Frequently Asked Questions:

High Definition Video Tour Service:

Q. What types of Video Tours do you offer for my properties?

A. At Maine Video Tours, we offer both static and dynamic tour styles. The difference is a static tour is shot from a tripod at fixed points throughout the property, whereas a dynamic tour is shot using a camera stabilization device and physically moves through the property.

Q. Is a static tour, or dynamic tour better than one, or the other?

A. Static tours and dynamic tours each have their own benefits. A static tour is less expensive and can show close up details better than a dynamic tour, but there is no sense of space gained through a static tour because the camera is fixed in one location while shooting. This particular type of tour is most often used on commercial properties, like Apartments, and Bed & Breakfasts' where there might be many different locations to shoot and include in the Video Tour. A dynamic tour moves the viewer through the property simulating natural movement and a first person perspective. The viewer is able to get a sense of space and feel of the property's layout much easier with a dynamic tour. This type of tour is most often used to showcase residential real estate.

Q. How long does it take to have a Video Tour shot, edited and ready to be shown online?

A. That all depends on the size of the property, but on average the on-location work will take any where from 2-3 hours, the script writing, voice-over recording and editing will take 3-4 hours, and after the Video Tour has been approved for delivery it is only a matter of minutes to upload it! On average the entire production process will take less than one week including any revisions that need to be made to the script, or video.

Q. Once the Video Tour is approved, what happens next?

A. We will email a permanent link to the Video Tour's dedicated webpage for you to use in email solicitations, on your own website, on the Multiple Listing Service if applicable, in online blogs and postings like Craigslist.com, etc...

Q. Even though the hosting of the video is included with the service, can I upload the completed video to other sites?

A. Absolutely! We will provide a high definition version of the Video Tour to you for distribution to other media channels such as YouTube, Google Video, Yahoo Video, Vimeo, FaceBook, Zillow, etc... We are also able to upload the Video Tour to Realtor.com if applicable.

Architectural Photography Service:

Q. How does HDR photography work?

A. By using a professional DSLR camera and taking multiple photographs at different levels of brightness on a tripod, we can combine the images using special software to make one HDR image. The result is a more life-like and natural looking image with no blown out windows, or dark hallways.

Q. Do you use techniques other than HDR to perform your still photography service?

A. Yes, we offer a higher level service of still photography using flash strobes combined with HDR techniques to illuminate dark rooms in a way that looks natural and is appealing to the eye. Using flash strobes to light the rooms, we can add depth and dimension to the image making it appear less two-dimensional.

Q. How many pictures do you take on average for each property?

A. We have a minimum of 10 photographs per property, but we can take as many as you feel you need to capture all of the property's details and amenities.

Elevated Photography Service:

Q. What types of properties benefit from elevated photography?

A. Any property can benefit from the appealing vantage point of an elevated photograph, but typically properties that have features such as water views, mountain views, pools, large backyards, etc... will benefit the most due to the fact that these features are often not visible in photographs taken from eye level.

Q. Are there any properties, or angles that cannot be photographed using the elevated photography service?

A. Upon arrival to the property, we will walk the premises to get a feel for the best angle as well as height for the elevated photograph. We will take into consideration traffic, powerlines, trees, and any other obstructions, or safety risks that may prevent us from performing the elevated photography service.