Question 1

Why should I choose Rae Allen Media?

Accepted Answer

We know you’re trusting us with more than your listing photos. You’re also trusting us with your seller, your schedule, and your reputation.Our goal is to make the media side of your listing easy. You can expect clean, natural photos, clear communication, dependable turnaround, and a team that treats your sellers and their homes with care.We also won’t push you into services your listing doesn’t need. If photos and a floor plan are enough, we’ll tell you. If aerials, video, virtual staging, or another service would genuinely help, we can help you decide.We’ve been serving Southern California agents since 2021 and have photographed more than 1,700 properties. We’re FAA Part 107 certified and CRMLS Certified Photographers.Basically, we want you to feel like your listing media is handled.

Question 2

What style of real estate photography do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our photography style is clean, natural, and bright without making the home look unrealistic. We pay close attention to composition, lighting, window views, and accurate colors so buyers get a clear sense of the property.We want the home to look its best online... while still feeling like the same home when buyers walk through the door.

Question 3

Does professional photography really matter when marketing a listing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For most buyers, listing photos are one of their first introductions to a property. Professional photography helps present the home clearly, consistently, and in a way that makes it easier for buyers to understand what they're seeing.Good real estate photography isn't about making a home look unrealistically perfect. It's about strong composition, balanced lighting, accurate colors, clear window views, and choosing angles that show the space well.It also reflects on you as the listing agent. Clean, professional marketing shows your seller that you're taking the presentation of their property seriously.Professional photography can't overcome the wrong price or guarantee a faster sale... but it can help make sure the listing makes a strong first impression when buyers find it online.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Rae Allen Media is based in Corona, CA, and we primarily serve properties within about a 30-mile radius, including portions of Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties.We’re happy to travel beyond our regular service area when our schedule allows. A travel fee applies to locations more than 30 miles from Corona to account for the additional drive time and the time that takes us away from other photoshoot appointments.Not sure if your listing is within our regular service area? Check our Service Area Map or send us the property address and we’ll be happy to confirm.

Question 5

How do I check availability or book a photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

You can view our current availability and book your photoshoot directly through our online scheduling page.If you don’t see a day or time that works for you, please reach out to us. Occasionally we can adjust our schedule or find an opening that isn’t showing online.Prefer to book with us directly? You’re always welcome to call or text, and we’ll be happy to help you schedule your appointment.
Check Availability & Book a Photoshoot

Question 6

Do you offer weekend photoshoots?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer weekend photoshoots when our schedule allows. If you need a Saturday or Sunday appointment, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.Weekend shoots are generally delivered on Monday.One quick tip: Street parking is often heavier on weekends. If a clear front exterior photo is important, we recommend reserving the space directly in front of the property with a vehicle that can be moved when we arrive, if possible.

Question 7

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due once your media is ready for delivery. You’ll receive a link where you can review your order, make your payment, and download your media.Credit and debit cards are accepted through our secure online payment system. We can also accept payment by check, cash, Venmo, or Zelle when arranged with us.If you’ve asked us to upload your photos to CRMLS, we’ll complete the upload once payment has been received.If you have any questions about your invoice or need a different payment arrangement, just let us know.

Question 8

Do I need to be present at the photo shoot?

Accepted Answer

No. You’re always welcome to be there, but you don’t need to be.We regularly photograph homes while the agent is elsewhere. As long as we have access and any special instructions ahead of time, we can handle the shoot and keep things moving.If the seller will be home, that’s fine too. We’re comfortable working in occupied homes and will treat your seller, their belongings, and their home with care.If there are specific features or shots you want us to be sure to capture, just let us know before the appointment.

Question 9

How should my seller prepare for the photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

A clean, uncluttered home photographs best, but it doesn’t need to be perfect.Before we arrive, we recommend having the home as photo-ready as possible: clear countertops and personal items, make the beds, put away pet supplies, open blinds or curtains, and take care of any last-minute cleaning or yard work.We’re happy to make a few small adjustments while we’re there, but larger cleaning, decluttering, or furniture moving should be completed before the appointment.We provide a simple Pre-Shoot Checklist you can share directly with your seller so you don’t have to explain everything yourself.

Question 10

How long does a photoshoot take?

