Shoot Agreement and Prep Requirements

Prepping for photography, not only the property but also those involved in the shoot day is paramount.  This will allow the shoot to move along as quickly as possible, make for the highest quality images, and make the shoot a more relaxed experience.

Prep of a property needs to be completed before the shoot begins. Extensive prepping or styling can not be done during the shoot. Prepping or cleaning that delays the shoot will be considered billable time at up to 50% of the total shoot fee. Our goal is to move as quickly and efficiently as possible so we can complete the shoot and get you your images right away - normal 24hr turn-around.

Matterport Virtual Walk-Throughs ABSOLUTELY require that the entire property is "camera ready", we can not move items in any room during the image captures, and we can not move boxes or other items from room to room as we shoot. People and pets must be cleared of the entire property while the captures are made. People must be clear of windows. If the property can not be made ready to this degree we will not be able to capture a tour. 

We’ll arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled call time, and we suggest that those responsible for the property do the same.  Arrival of more than 30 minutes late by an agent or owner (unless this will be an unattended shoot), or cancellation upon our arrival will be considered a canceled shoot and billed at 75% of the full rate.  Shoots canceled with less than 24 hours notice may be billed at 50% of the total shoot fee.

Parking fees if any are also the responsibility of the agent / owner and will be billed along with the job (receipt will be included).

Shooting a property without an agent on site during the shoot is fine, we do it all the time. However, an unattended shoot leaves the specific shot angles and number of shots up to the photographer unless specifically discussed before the day of the shoot. If the seller and or agent wishes to be involved with the shoot this is fine, and we encourge it. If you would like to collaborate on and approve each shot as we shoot this is fine too, but you must remain at the location and be available at all times.  Failure to do so will be considered a shoot delay.

Shoot cost is based on a single visit to the location. Additional visits (to capture additional exterior views, if construction or cleaning is not complete, if occupants are not prepared for the shoot, etc.) are charged as an additional location visit at $50.00 plus per shot fees.

By hiring YoungStudios to photograph your property you agree to the above terms.

 

General Prep Work:

  • Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.  Large amounts of furniture and decorations do not generally photograph well and can distract from the homes features.
  • Pick up throw rugs and runners in entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms so that the floor can be clearly seen.
  • Wash the windows (or have them washed).
  • Vacuum and/or mop the floors.
  • Replace all burned out light bulbs both inside and outside the house.
  • Electricity must be on, all outlets working, and we must have access to the fuse / breaker box.
  • Personal items such as mail, prescriptions, purses, or wallets will not be handled in anyway. If they are present in a room they will be photographed unless moved by the responsible party.
  • It is suggested the pets NOT be present during the shoot. Doors may be left open and we can not be responsible for their safety.

Home Exterior:

  • Remove all cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles etc. from the driveways and do not park directly in front of the house.
  • Move garbage and recycling cans out of sight.
  • Remove all garden tools, hoses, and clutter.
  • Pick up after your pets. 
  • Mow the grass, rake up leaves and debris, pull weeds and remove any dead vegetation.
  • If you are feeling ambitious, plant some fresh flowers in empty planters and pots.
  • Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios.

Swimming Pools and Spas:

  • Make sure they are clean.  Sweep dirt off the bottom and skim off the debris floating on top. 
  • Remove the cover, pool sweep, floating chlorine dispenser and pool toys.
  • Straighten lounge chairs, put away cleaning tools, and set up the patio umbrella if you have one.
  • Turn on pool light(s), waterfalls and spa bubbles.

Living & Family Room:

  • Remove newspapers and magazines and put away books.
  • Tuck the remote controls in a draw to get them out of sight.
  • Conceal exposed cables and cords as best that you can.
  • Remove clutter, personal photos, the kids toys, etc. from bookshelves, tables and the floor.
  • Dust and vacuum.  Dust can show in a photograph.
  • Wash any glass surfaces including table tops, cabinet doors and windows.  Smudges and dirt on glass will be noticeable in the photographs.
  • Straighten pillows and throws.

Bedrooms:

  • Make the beds neatly; straighten the bed spread and pillows. 
  • Tidy up, dust and vacuum.
  • Pick up and put away clothes and shoes.
  • Remove items from bedside tables  books, magazines, pictures, clock radios, etc.
  • In the kids rooms put excess toys out of sight, take posters and drawings off the walls, and straighten up overall.

Kitchen:

  • Put small appliances, knife blocks and kitchen gadgets away and off the counters
  • Remove photos, notes, papers and magnets from the refrigerator.
  • Clean the major appliances  refrigerator, oven, stove top, range hood, and dishwasher.
  • Wipe down the counter tops.
  • Don't leave any dirty dishes in the sink or sponges, dish towels, dish soap or the like near the sink.
  • Move trash cans out of site.

Dining Room:

  • Dust the furniture and vacuum the floors.
  • Setting the table with nice dinnerware, napkins and a centerpiece can give a homey feel.
  • If you have a China cabinet make sure things are straight and tidy inside.

Bathrooms:

  • Clear off the counter tops; toiletries, tissues, hair products, just about everything should be put away.
  • Remove personal care products and children's bath toys from the shower and tub.
  • Make sure towels are folded neatly and are straight on the towel bars.
  • Close the lid on the toilets.
  • Mirrors and shower doors should be clean.

Odds and Ends:

  • Turn on all the lights, inside and out.
  • Turn off the ceiling fans.
  • Open the blinds, shades and curtains.

We’ll move, straighten, or adjust minor items to make then look best for photography. Cleaning, moving of furniture or other prepping, propping, or staging is the responsibility of the agent / owner. If you need assistance with cleaning or prepping / staging let us know before the day of the shoot. We can connect you with resources that can help.