"Can't I just use my point and shoot digital camera?" Point and shoot cameras are great these days with high megapixels and great features, but they just do not have the wide angle capability or sheer lens size that will allow for proper exposure of large spaces. Most digital cameras are designed to capture photos of objects and can not produce a wide enough image to capture a space. I use professional SLR equipment and lenses that allow me to capture stunning images. Not to mention the lighting and post processing that is done on to ensure quality.

"Why can't I just use one of those $99 virtual tour companies - they do it all...?" Larger properties simply require equipment not available from discount services. Many mass-market tour company photographers are not trained in architectural photography or lighting. They are trained only to produce a quick snapshot of a property, and then fix it up in their post processing. This does not produce an accurate and well exposed image to best represent the property. Experienced professionals know that proper equipment and skilled lighting will make all the difference.

"What sizes and format are the final images in?" Final images are produced in a minimum of two sizes and formats. I provide a CD (or download as requested) in Jpeg format for web and Tiff for print. Images are produced in 72 dpi for the web and at 300 dpi for print. This ensures that your images will always be of best quality for usage on the MLS, website and in all your printed materials.

"How long will it take to get my photos?" Images are typically ready for download within 24 - 48 hrs. Often you will receive an email for download the next day.

"Can I view my photos online or do I have to wait for the CD?" When your images are ready for review, you will receive an emailed link to a private online gallery.

"Can any other Realtor use the photos you shoot for my listing?" No. You are licensing marketing photographs from Patrick Mitchell Photographics, thus you get a minimum 1-year industry exclusive. I do not license the same photos to a competing agent or agency. Click HERE for a specific policy information page.

"What do I as the client get out of using a professional photographer?" As it is different for each of my clients, I can say that typically, my images help my clients to shorten the days that their listings stay on the market, increase showings, help brand your business as professional agent, and raise your overall conversion of prospects to clients.

"Why do you bring so much equipment to photograph homes?" Any camera can snap a picture, but remember that I am not snapping photos of objects. For stunning marketing photos, you need the proper lighting, lenses, camera bodies, support systems, and of course spare equipment in case something breaks on location. It's all a matter of having the right tools for the job.

"What do I need to do to be prepared for my photo session?" Once the session is scheduled, the main thing is to prepare the home for the photography. This actually helps in the sale of the property as it helps to get the home ready for showings. Click HERE for a pdf list of things to do to get your home show ready.

"What does it mean to stage my home?" Basically staging is getting your home set up to show off its features. Often times, homeowners overlook personal items that they feel are a great part of what makes the house their home but these items will be leaving with them and do not help the prospective buyer in selecting a new home. Staging can be done by you but it is often recommended to use a professional company if budget allows for it. Click HERE for more on staging.