Accepted Answer

Most standard residential photo shoots take about 45–90 minutes, depending on the size of the home and the services ordered.Larger homes or appointments that include aerials, 3D tours, video, or other services will take longer.We take the time needed to photograph the property thoroughly, while keeping the appointment moving as efficiently as possible.If you need an estimated appointment length for a particular listing, just ask when booking.

Question 11

What is the best time of day to photograph a property?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t one perfect time for every home. We photograph throughout the day and schedule based on availability, but some properties can benefit from a particular time.For example, the direction the home faces, large windows, views, pools, and outdoor spaces can all affect when the light looks best.If your listing has a feature that is especially dependent on sunlight or views, let us know when you book. We’re happy to help you choose a time that makes sense for the property.

Question 12

What if a room is very dark?

Accepted Answer

That’s okay. Not every home has great natural light, and we photograph darker spaces all the time.We use a combination of photography techniques and professional editing to balance interior lighting, window views, and shadows so the room looks clean and natural.Our goal isn’t to make a dark room look unrealistically bright. We want it to photograph at its best while still giving buyers an honest sense of the space.

Question 13

What happens if the weather isn't great on the day of my photoshoot?

Accepted Answer

Cloudy skies usually aren’t a problem. We offer our Blue Sky Guarantee, which means we’ll digitally enhance gray or overcast skies to a natural-looking blue at no additional cost.If rain, high winds, or other weather conditions would significantly affect the photos, we’re happy to reschedule your shoot for the next available date that works for you.Weather can also affect aerial photography. For safety and to comply with FAA regulations, we cannot fly the drone in certain weather conditions or restricted airspace. If aerial photography is important to your listing, we recommend rescheduling the appointment when conditions aren't suitable for safe drone flight.

Question 14

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

We understand that real estate schedules change. Sellers get sick, repairs run late, and sometimes a home just isn’t ready.If you need to cancel or reschedule, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible. Just let us know, and we’ll work with you to find another appointment time that fits our schedule.

Question 15

Do you have Supra access?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have Supra eKEY access when the listing agent is a CRMLS member and grants us access to the property. If you’re unsure how to authorize our eKEY, we can send you simple step-by-step instructions.

Question 16

Can you edit out clutter or other objects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we always recommend having the home as photo-ready as possible before we arrive, we know that isn't always realistic.Our Virtual Declutter service can remove distracting items, personal belongings, excess furniture, and other movable objects to help a space look cleaner and easier to understand.The amount of editing can range from removing a few small distractions to clearing most of the contents from a room. Pricing depends on the amount and complexity of the editing.Because digitally removing objects changes what buyers see, some edits may require disclosure under California law. We provide both the original and edited images when needed to help agents meet those requirements.
Click here to download our Pre-Shoot Checklist

Question 17

What are the benefits of a 3D virtual tour?

Accepted Answer

A 3D virtual tour lets buyers explore a home online at their own pace, moving from room to room and getting a better sense of the layout, flow, and how the spaces connect.They can be especially helpful for larger homes, unique or complex layouts, and buyers who are relocating or can't easily visit the property in person.A 3D tour can also help buyers decide whether a home is a good fit before scheduling a showing, which may mean more informed buyers walking through the door.Not every listing needs one. For a smaller home with a simple layout, professional photos and a floor plan may tell the story just fine. We're happy to help you decide what makes sense for your listing.Learn more about our 3D Virtual Tours

Question 18

Are you FAA Part 107 certified for aerial photography?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our drone photographer is an FAA Part 107 Certified Remote Pilot, as required for commercial drone operations.We follow FAA regulations and check airspace restrictions before every flight. Some properties may be located in restricted airspace or require authorization before aerial photography can be completed.

Question 19

Do you include Property Websites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A complimentary Property Website is included with every photoshoot.Each property website includes both branded and unbranded versions and can be customized with the property details, description, photo order, and other listing information. You can share the website through social media, email, and your other property marketing.Your Property Website will remain available through our current hosting platform, but we cannot guarantee permanent or indefinite hosting. If you'd like to save anything from the website for future use, we recommend doing so while the listing is active.Need a QR code for printed marketing? We can generate one that links directly to your Property Website... just ask.View our short tutorial on customizing your Property Website

Question 20

Do you include Marketing Materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each photoshoot includes access to customizable marketing materials you can use to promote your listing.Depending on the template, you can create flyers, postcards, social media graphics, and other marketing pieces using your listing photos and property information. You can customize the details and add your own branding before sharing or downloading them.There’s no additional charge to use the included templates.

