reconfirmation email 1 to 2 business days prior to the shoot. The reconfirmation email includes the exact appointment time in the subject line.
If you have a specific time request, let us know when you are booking the appointment.
Why is the direction the front of the property faces important?
We want to capture the front exterior when the sun is shining on the front of the property. Below is the best time of day to photograph based on the direction the front faces:
- East – Morning
- West – Afternoon
- South – All day
- North – Does not get direct sunlight. Unfortunately, on sunny days the front will shadow itself. A dusk shoot or overcast day is ideal for north-facing properties.
How many pictures should be taken?
It depends on your preference. There are many factors that will determine the selection. The photographer can help you decide how many photos are needed at the shoot if you are not sure.
How and when do I pay?
We accept credit card or check. If you prefer to pay with a credit card, please be sure to call the office at
713-545-9177 with the card number prior to the shoot to guarantee the appointment. The credit card will be charged the day after the appointment. If paying by check, a check can be given to the photographer at the shoot. The photographer will provide the correct amount for the photos. Photos will not be released without payment.
What if I cannot meet the photographer?
Great news: We can enter on combo or Supra. Please be sure to provide the combo number the day prior to the shoot. If the home is on Supra, we will need the CBS Code. Since we are an affiliate HAR member, not a licensed Realtor, there is one extra step for us to enter the property, which is the CBS code.
A CBS code is registered to every Supra box and can easily be obtained through the eKEY app. Follow the steps below or on the attached PDF.
eKEY App Instructions:
- Log in to your eKEY app from your smartphone or tablet device. Click on the Inventory icon and select the serial number of the Supra you need the CBS code for. This will open the Keybox Details. Click Edit at the bottom of the screen. Then swipe the button next to Require CBS so you see it turn green; this will show the CBS code to the Supra box.
If you do not have the eKEY app, you can email us the serial number to the Supra box that is on the property and HAR will provide us with the code.
IMPORTANT:
- We will need to know if there is a gate code, alarm, pets, etc., prior to the photo shoot.
- If you have any specific angle requests or rooms to photograph, be sure to let the office know.
How do I select my photos?
Both Residential and Commercial clients have the opportunity to select the images at the photo shoot with the photographer, or can opt to receive a contact sheet via email. Contact sheets contain all unedited photos and are sent the morning of the next business day.
Residential clients are eligible for same day editing if the selection is made by the time stated in the email subject line; otherwise photos will be edited the next business day following receipt of selection. If no selection is made at the photo shoot or by contact sheet, the photographer will select the photos.
Commercial clients will receive the photos within 1 week upon selection of photos.
When will I receive my photos?
For Residential clients, photos will be ready the next business day after selection of photos is made. Commercial clients will receive photos within 1 week upon receipt of selection. We will send you a Dropbox link via email. The link includes both the high-resolution photos for your brochures and marketing material, as well as the correct size for MLS, email, and web.
As a reminder, we are closed on the weekend; therefore, photos taken on Friday will be ready on Monday.
Do you upload to the MLS?
Applicable to Houston agents onlyYes, we will check the MLS after the photos are edited.
This service is offered free of charge.
If the listing is:
- Active with no photos: We will upload our photos to your listing.
- Active with photos: We will ask if it is okay to replace them when we send you the Dropbox link.
- Incomplete: If you provide the MLS number, we can load the photos.
- Inactive: Please call or email the office when the listing goes live and we will upload the photos for you.
What if I need to contact someone the day of my dusk photo shoot?
You can contact the office anytime by calling
713-545-9177 or by emailing
[email protected] during business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Dusk appointment times are seasonal and occur after hours during spring and summer months. If you have any questions regarding your appointment and it is after close of business, please contact the photographer directly. Their name and phone number is listed on the reconfirmation email that is sent 1 to 2 business days prior to your appointment.
What if the weather is bad?
We can reschedule the shoot to the next available date at no charge. If you prefer to keep the appointment, we can photograph the interiors of the home; we will then reschedule the exteriors, at no charge, for when we are in the area. We will only charge $5 for any additional photos taken, which is the same price as if they were taken at the original photo shoot. If you need the exteriors taken on a certain date and time, there is a return shot fee of $50 + tax that includes 1 image.
It is best to reschedule if the main selling point of the property or unit is the views.
What if I need to cancel?
There is no cancellation fee if you notify us the day before the photo shoot. For same day cancellations of daytime shoots, there is a $50 fee. For same day cancellations of dusk shoots, there is a $125 fee.
Do you charge a drive time fee?
We cover a majority of the Houston, Austin, and surrounding area; however, a drive time fee may be applicable to locations that are not typically covered. This includes, but is not limited to: Galveston, East Texas, the Hill Country, etc. Please view our
Houston coverage map or
Austin coverage map.