FAQ's

​The following are the most common answers about real estate photography questions we receive as well as some tips on preparing to have your home photographed.

​If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@calpixel.com

How do I schedule an appointment for photos or video?

You can schedule an appointment with CALPIXEL by phone, email, or with our online appointment scheduler on our website. Please try and contact us as far in advance as possible to ensure convenient appointment timing for you and your sellers.

​​WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE THE HOME FOR THE PHOTO APPOINTMENT?

Preparation is the key to getting the best photo results of your home! We have numerous resources to help you and your sellers prepare their home for the photography appointment. Please download and share the following with your sellers: “CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR PHOTO APPOINTMENT”

How long will the real estate photography appointment take?

It can take several hours to photograph a home. CALPIXEL photographers use a series of steps to ensure the entire home is displayed in the best light possible, and some homes present more challenges than others. It usually takes around 1 hour per 1,000 sq. ft. to capture the interior and exterior of a home.

When & How will I receive my photos?

Your photos will be delivered digitally through Google Drive first thing in the morning following your photo appointment. Same day delivery is also available for an additional fee. Photos will be sized for best display on MLS and for high quality printing.

What is the best time of day for real estate photography?

To ensure sun exposure on the front of the home, West facing homes are better in the early afternoon & East facing homes are better in the morning. The sun usually rises behind homes that face North, so it is best to shoot them early in the morning before the sun gets high in the sky.

How many photos of the home will I receive?

The number of photos you will receive depends on the size and condition of the home. The average home produces between 20-40 photos.

Why are the lights turned off in my photos? 

Depending on a number of factors, sometimes it is best for real estate photography results to have the lights in the home turned off. CALPIXEL photographers use remote flashes and artificial light to ensure every photo is bright and the colors are true, so that we don’t have to rely on the home’s lighting for the photos. Certain types of light bulbs just do not look good in photos and overcast or rainy weather conditions can force our photographers to adapt and make decisions on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best results for your photos.

Does someone need to be home for the real estate photography appointment?

At request we have photographers that can use MLS lock boxes. We can use a contractors lockbox to access the home for photos as long as the home owner approves. We will be sure to lock all doors and windows, turn off the lights and close the blinds when we are finished.

Is it ok for the sellers to be home while the photos are taken?

We understand that some sellers will want to be home while the photos are being taken, but we are able to produce much better results when distractions are limited at the home. We ask that you please complete all staging and cleaning prior to the appointment. It is best to keep all children and pets out of the way during the appointment. MLS prohibits showing any people or pets in photos.

What if I need to cancel & reschedule the appointment? 

If you need to cancel the appointment for any reason, please email hello@calpixel.com with as much notice as possible. There will be a cancellation fee charged if the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment time.

What if it rains on the day of the photography appointment?

We are still able to take photos of the home and produce very good results in light rain conditions. Interior photos are largely unaffected by poor weather, but exteriors will obviously turn out a little darker than usual. We ask that you please monitor weather forecasts and notify us as soon as possible if you would like to reschedule due to rain.

Do you take photos inside of closets?

We do not normally photograph the inside of closets. We prefer not to photograph your sellers personal items, and even the most organized closets normally don’t make for great photos. Please do let us know if you would like a closet photographed.

Who owns the photo & video copyright?

CALPIXEL and/or the photographer maintain copyright ownership of all materials. Our clients are free to use the photos/video for any personal marketing purposes. Photos/video may not be used by any other party without CALPIXEL's consent.