Photographer FAQ's
Below are common questions asked by photographers interested in joining the PhotoPlan Photographer Network.
What is required to be a member of the PhotoPlan Photographer Network?
Members of the PhotoPlan Photography Network should be passionate about photography, have an excellent sense of composition, enjoy working with real estate agents, possess a solid technical understanding of digital cameras and computers, and meet the basic equipment requirements (listed below). You will also be required to complete a quick floorplan sketch of the property. Training will be given.
What are the costs to join?
At PhotoPlan there are no franchise fees, licence fees or commissions. Joining the PhotoPlan Network is 100% free.
What equipment do I need?
The following equipment is required:
- Professional 5+ mega pixel digital SLR with interchangeable lenses
- Wide angle zoom lens with approx 10-24mm coverage for interiors/exteriors
- Standard zoom lens with approx 24-100mm coverage for exteriors/views
- Solid tripod with a ball or adjustable head for solid, accurate camera positioning
- Laser distance measurer (for floorplan sketches)
- Computer with a printer and high speed DSL or Cable internet connection
- Mobile phone
- Reliable source of transportation
How many shoots will I get?
Demand in your area and the time of year will determine the volume of shoots assigned to you. Real Estate listings generally follow a seasonal pattern however there is also work that will be directed you way year round.
How much will I be paid?
PhotoPlan offers above average compensation for its contracted photographers. The earning potential of a PhotoPlan photographer is virtually unlimited, depending on your availability and order volume in your area.
How do I receive my jobs?
You will be issued an easy to use web account where you can view upcoming jobs, designate your availability for shoots, track your jobs, etc.
How long does each shoot take?
An average shoot takes approximately 60 minutes, depending on the size of the property. Large homes can require 2 or more hours.
And what about floorplan sketches?
An onsite sketch of the property floorplan generally takes around 10-20 minutes but may take longer for larger properties. Again, since you receive additional reimbursement for properties over 180sqm, your time is always compensated.
Is any post-processing/editing required?
Yes. Following your shoots for the day, we encourage you to review your photography and edit as you feel appropriate. You then simply upload all images to our server. When the upload is complete, you are finished with the job. Admin will always review our photographers work to ensure it meets our quality standards.
Are there any minimum or maximum work hours?
You have full freedom in designating your availability using your web account. This can be as low as 10 hours a week, or as high as full-time, 7 days week.
Can I promote myself to get more clients?
Absolutely. We encourage our Photographers to actively promote their services and obviously the associated services of PhotoPlan. The more active you are, the more work that will be allocated.
What about doing full real estate shoots on my own?
We do not want to prevent you from operating in an independent capacity as a photographer however we expect full support from our photographers in the active promotion of the PhotoPlan model. We offer attractive compensation to our photographers for this very reason.
You are encouraged to educate clients on the benefits of quality photography and floorplans and the user friendliness of PhotoPlan. In turn, you have the potential to earn significant additional revenue for orders that are placed outside your current client base.
Why should I join PhotoPlan and not just work for myself?
- We compensate our photographers well = no financial disadvantage
- You will benefit from PhotoPlan’s national marketing campaigns
- You will get additional jobs allocated through PhotoPlan that would otherwise have not
- You have use of our simple work flow system to receive, upload, submit and review jobs
- Completed orders automatically saved on our database for immediate client access
- Our simple online work flow system removes barriers and creates consistency
- If you need to take time off, you client base will be still be serviced by another suitably qualified PhotoPlan photographer. In return you will occasionally be called upon to temporarily cover other PhotoPlan members
- Our professional product is backed by the PhotoPlan support team 24/7
Why PhotoPlan and not another Real Estate photography company
At PhotoPlan we strongly believe that our emphasis on quality photography combined with quality floorplans is a simple and attractive model.
- We know that buyers are more than ever expecting comprehensive property information, including floorplans to be included in marketing material
- We know that listings incorporating floorplans get more enquiries
- We know that agents that use PhotoPlan achieve more listings
- We guarantee all the above!!!!
We don’t charge our Photographers license fees, franchise fees, or commission. Simply promote our PhotoPlan product and we will promote your photography!
What days & times does PhotoPlan offer shoots?
PhotoPlan offers shoots 7 days a week from 9am until 6pm, as well as Twilight and Night Shoots after 6pm. You will be paid additional fees for twilight shoots.
Will I be an employee or a contractor?
As a member of the PhotoPlan Photography Network, you are shooting assignments as an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, you have full freedom over your availability, the duration of your agreement, etc.
Do I own my images when I take them?
Exposures are purchased from you by PhotoPlan. You can however use images in your web account for personal use.
Will I need to sign a contract?
A simple 'Independent Contractor' agreement will be provided. This agreement will need to be signed, and returned prior to commencement. The agreement is very flexible and encourages a mutually beneficial working relationship.
Can I decline jobs?
You have full control over your availability. If for some reason you cannot complete a job assigned, we will simply reschedule or allocate the job to the next available photographer in the area.
Do I get reimbursed for driving/fuel?
Jobs that lie outside of a defined zone from your starting point (usually your home or business address) will give you a variable fee to cover the travel, depending on the distance. Jobs that are within this defined zone (usually 20km radius) are included with the standard PhotoPlan fee.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
A clean, professional, business casual look is suggested. We will offer branded clothing in due course which we would encourage our Photographers to wear but not compulsory.
How long does my membership/agreement last?
Your membership and relationship can be as flexible as you like given the basic terms and conditions of the contract are met. You may cancel the membership and agreement at any time in accordance with the contract. We obviously hope that you will be thrilled with the additional work you are generating and will continue to work with PhotoPlan to grow your business.
How do I get started?
Simply contact Kane Murray on 021 020 54321 or at kane@photoplan.co.nz and you'll be on your way!