📸 Why We Use a Contract

📸 Why We Use a Contract (And What a Photo Release Really Means)

At Bell Real Estate Photography, we love helping you make your listings shine — and we want to make sure everyone is on the same page, too. That’s why every time we shoot a property, we use a photography agreement. It's not because we love paperwork (we don’t!), it’s because we care about protecting your investment — and our work.

Let’s break it all down in plain English.

💼 Why a Contract? Isn’t a Handshake Enough?

We get it — real estate moves fast. But here's the thing: a photography agreement protects you and us. It clears up the “who, what, when, and how much,” so there are no surprises later. Think of it like GPS for your shoot — everyone knows where we’re headed.

For Example:

• You know what you're paying for (like high-quality images of main rooms and exterior).

• We both know when the shoot is, how long it’ll take, and what happens if someone needs to cancel.

• It tells you what happens if it rains, or if the home’s not ready, or if we show up and the dog’s in the bathtub (true story!).

✍️ So What’s a Photo Release, Anyway?

This part usually raises eyebrows. Some folks ask, “Why do I need permission to use the photos I paid for?”

Great question. When we take photos, those images are automatically protected under U.S. Copyright Law. That means the person who takes the photos (in this case, Jerry Bell) is the one who owns them — even if you paid for the service.

But don’t worry — you don’t need a law degree to use the photos.

We give you a limited-use license (that’s the “photo release”) that lets you use the images for exactly what you need: selling or renting the property.

You Can Use the Photos For:

✅ MLS Listings
✅ Zillow / Realtor.com
✅ Airbnb / VRBO
✅ Your property-specific site
✅ Your Facebook Marketplace listing

You Can’t Use Them For:

🚫 Your own marketing materials or website (unless you ask first)
🚫 Passing them to another agent or the new homeowner
🚫 Sharing them with the builder or stager for their portfolio
🚫 Editing or filtering them to make the house look like something it’s not

🤔 But Why So Strict?

Because copyright is serious business. If someone uses the photos outside of what was agreed on — even accidentally — that could be a copyright violation. And yes, those come with real legal consequences.

We’re not trying to be buzzkills — we just want to make sure your listing looks great and everything stays above board.

🚨 What Happens If a Third Party Wants the Photos?

Say the home doesn’t sell and the owner lists it with a new agent. That new agent wants to reuse the same photos. Can they?

Short answer: Nope.
Long answer: The original license was only for your use to market that property during your listing period. If someone else wants to use them, they’ll need written permission — and maybe a new license.

🎯 The Big Picture (See What We Did There?)

We created our agreement not to make things harder — but to keep things fair, clear, and professional.

You’re hiring Bell Real Estate Photography to deliver beautiful, high-quality images that make your listings stand out. The agreement is just the safety net that makes sure everyone plays by the same rules, avoids misunderstandings, and focuses on what matters: making properties look amazing.

❤️ Need More Info?

We’re always happy to answer questions about our agreement or how licensing works. Just give Jerry a shout at (727) 776-0564 — whether you’re ready to schedule or just want to chat about the difference between image rights and usage rights.

Why Do I Need to Remove Pets and Pet Items?

When preparing your property for a real estate photo shoot, there are many things to consider — staging, lighting, and even making sure everything is tidy and clean. But one key detail that often gets overlooked is removing pets and pet items from your property. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I need to do this?” we’ve got some important reasons to share.

1. MLS Regulations

Many Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have strict guidelines about what can and cannot appear in property photos. Pets and pet items (like pet beds, toys, and food dishes) are typically not allowed in the photos for listings. This is because they can distract potential buyers and may even negatively influence their perception of the property. By removing these items, your photos will comply with MLS standards, helping your listing stay on track.

2. Appeal to a Broader Audience

When buyers are looking for a new home, they often want to imagine themselves in the space — and that means focusing on the property itself. If potential buyers see pet items in the photos, it could create an image of the home as being "for pet owners only," making it harder for those who don't have pets to envision the space as their own. You want the home to appeal to as many buyers as possible, and the presence of pet items can limit that appeal.

3. Allergies Matter

Did you know that pet allergies are a common concern for many people? Seeing pet items in your listing photos can be a turn-off for buyers who have allergies, even if they don’t see a pet in the actual space. Just the sight of pet-related items (like pet beds, leashes, or even pet food dishes) can raise concern about potential allergens in the home. To prevent this, it's best to remove pet items to ensure your property appeals to a wider range of buyers.

4. Clean and Tidy Appearance

Pets can sometimes create a mess, whether it’s fur on furniture, scattered toys, or pet-related stains. Even if your home is generally clean, pet-related items can detract from the overall polished look of your property in photos. A clean, clutter-free environment is key to showing off the best features of your home. By removing pet items and ensuring your space is free of distractions, you’ll have a better chance of making a great first impression.