Question 21

Can you upload photos to my MLS listing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As CRMLS Certified Photographers, we can upload your photos directly to your CRMLS listing at no additional charge.Once your photos are ready and payment has been received, we can upload and arrange them in your listing for you, pending our schedule.You’ll need to add Rae Allen Media as a photographer in CRMLS before we can access the listing. We have a simple step-by-step guide showing you how.Quick instructions: Add Rae Allen Media as your CRMLS PhotographerDetailed step-by-step instructions

Question 22

What are your turnaround times?

Accepted Answer

We know you’re often working toward a listing deadline, so we keep our turnaround times as predictable as possible.Photos and aerials: Next business dayFloor plans and 3D tours: Typically 24–36 hoursVideo: Typically within 48 hoursShoots completed on Friday or Saturday are generally delivered on Monday.If you’re working with a tight deadline, let us know when booking. We’ll tell you what we can realistically accommodate.

Question 23

How will I receive my order?

Accepted Answer

When your order is ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to your property page, where you can review your media, make your payment, and download your files.Your order includes both MLS-sized and high-resolution photos, so you’ll have the right files for the MLS, social media, print, and other marketing.You can also access your past orders through your Client Portal anytime.If you have trouble finding or downloading anything, just let us know. We’re happy to help.

Question 24

How do I download my images?

Accepted Answer

When your media is ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to your property page. This is where you can access and download your photos, videos, 3D tours, and Property Website.To download your files, click the Download button and select the media you’d like to save. Photos are available in both MLS-sized and high-resolution versions.Need a little help? We have a step-by-step guide with screenshots that walks you through the process.sharing on social media or elsewhere. It's that simple! View our Image Download Guide

Question 25

How do I share my Property Website on social media?

Accepted Answer

Your branded Property Website gives you one link you can share that brings together your listing photos, videos, 3D tours, floor plans, property information, and your contact information.To share it, simply copy the branded Property Website link from your property page and paste it into Facebook, Instagram, email, or wherever you’re marketing the listing.Need help finding the link? We have step-by-step instructions with screenshots.View our Property Website Sharing Guide

Question 26

How long do you keep my photos?

Accepted Answer

Your media will be available for download for at least 90 days after delivery. We strongly recommend downloading and saving all of your files to your own computer or cloud storage after each shoot.While your media may remain available in your Client Portal longer, we cannot guarantee storage or access beyond 90 days. Please don't rely on Rae Allen Media or the Client Portal as permanent storage for your files.

Question 27

How long do you keep my Matterport 3D tours?

Accepted Answer

Matterport 3D tours include hosting for 90 days from the original scan date or until the property closes escrow, whichever comes first.Before the 90-day hosting period expires, we’ll contact you to see if the tour still needs to remain active. If your listing needs additional time, extended hosting is available for an additional fee.Because Matterport charges us for each active 3D space, we’re unable to host completed or inactive listings indefinitely.

Question 28

Who owns the photos and videos? (Copyright info)

Accepted Answer

Rae Allen Media retains the copyright to the photos, videos, and other media we create. When you purchase media from us, you receive a license to use it to market that specific property while it is actively listed for sale.A few important things to know:The original agent who booked and paid for the shoot may use the media in the MLS, flyers, websites, social media, and other marketing for that property.The license is non-transferable. Photos and other media cannot be passed on or resold to another agent, team member, brokerage, homeowner, stager, builder, or other third party without a separate license.If the listing is withdrawn, transferred, or expires, the license ends.If the property is temporarily taken off the market and later relisted by the same agent, the media may be reused.Media can usually be re-licensed for other uses. Please contact us for more information.Think of it a little like a Supra lockbox... having access to it doesn’t mean you can transfer that access to someone else.👉 Click here for more information.
👉 Watch our 6½-minute video on photo licensing.

Question 29

Have more questions?

Accepted Answer

We’re happy to help. Call or text us at 951-444-5424, or email Linda@RaeAllenMedia.com.Not sure which services make sense for your listing? Send us the property address and tell us a little about it... we’ll help you figure out what fits.

Frequently Asked Questions