FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For all shoots (including commercial/real estate jobs), your initial quoted price will include the shoot, full professional-grade digital development/editing of all photos (I do all development), and final delivery of your photos (via e-mail or Dropbox) in JPEG (or requested) format. Current (2019) prices for MLS listing shots are as follows: for up to 15 shots, the fee is $125. Sixteen to 20 shots are $150. I don't often recommend more than 25-30 pics for typical real estate listings...as a somewhat general rule, I've found that less is more in piquing a potential buyer's interest and in giving customers an effective, yet affordable, means of garnering true interest in their property. However, I will ALWAYS work to the customer's requests, especially if it truly is critical that additional shots are required, such as when the shoot is for a much larger property, you're looking for more close-up shots, etc. Your needs are always number one. As I'm often asked this question by agents, please note I have appropriate and top-notch gear for interior work. I employ a NIKON D-850, heavy-duty tripod, Nikkor wide-angle lenses (14mm - 24mm), 24mm - 70 mm lenses for closer shots, and powerful off-camera flash if needed. Note: A $25 fee may be applicable if travel exceeds 25 miles (from Lake in the Hills, IL).
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to get an idea about the customer's needs and precisely what they are looking for and hoping to accomplish with the shoot. One thing that I find to be extremely important is discussing with clients the importance of ensuring the property is ready for a shoot--i.e., it's neat, vibrant, and set up to reflect the 'feeling' they wish to convey about the property in question. I'm of course always willing to provide input at a shoot, and I love working with creative clients who take a very active approach to staging (i.e., they have a really clear vision about how they wish to represent the space). It makes a fun job (for me) that much more enjoyable.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Although I earned a Bachelor's of Science degree (Biology), I did spend a good amount of elective schoolwork on learning the finer points of photography from professionals during my college tenure. I didn't go to art school, but have been shooting since my teenage years.