The following questions and answers apply to vacation rental listing photos in East Tennessee.
When will I receive my photos?
Most of the time you will receive your photos and other media the next business day. Occasionally due to travel or workload, it may take two business days. In those cases, I will text or email you and let you know.
Can I be present for the photo shoot?
To get the best photos possible, the property must be completely vacant (no owners, hosts, designers, etc.).
If the property is actively being rented, do not schedule on a turnover or check-out day.
If the property is new to you and you plan on preparing the property yourself, schedule for a day or two after you have left. Do not schedule while you are staying at the property as it will not be ready for photos.
What kind of staging is included?
Complimentary staging includes setting the dining table, pool table/game table set up, open/turn on the hot tub, and vignettes with coffee mugs. Due to recent guidance from Airbnb, I make every attempt to stage only with items found on property.
Do you stage with wine/cheese/pastries?
In accordance to Airbnb's current policies, I do not recommend staging with food or beverages unless they are provided to every guest.
Do you take photos with models/people?
No, there are many reasons why this is not advisable. The primary reason is that it is impossible to meet Airbnb's terms of service with models in photos. Photos with people can hurt you in the OTA's algorithm causing your listing to be shown less often in search results.
Do you include drone photos?
Aerial photography is always included if it is practical at your property. Here are a few reasons why you might not receive drone photos:
- Your cabin is completely surrounded by trees or power lines
- Your cabin is in an area in which drone flights are not permitted (near the PF airport, adjacent to the National Park, etc.)
- If the wind is gusting higher than 20mph
What if it's raining during my appointment?
The Great Smoky Mountains area is a temperate rain forest receiving about 100 inches of rain each year. If it is raining steadily when we arrive, we will reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
In the case of snow, we will follow the Sevier Co. Schools inclement weather policy. If schools are closed, we will assume the roads are not safe and your appointment will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
Use the link in your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you can't find a date that works, please email us.
How/when do I pay you?
We will email you an invoice at the same time we email your edited photos. You can pay online by credit card, electronic debit, PayPal or Apple Pay. If you prefer Venmo, we can make arrangements for that as well.
What if I need a few updated photos later?
It is common to do return trips for updated photos (renovations/new furniture, new hot tub, seasonal views or decor). Partial shoots are $20 per photo, $200 minimum.
Do you offer virtual twilight or virtual fall photos?
Airbnb and other OTA's have begun cracking down on misleading or over-processed photos. Listings can be warned, suspended, or shadow banned for using such photos. So, I do not offer them.
Who will take my photos?
Because I believe that architectural photography is a unique genre and art form, I personally take every photo that is delivered to you. I bring years of experience from thousands of sessions to get you the best photos possible. I do not employ or subcontract additional photographers.
Can we schedule a phone call to discuss the session?
When you schedule an appointment, you will receive a questions/requests email. All communication should go through that email thread. Then, I will review the thread before your session to make sure nothing is missed.