Frequently Asked Questions
Booking, Scheduling & Cancellation Policies
How do I book a real estate media shoot?
Booking is simple! Click our Book Now button to select your required services, date, and preferred time. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with everything you and your homeowners need to know before we arrive.
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If you’re unsure which media package fits your listing best, feel free to contact us first, and we'll guide you to the right choice.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We understand that the local real estate market moves fast and listings can change unexpectedly.
We are happy to reschedule or cancel your shoot when needed, and we do not charge cancellation fees if notified in advance. Our goal is to work with you to capture the property when it makes the most sense. Clear communication is always appreciated so we can accommodate your new timeline!
What happens if the photographer arrives and the property is not ready to be shot?
If our photographer arrives at the scheduled time and cannot gain access to the property, or if the home is completely unprepared to the point where the shoot cannot take place, a $75 lock-out/delay fee may apply to cover the photographer's time, slot reservation, and travel expenses.
Do I (the agent) need to be present during the shoot?
Not at all. Many real estate agents choose to carry on with their busy days while we handle everything. If the property is on a lockbox or we have access, we can take it from there. However, if you’d prefer to be present, you are more than welcome—whatever works best for your schedule!
Preparing for the Shoot
Should the home be staged or prepared before the photographer arrives?
Yes, proper preparation makes a massive difference in how a property shows online. A well-prepared home photographs brighter, feels more spacious, and allows buyers to focus on its best features.
Quick prep tips include:
• Turning on all overhead lights and replacing burnt-out bulbs.
• Opening all blinds and window coverings to let in natural light.
• Clearing kitchen and bathroom countertops of personal items.
• Tidying up bedrooms and making beds neatly.
• Removing vehicles from the driveway and hiding garbage bins.
Will the photographer help clean or move furniture if the home isn't ready?
To ensure we stay on schedule for all of our daily bookings and due to liability reasons, our photographers do not clean, stage, or move heavy furniture/appliances. Properties will be shot "as-is" when we arrive. We highly recommend having the home completely prepared using our prep guidelines prior to our arrival time.
Can you photograph or scan condo building amenities?
We are happy to capture condo amenities (lobby, gym, pool, rooftop terrace) if they are included in your booked package. However, it is the agent's or homeowner’s responsibility to ensure we have fob access, permission from building management, and that the spaces are available to be photographed without residents present at the time of the shoot.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the shoot?
If rainy or overcast weather significantly affects exterior media, we offer a few flexible options:
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Reschedule the entire shoot for the next available clear day.
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Shoot the interiors only on the scheduled day, and return for exterior and drone photos when the weather clears up.
Note: Cloudiness is actually great for interior lighting, and we can perform blue-sky replacements on overcast exterior shots during editing!
Services, Technology & MLS Compliance
What is an iGUIDE 3D virtual tour, and why should I use it?
An iGUIDE tour is an immersive 3D virtual property tour seamlessly integrated with accurate digital floor plans. It allows potential buyers to explore a home remotely, understand the layout, and feel confident before booking an in-person showing.
iGUIDE virtual tours are highly effective for:
Attracting serious out-of-town buyers.
Saving time by qualifying buyers before they visit.
Generating high-quality leads on your listings.
Standing out on the MLS as a modern digital marketer.
Are your real estate floor plans and square footage measurements accurate?
Our floor plans are drafted using professional iGUIDE camera systems and laser measurement technology, making them highly accurate. However, they are intended to be used as a marketing asset and architectural guide, and should not be relied upon as legal or construction-grade measurements.
Do you offer drone (aerial) photography and video?
Yes! Aerial drone photos and videos are a fantastic way to showcase a property’s roofline, large lots, proximity to local parks, and the surrounding neighbourhood. All of our drone operations are fully compliant with Transport Canada regulations.
Do you retouch and edit the real estate photos?
Absolutely. Every image goes through a professional editing process. We adjust for brightness, color accuracy, vertical line correction, and clarity to ensure the property looks its absolute best while remaining completely true to life.
Can I request photo revisions?
If there is a specific shot you feel needs an adjustment or a correction during editing, please reach out. We want you to be thrilled with your marketing materials and are happy to review reasonable revision requests.
Service Areas & Pricing
What areas do you service for real estate photography?
We proudly provide professional real estate photography, drone video, and iGUIDE tours across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), specifically targeting:
Burlington
Oakville
Hamilton
Milton
Brantford
Halton Hills
...and the surrounding communities.
If your listing is just outside these areas, feel free to reach out—we are often able to travel for a small travel fee.
How is your real estate media pricing determined?
Our pricing is primarily based on the square footage of the property and the specific media services you select (e.g., photography, video, or iGUIDE bundles). You can view our transparent, up-to-date pricing on our Pricing Page or directly inside our booking system before you confirm.
When and how do I pay for the services?
Payment is collected conveniently through our secure online booking system after the shoot is completed but before final high-resolution media download. Invoices and receipts are instantly emailed to you for your business records.
Turnaround, Delivery & Licensing
How quickly will my real estate photos and media be delivered?
Real Estate Photos: Delivered within 24 hours of the shoot.
iGUIDE Tours & Floor Plans: Typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours, depending on property size.
Rush delivery options may be available upon request if you are on a tight deadline.
How do I receive my final photos and files?
All of your media is delivered digitally through a gorgeous, private online property gallery. From there, you can view, download, and share your media instantly.
How long will my private gallery and files be hosted online?
Your media gallery will remain active and available for download for 90 days from the date of delivery. We highly recommend downloading all high-resolution and MLS-sized files directly to your computer or cloud storage upon delivery, as we cannot guarantee file retention after this period.
Do I receive both MLS-optimized and high-resolution versions?
Yes. Your private download portal allows you to select MLS-ready sizes (optimized for fast loading on REALTOR.ca) or Full-Resolution sizes (perfect for high-quality print brochures, lawn signs, and social media marketing).
Who owns the rights to the photos and videos?
Shoreside Media retains the copyright to all captured media. As the purchasing agent, you receive a limited usage license to use the images for marketing and selling that specific property layout. The media cannot be sold, gifted, or transferred to third parties (such as stagers, builders, or other agents) without our express written permission.
Can I reuse the photos if the listing expires or needs to be relisted?
Yes! Your license allows you to reuse the media if the property is temporarily taken down and relisted by you. However, if the property is canceled and later listed by a completely different agent or brokerage, they are required to purchase a new license to use the media.