Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you OFFER a free trial photo shoot?
A. yes
Q. How many photographers are available?
A. There is only myself, however I do collaborate with other local professional photographers, whereby we help cover each other in the event of sickness or holiday coverage, however over the last few years I have never not been able to personally fulfil any commissioned assignments, as i’m really sick & also only take holiday leave during the quieter periods of the year.
Q. Can I/we trust a third party supplier with my vendors house keys?
A. Having handled keys for thousands of properties you can remain confident that they will not get lost and will be returned promptly, also i have more than adequate public liability insurance to cover any losses. However It’s my reputation and the long term relationship with you that will guarantee no problems in this area.
Q. How will I/we know that you've left a property securely locked up?
A. I will only usually unlock the front and back door to gain access to the garden, therefore reducing the chance of not securing the property. If however any doors or windows are open/unlocked when i arrive I will contact you to seek your instructions before leaving the property. If requested a video record of the locking up & securing of a property upon completion of the assignment can then be supplied as confirmation for you and/or your client for peace of mind.
Q. Do you offer ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES?
A. No, as I am a specialist professional photographer/videographer, so I can retain focus on my specific skills, after all a professional racing car driver doesn’t change his own tyres. That way he can stay highly focused on his job on his skill of wining races, just like I can stay focused on obtaining exceptional images for your marketing.
Q. Will you help the vendor tidy up and move items out of the way for the photographs?
A. Prior to the photo shoot I will communicate with your client via email (subject to their email being supplied) with directions in preparing & presenting their property in readiness for the photo shoot. I will happily direct vendors in what they need to move out of the way, but don't have the time to do this for them. However if it’s a small item or straightening a pillow, then of course I will.
Experience has shown me that Agents that equally advice their clients what needs to be cleared prior to the appointment, along with my own recommendations & reminders are always the ones that generally are the most well presented in readiness for the photo shoot.
Q. If a property hasn’t been presented properly can you photoshop out the offending items?
A. Yes, however photoshopping out complex items that should have been moved is a lengthly process, so there maybe a charge for this service as per my terms of business.
Q. What if my client or I want to provide a copy of the images for their keepsake?
A. By all means you can forward a copy to them if you wish, however be warned that if they end up dis-instructing you & going with another agent they may end up thinking they can use the images that you’ve previously paid for. Therefore I always advice if it’s something you want to offer, to only supply them with a copy upon a successfully fee payment from them by way of a fee earning completion.
Q. Will I/we be charged if a client cancels OR RESCHEDULES an appointment?
A. Please read my full terms & conditions for rescheduled & cancellation fees & when they become payable.
Q. How do I/we pay you?
A. Please read my full terms & conditions for when invoices are submitted and payment receipt due.
Q. What if I/we wanted our client to pay your fee?
A. No problem, just ensure your client is aware of the charge (client fees are +50% of your fee i.e. £100.00 is £150.00 for a direct client) payment can be accepted in cash, bank transfer or via PayPal at the time of the appointment or prior to delivery. It is important that you quote the correct fee for direct payments from your client, otherwise the shortfall will need to be paid by yourself, the agent.
Q. WHY IS THE CLIENT FEE MORE THAN THE FEE I PAY YOU?
A. You receive a competitive fee due to the multiple jobs that you regularly provide, whereas a client direct is a one off job. If they came direct to me then the fee is generally +100% of your fee, therefore your client does benefit from a 50% reduction, compared to commissioning me directly.
Q. Do you carry out appointments AT THE WEEKEND?
A. Yes, but there is very limited availability, I strongly advise that when possible ALL shoots are conducted Monday to Friday, when there is less likely to be distractions of family members & children at home etc. If an appointment is required on a weekend then an additional fee is payable, depending whether a Saturday or Sunday is required as per my terms & conditions.
Q. How quickly can you deliver the photographs?
A. I can’t guarantee delivery the same day, as the images will require editing & this is usually carried out the late afternoon/evening on the day of the photo shoot. Delivery is then often available by 9am the following weekday morning. However if the property is of an exceptional condition/style & maybe additional services were requested like a floorplan, this may take up to 48-72hrs to deliver, because I believe a little more time creating quality images helps with you obtaining increased interest from prospective buyers & equally future sellers. If a property is extremely urgent, then I can rush this through, however the quality maybe somewhat reduced.
Q. Will I own the copyright of the photographs?
A. No, as with all forms of photography both professional or amateur, the photographer who captures an image always retains the copyright. You are provided with an allowance to use the images to use in marketing the property, along with using them in any way to market your business.