For a long time Fontanart Studio has been based in Miami, Florida, USA and in Havana, Cuba, now opens a branch in Saint Martin to offer professional and high quality photographic services aimed at the online market and advertising. Our specialized services include product photography, real estate and, as a trusted agency and trusted fortographer of Google with respective certifications, we also provide 360º photography services for Google Street View and Google My Bussines services for more than 15 years.
At Fontanart Studio our mission is our motto: to provide clients with superior and Affordable Product Photography. Whether you’re a small start-up or a Fortune 500 Company, we’re invested in making your Business Look its Best with our product photography services.
We value our ecommerce product photography as much as you value your products and strive to meet the individual needs of our cliental by working closely with our clients to deliver high quality product photos with a fast turnaround time. At Fontanart Studio, we understand e-commerce is vital to success and that high-quality images increase profitability. To help maximize your online potential, we are always happy to offer our clients advice on how to improve the display of product images on their websites.
What is a Google Virtual Tour?
Google Virtual Tours (also known as Google Business View or See Inside Street View) is official Google content that utilizes the commonly used “Street View” technology of Google Maps to allow customers to “See Inside” of your business. It’s interactive content that gives the most awesome preview of the customer experience at each location. Watch the video below to see the technology in action.
How do my customers use it?
Your Google Virtual Tour will integrate seamlessly with all of the ways your customers will search for you on Google. This includes MAPS, regular SEARCH, and Google+. Everybody’s using Google Maps for directions these days and this rich content will be right at their fingertips!
Are there any additional fees or monthly charges?
Nope. WalkThru360 helps you to maximize the “Free Real Estate” that Google gives every business. The content we help you create will be owned by you and will live with your profile indefinitely.
Do I get the copyright to Point of Interest Images?
YES. You will get full copyrights to all images created and are free to use them on any digital platform (ie Facebook, blog, etc.) or print. The Google Tour + High Resolution Images.
These Google Tours must be super expensive, Right?
Nope. Google has created a platform to efficiently produce this interactive content allowing us, the Google Street View Trusted Photographer, to offer this service at a truly affordable price.
I have a fancy camera; can’t I just do this myself?
Nope. Only Google Trusted Street View Photographers can offer this service. We have worked extensively to be certified and trained on the best techniques to create the most beautiful experience of your business. We protect your brand and present great imagery of your business!
How long does a virtual tour shoot take?
For most businesses, the shoot lasts about 1-2 hours. Then we hustle back to the office and begin the post-production process. Within 1-2 weeks your tour will be LIVE across all Google Platforms!
Can people be present for the Google Tour?
Yes. Customers and employees can be present, but their faces will be blurred to ensure privacy. Many business owners prefer to show the business in its pure state and without people and we can shoot early or late if you prefer this look.
Why Are Your Prices More Affordable Than Most Studios?
Our goal is to provide a high quality service at affordable rates. Our streamlined photo-taking process plus our product photographers’ years of experience allow us to offer affordable rates compared to other studios. This results in less overhead and costs per client.
Do You Offer Photos with Models?
We offer hand, foot and other partial-body model-shots at a extra cost of $15 per photo. We currently do not offer photos with full-body models.
Do You Shoot Clothing on Mannequins/People?
We shoot all clothing flat without any mannequins or people.
Do You Offer Lifestyle photos or Props?
We do offer a selection of lifestyle photos. Please contact us and let us know what lifestyle shot you have in mind, and we will let you know if that is something we can shoot for you and provide an estimate. If you want to include props with your photo, please contact us as well. When possible to save on costs please send us the props. We can also custom source props. Photos with multiple props and lifestyle photos are custom quoted.
When Do I Pay for My Photos?
We require 50% payment or deposit in advance in any order. When your shoot is complete we will email you proofs and final invoice which can be paid online with PayPal or any major Credit Card. For larger orders, on-location, custom setups or customers with prior unpaid orders, we require previous contact.
How Much Do you Charge?
Our pricing is based on the total number of photos in a shoot, or volume. The more photos you order at once the lower the cost is per photo. Click here to read all about our pricing.
Do you Charge By The Photo or Product?
We charge by the photo. For example, if you are selling a product on Amazon and want 7 product photos of the same item you will be charged for 7 photos.
How Many Photos Do You Take?
We can take as little as 1 or as many as you want of each product. Since we charge per photo you get to decide. If you need help deciding how many photos you need, please contact us and we can help guide you based on your product-type, where you plan to sell, and your budget. We always recommend at least two photos of each product-item. Product Photos help sell your items and having more than 1 photo can help increase your conversion rates and bottom line. This is especially true for Amazon Sellers.
Can your photos be used on Amazon?
