The Blue Skye Media “Game Plan”
At Blue Skye Media, we’re here to make your listings look incredible. We know the real estate world moves at 100mph and plans change in a heartbeat – we’re here to roll with the punches!
However, because our photographers dedicate specific blocks of time to your properties, their schedules are their heartbeat. When an appointment is canceled or rescheduled at the last minute, it leaves a gap that another agent was likely waiting for. To keep things on schedule for our team and all our awesome clients, we’ve put together a quick “Game Plan” for how we handle the logistics.
⏱ The “Quick Pivot” (Rescheduling & Fees)
We want to be on-site capturing your listing, not sending invoices for empty time slots! To help us keep the engine running:
- The 24-Hour Heads Up: If you need to reschedule or cancel, just let us know at least 24 hours before the shoot. If we’re inside that 24-hour window, a $150 rescheduling fee applies.
- The “Front Porch” Fee: If our photographer arrives and can’t get in, or if the home isn’t ready and we’re turned away, a full priced fee of the appointment will be applied. We’d much rather be taking photos than driving back and forth!
🌧 The “Always Sunny” Weather Policy
The DMV weather is unpredictable, but your marketing shouldn’t be!
- Guaranteed Blue Skyes: Overcast day? No problem. We include Blue Skye Replacement on all exterior photos for free. Your final gallery will look like a perfect Virginia summer day, every single time.
- The “Rain Check”: If it’s actively pouring or unsafe for drones, we’ll still handle the entire interior as scheduled. We’ll then swing back by at the first available opening to grab the outside shots – at no extra cost to you.
🤝 The “Shared Success” Media Agreement
We believe in a win-win partnership! When it comes to the photos, videos, and media we create:
- Full Access for You: Once the invoice is settled, the media is yours to use however you’d like to market the property and your brand. You bought ’em, you own ’em!
- Creative Rights for Us: Blue Skye Media also retains ownership and the right to use the media for our own marketing and portfolio. We love showing off the amazing work we do together!
💡 How to Keep it Stress-Free (and Fee-Free!)
Prepping a home is a total team effort. Here is how to ensure a win:
- Share the Plan: Send this policy to your homeowners and stagers. When everyone knows the timeline, the whole process gets a lot smoother!
- The 1-Week Pulse Check: Touch base with your sellers 7 days out. If the cleaning or decluttering is falling behind, this is the best time to move the shoot without any stress.
- The 48-Hour Final Call: This is your last window to easily move the appointment before the 24-hour fee kicks in. A quick “Are we still good?” text goes a long way!
🎨 The Finishing Touches (Editing & Compliance)
- What’s On Us: Our standard editing includes zapping out tripod reflections in mirrors and removing real estate signs.
- The “Extra Mile”: If you need heavy digital decluttering (like removing a couch or a garage full of boxes), just let us know! Those custom Photoshop requests will just incur an additional editing fee of $15 / photo.
- MLS Compliance: We do our best to catch non-compliant items, but you’re the final set of eyes! Please double-check everything before you post. If you spot a sign we missed, give us a shout – we’ll fix it for you ASAP.
🏠 The “Empty House” Advantage
While it’s not a strict requirement, we highly recommend that homeowners and pets take a “recess” during the shoot!
- Why? Our photographers move efficiently through the home to stay on schedule and hit those next-day delivery goals. It’s much easier (and faster!) to capture those perfect angles when we don’t have to worry about accidentally “photobombing” a homeowner or having a furry friend (like our buddy Murphy!) following the camera from room to room.
- The Result: A totally empty house allows us to focus 100% on the composition and lighting, ensuring you get a “Showstopper” gallery every single time. If you can’t leave, no worries – we just ask that everyone (pets included!) stays in a room we aren’t currently shooting.
📸 The “Camera-Ready” Master Checklist
Think of this as your listing’s “Hair and Makeup” routine. Following these steps ensures our team can focus on getting those hero shots the moment we arrive!
The Basics (Set the Stage)
- Let the Light In: Open all blinds and pull them all the way up. We love natural light!
- Lights On, Fans Off: Turn on every single light (check those bulbs!) but turn OFF all ceiling fans so they don’t look like a blur in photos.
- Floor Focus: Give the carpets a fresh vacuum and make those hardwoods sparkle.
- Crystal Clear: A quick wipe-down of windows and mirrors makes a massive difference in high-end photography.
- Dust the Details: Don’t forget the tops of fan blades and blinds – the camera sees it all!
Inside the House (The “Model Home” Look)
- Declutter the Kitchen: Clear off the countertops. Hide the sponges, dish soap, and drying racks. Scrub the sink and stovetop until they shine!
- The Great Vanishing Act: If possible, tuck away family photos and personal items. We want buyers to see themselves in the space, not your (lovely!) family.
- Toy Story: Hide the kids’ toys and pick up any pet bowls, beds, or squeaky toys.
- Trash Talk: Hide all indoor trash cans in a closet or the garage.
The Bathroom Refresh
- Clear the Counters: Hide the toothbrushes, toothpaste, makeup, and brushes.
- Shower Power: Remove shampoos, loofahs, and robes from the shower or tub area.
- Scrub a Dub-Dub: Ensure sinks, toilets, and tubs are spotless.
Curb Appeal (The First Impression)
- The Driveway: Please move all cars out of the driveway and from the front of the house.
- Lawn Care: Freshly cut grass, trimmed bushes, and a yard clear of leaves, hoses, and stray toys.
- Sweep it Up: Give the deck, patio, and driveway a quick sweep to get rid of debris.
✨ Pro Tips: The “Extra Mile” (Optional)
Want that “Magazine Cover” feel? Adding these small touches can really make a room pop:
- Fresh Accents: A bowl of fruit or fresh flowers (real or high-quality fake) adds a touch of life.
- Pop of Color: Use colorful pillows or blankets to brighten up a neutral room.
- Spa Vibes: In the bathrooms, put out fresh hand towels and a nice bar of hand soap.
- Final Touches: “Welcome Home” knickknacks, stylish magazines, or generic wall art can help fill empty spaces perfectly.