5. Less Distraction in Photos

In real estate photography, the goal is to highlight the space and layout of the home. If pets or their items are in the photo, it can draw attention away from the features you want to showcase, such as your spacious living areas, modern kitchen, or beautiful backyard. Removing pets and pet items ensures the focus stays on the property itself and not any distractions.

6. Help Potential Buyers Visualize Their Future Home

When potential buyers look at listing photos, they need to see a blank canvas that they can imagine making their own. Pet items can subconsciously tell buyers, "This home is for someone else." By removing pets and pet-related belongings, you allow buyers to picture themselves in the home, without any preconceived notions about who previously lived there.

Spring Break!

Less is More: How to Choose the Perfect Listing Photos to Attract Buyers

In today's digital-driven real estate market, the quality and selection of listing photos play a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers. As the owner of Bell Real Estate Photography, I aim to provide you with a diverse array of images to ensure every aspect of a property is captured. However, it's essential to curate these images thoughtfully when presenting them online.

The Power of Quality Over Quantity

While I may deliver up to 60 images for a property, displaying all of them in a listing can overwhelm potential buyers. Research indicates that the optimal number of photos for an average-sized home is around 30. This amount offers a comprehensive view without inundating viewers.

homejab.com

Zillow's research further supports this, finding that homes with 22-27 photos sell faster. Listings with fewer than nine photos are 20 times less likely to sell within 60 days compared to those with 22-27 images. Interestingly, homes with more than 28 photos tend to sell slower, suggesting that too many images can be counterproductive.

planomatic.com

Strategic Photo Selection

When selecting photos for your online listing, consider the following:

• Highlight Key Areas: Focus on main living spaces, the kitchen, master bedrooms, and any unique features that set the property apart.

• Showcase Amenities: If the property boasts special amenities like a home theater, gym, or expansive backyard, include these to add value.

• Maintain Curiosity: Avoid revealing every detail. Excluding minor spaces like closets or small utility rooms can entice potential buyers to visit in person, maintaining an element of discovery.

The Impact of Professional Photography

High-quality images significantly influence a property's market performance. Homes with professional photos receive up to 61% more views and sell 32% faster than those with standard or low-quality images.

photoup.net

Tailoring Photo Count to Property Size

Adjust the number of photos based on the property's size:

• Up to 2,000 sq. ft.: 10-15 photos may suffice, focusing on essential areas.

• 3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft.: Consider 25-35 photos to capture additional spaces and features.

• 5,000 sq. ft. and above: Larger homes may require 40-50 photos, especially if they include unique amenities.

  virtuance.com

In real estate marketing, a well-curated selection of high-quality photos is more effective than an exhaustive collection. By thoughtfully choosing the images that best represent a property's strengths, you can attract potential buyers and encourage them to experience the home in person. Remember, the goal is to captivate interest online and drive foot traffic to your listings.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your listings' appeal and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.

Celebrating Over a Decade of Capturing Homes with Bell Real Estate Photography

As we celebrate over a decade in the real estate photography business, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this milestone. Over the years, we've had the privilege of helping homeowners, real estate agents, and property managers showcase their spaces through stunning, professional photography. Whether it's a cozy starter home, a sprawling luxury estate, or a vacation rental, we've been honored to capture what makes each property truly special.

But it’s not just about the photos—it’s about the relationships we’ve built along the way. Our clients are more than just customers; you’re part of our extended family, and we deeply appreciate the trust you've placed in us over the years.

A Special Offer for Those Impacted by the Hurricane

We know that the recent hurricane has caused widespread damage and hardship for many in our community. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we want to do our part to help those of you who are working hard to rebuild.

If you’ve experienced damage to your property, need to showcase new renovations, or simply need fresh photos to help get your listing noticed, we’re here for you. To support our neighbors during this difficult time, we're offering a 10% discount on all real estate photography services.

Whether your property is in pristine condition or has been impacted by the storm, we’ll come out to take photos that best represent your space. From listing photos to renovation shots, we’ll help you show your property in the best light possible, no matter its condition. Our goal is to help you get your property noticed, whether you're looking to sell, rent, or list on platforms like VRBO.

Why Choose Bell Real Estate Photography?

• Experience: Over a decade of professional real estate photography, with a portfolio that spans all property types.

• Professionalism: We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality images on time and with care.

• Flexibility: We understand that every property is unique, and we’re here to accommodate your specific needs.

• Community Support: As a locally owned business, we care deeply about supporting our community—especially in challenging times like these.

If you’re ready to get your property photographed, now is the perfect time to take advantage of our 10% discount. Whether you're selling, renting, or just showcasing a new renovation, we’re here to help you present your property in the best possible light.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you for over a decade. We look forward to continuing to capture the beauty of our community, one home at a time.

Contact Us Today to schedule your shoot and let us help you get your property noticed!