Absolutely. The majority of our customers sell on Amazon in addition to their own websites. We are familiar with Amazon specs and all orders include files ready for upload to Amazon, as well as all of the popular e-commerce platforms and web stores.
Can I get larger volume pricing for multiple small orders?
Our product photography pricing is setup to provide volume discounts based a single photo shoot. Multiple small orders do not equal volume discount pricing.
How Do I Ship My Items to You?
To start please place your order on our order / quote page. After you submit your order you will receive an order confirmation with instructions on where to ship your items and your order number which will be part of the address. Carefully pack up all the items that you need to photograph and ship them to us via UPS/FedEx or USPS. Pay special attention to the products you send; ensure any labels are straight, and the product is in excellent condition. If your business is close to our studio you can come personally and bring your products or we can arrange to pick them up at an additional cost.
Do You Ship Back My Items?
Yes, if you want your items returned we do ship them back. We can either ship back on your UPS or FedEx Account, or Bill you for return shipping via UPS/FedEx. Please note we do not return items via USPS unless you provide a return label. You may also include a return label for UPS or FedEx. If you do not want your items returned, let us know, and we will either dispose your product at your request or donate reusable items. Let us know what you intend to have us do with your products within 30 days after your photoshoot (return, dispose, donate), or we will dispose of them for you.
If your business is close to our studio you can come personally to pick up your products or we can arrange to make the delivery with additional cost.
I am located in another Island or Country. Can you Take My Photos?
Yes, we work with customers from around the world. As long as you are able to ship us your items, we can be your product photographers. Once your items arrive the rest of the process is all electronic. You will be able to review proofs once ready, pay your invoice online, and then download your files. We can also provide photographic services on-location, the client must pay all the costs of production, cargo, stay and travel, which will be charged in advance and independent of 50% down payment for the contracted services.
How Do I Get My Files?
As soon as your product photography shoot is done:
1. We email you proofs to review and your final invoice.
2. You approve your proof and pay your invoice online or in person by check or cash..
3. We email you a download link for your files. That same link can be forwarded to your designer, or anyone else on your team that needs access to your photos. Files will include a Full Size JPG image that can be used on Amazon, Web stores, and for Print. Plus, we include a High Resolution PSD file with layers. If you require any other formats just let us know.
What if I Want Changes?
We encourage all customers to email us, or fill in the order form, any special instructions prior to your photo shoot so we have the best opportunity to deliver proofs that meet your expectations the first time around. Once you get your proofs you can view all your product photos and either approve your order, or requests reshoots, or touch ups. Most revisions are free. However, additional charges may apply in the event that your request deviates from your original instructions. Extra charges will go through you for approval.
If you are still not happy with the results, you may opt to cancel your order at this point before any files are delivered to you, but you will not be refound the down payment, as stipulated in the AGREEMENT. You would simply be liable for any return shipping costs. For new clients or first-time orders, we reserve the right to process a small number of product pictures for approval before photographing your entire order. This ensures you are happy with our service before we complete your entire order.
How do I schedule an appointment for real estate photography?
Use the scheduling form on my website to view my current calendar and schedule an appointment. If you prefer to do things the old fashioned way, you can also call, text or email me. All of the relevant contact information is located on the Contact Page. The earlier you let me know of your need for real estate photos, the more convenient the appointment timing for you and your sellers.
How much notice do you need to schedule my photography appointment?
Ideally, 3 – 5 days notice is enough advance to reserved your preferred date and time. If I have a cancellation, I can accommodate last minute requests, but that is rare. The more notice, the better.
How long will the real estate photography appointment take?
It depends on the size of the home and services included in your request (360 Google), but generally plan for the photography session to take around two hours. Smaller homes take less time, usually around an hour, while larger homes (larger than 2500 square feet) take between two and three hours. Why does it take so long? Rather than use quick run-and-gun techniques (that often produce cheap-looking results), We use a series of flashes carefully placed around each room to ensure the entire home is displayed as beautifully as possible. Because of this, some homes can be more challenging than others. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about an hour of photography time for each 1,000 square feet.
When is the best time for real estate photography?
While most appointments are made based on your availability and the availability of the sellers, there are a few times of the day that make for better photographs than others. West-facing homes are best photographed in the early afternoon while east-facing homes are best photographed in the morning. North-facing homes are best shot in the early morning before the sun gets too high in the sky. No matter the direction of the home, every home can benefit from being photographed during twilight.
Who needs to be at the home for the photography appointment?
We can use a contractors lockbox (the ones with an alphanumeric code) to access the home for a photography session with the homeowner’s permission. Unfortunately We cannot use the Realtor’s standard blue lockbox. Otherwise, you or the homeowner will need to be on site to let me in at the time of the appointment.
Is it OK for the sellers to be home during the photography session?
Absolutely. It’s your seller’s home to tell them they are free to hang out while We are photographing. But please know We are able to produce better images in the short amount of time if We are on the property when distractions are limited. Even if you or the seller are on site, please make sure all staging and cleaning is complete prior to the appointment. And please keep all children and pets away from equipment the appointment. See HERE our Shooting Guidelines for properties
Is it OK if a home is not furnished?
While homes are generally more attractive if they are furnished or staged prior to the real estate photography session, I can photograph a completely empty home as well. However, I encourage you to consider hiring a home stager if the home is vacant, at least to stage important rooms like the master bedroom (and bathroom), the living or family room, and the kitchen.
My [friend/family member/acquaintance/random guy with a camera] offered to shoot my listing for free. Why should I hire your services?
That’s great! If your friend or family member is seriously considering becoming a professional real estate photographer, then absolutely take them up on their offer. Practice makes perfect, as they say. However, you may still need to hire a professional photographer since it is in your best interest to have the highest quality images of the home to both market your current listing to potential buyers and market yourself to new sellers. Real estate photography is a highly specialized field that cannot be properly photographed by amateurs or some other types of photographers who lack the necessary lighting equipment and experience. Professional real estate and architectural photographers know how to display each home at its best.
Who owns the photographs?
We (photographer) own the copyright to all photographs and other marketing materials we produce on your behalf. If you are our client, you are free to use the photographs and other marketing materials for any personal marketing purposes. However, any photographs or other marketing materials may not be used by any other party without my written consent. If a builder, stager, contractor, handyman, or anyone else asks you for the images, please refer them to our studio.
How can I prepare the home for the real estate photography session?
I have several resources available to help you and your sellers prepare the home for the photography session. You can view the Preparing for Real Estate Photography page on this website.
What equipment do you use?
I use a high-end Nikon cameras with a wide-angle lens. I also bring small speedlites (flashes), strobes (really powerful flashes), flash stands, tripods, umbrellas, and a variety of other equipment to produce the best images possible and ensure all straight lines are perfectly straight. For 360 photography (Google, Zillow, websites, social media) we use Insta360 High Definition cameras.
When will I receive my photos?
Real estate photography sessions include a 24-72 hour turnaround, so expect to see your photos within 72 hours maximum of the end of the photography appointment. For example, if you scheduled an appointment for 10am on Tuesday and it takes me one hour to photograph the home, you will have the processed images at most by 11am on Friday. We also offer a Same Day Rush service for an additional fee.
How will I receive my photos?
Your photos usually will be delivered digitally through a Dropbox.com link. Inside that link, you will find at least two sets of images: one set of high quality images for printing on flyers or other print advertisements, and a second set specifically sized for you to upload to the web. On the ORDER/QUOTE FORM you will find other ways to receive your digital images, just choose the one of your preference and send us the form.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule the real estate photography appointment?
If you need to cancel and reschedule our real estate photography appointment for any reason, please call or text at +1 721 559 3870 / +590 690 45 70 m98 or email us at info@fontanartsxm.com as soon as possible. I charge a cancellation fee of $75 if the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment time.
What do you do if it rains?
If it rains, We can take photos of the home and produce very good results even in the (unlikely) event of rain. Photos of the interior are generally unaffected by poor weather, though visibility of ocean views will be obscured. Photos of the exterior will be darker. In the event of extremely heavy rain, We will start by photographing the interior of the home with the hope the rain will subside by the time We finished. If the heavy rain does not stop, We may come back the next day to photograph the exterior. Please monitor weather forecasts and notify us as soon as possible if you would like to reschedule due to rain.
How much do your real estate photography sessions cost?
My prices range from $75 to $300 depending on the size of the homes and the number of photographs you need. For more information about my pricing and current monthly discounts, please visit my Real Estate Photography Pricing page.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer two full-time discounts. A referral discount for you if you refer another Realtor to Fontanart Studio SXM and they use our real estate photography services for the first time. The other discount is for posting our pictures to social media. In addition to these full-time discounts, We also offer a monthly discount.
Do you charge tax for real estate photography?
Not usually, but We will have to charge tax if deliver a CD, DVD, flash drive, or some other kind of physical media containing the images.
Can't you just Photoshop that out?
Yes and no. We can remove some minor (non-material) things using Photoshop, but nothing is as good as making sure the home is ready to be photographed when We arrive. Keep in mind that if you want to make sure the home looks good in the images, it should look just as good in person.
Do you travel for real estate photography?
I would be happy to photograph your property anywhere in St Martin. However, We do charge a mileage fee for real estate photography sessions for homes in St. Barth or Anguilla.