FAQ – Photography & Video Services
in South Carolina
I’m Meghann Padgett, an Aiken, South Carolina based photographer specializing in interiors & architecture, real estate, Airbnb and short-term rentals, portraits, and commercial brand photo and video.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding booking, preparation, delivery, and licensing.
General Photography Questions
Q: What services do you offer?
A: I provide interiors and architectural photo & video, real estate and MLS listing media, Airbnb and short term rental photography, portrait and lifestyle sessions, and commercial brand photo and video. Additional services include aerials, twilight sessions, floor plans, virtual staging, and 3D renders.
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Q: Where are you based and what areas do you serve?
A: I am based in Aiken, South Carolina and serve surrounding communities throughout South Carolina and nearby Georgia. Travel fees may apply outside my standard service radius.
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Q: How do I book a session?
A: Sessions can be scheduled through my website booking form or by contacting me directly. Sharing details about your project, location, and timeline helps me prepare and recommend the right services.
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Q: How will I receive my files?
A: All photos and videos are delivered through a private online gallery for convenient viewing, downloading, and sharing.
Interiors Photography FAQ
Q: How should I prepare my space for an interiors shoot?
A: Declutter surfaces, remove personal items, style thoughtfully, and ensure all areas are clean and photo ready. Opening blinds or curtains as desired and paying attention to small styling details can significantly elevate the final images.
Q: Do you provide styling assistance?
A: I’m happy to help with minor adjustments during the shoot. For full styling or staging, I can recommend trusted collaborators if needed.
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Q: Do you offer site visits before the shoot?
A: Yes. For larger or more detailed projects, a pre-shoot walkthrough can help plan composition, lighting, and styling considerations. Site visits are available upon request.
Q: Will I be able to preview images during the shoot?
A: Absolutely. I provide live image previewing during interiors shoots, allowing us to evaluate composition, lighting, and styling adjustments as we work.
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Q: How will my photos or videos be delivered?
A: Final images and videos are provided through a private online gallery or secure download link within 2-3 weeks of final image selection.
Q: Can the images be edited, filtered, or altered after delivery?
A: To preserve artistic integrity and visual consistency, images may not be altered without written permission. If specific adjustments are needed, I’m always happy to discuss options.
Q: How may I use the images from my interiors session?
A: Your agreement outlines how images may be used. Standard licensing includes promotional use across websites, portfolios, and social media. Additional licensing is required for extended commercial or third-party use.
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Q: Can vendors or collaborators repost the images?
A: Images are licensed to the commissioning client only. If collaborators or vendors would like to repost or use the images, please refer them directly to me for licensing.
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Q: Can I tag collaborators or vendors on social media?
A: Yes, tagging is welcomed and appreciated. Please note that collaborator posts, co-author features, or shared posting permissions require prior approval.
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Q: What if a brand or publication would like to feature the images?
A: That is always exciting. Please refer them directly to me so we can coordinate licensing and proper file delivery.
Real Estate Photography FAQ
Q: What services do you offer for real estate listings?
A: Services include professional listing photography, cinematic video, social media reels, aerial drone imagery, 2D and 3D floor plans, 3D render videos, virtual staging, twilight photography, and agent branding. Coverage may be tailored based on the property and marketing goals.
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Q: Do I need photos and video, or just photos?
A: While photography remains essential, video and aerial imagery can significantly enhance marketing performance, engagement, and perceived property value. Many clients choose a combination for stronger presentation.
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Q: Do you offer aerial or drone photography?
A: Yes. Aerial imagery is available for properties where location, land, setting, or architectural features benefit from elevated perspectives.
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Q: Do you provide floor plans?
A: Yes. Floor plans may be added to most listings and are particularly helpful for buyer clarity and online engagement.
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Q: How should the property be prepared before the photoshoot?
A: Please ensure the home is clean and decluttered prior to arrival. Less is more. Remove excess items, personal belongings, and seasonal decor when possible. Preparation includes opening or raising blinds as desired, turning lights on unless an editorial look is preferred, turning ceiling fans off, and removing vehicles from the driveway or garage. I’m happy to assist with minor adjustments, but moving large furniture or rugs should be handled beforehand.
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Q: What happens if the weather is cloudy or rainy?
A: All photo packages include sky replacements, so cloudy conditions do not necessarily affect the final images. If weather conditions are unfavorable and you prefer to reschedule, please contact me as soon as possible.
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Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment may be subject to a 50 dollar cancellation fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to unforeseen weather conditions.
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Q: Do you charge travel fees?
A: Travel is included within 35 miles of Aiken, South Carolina. Properties beyond this radius are subject to a travel fee of 0.70 per mile based on total distance traveled.
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Q: When is payment due?
A: Final balance is due at the time of gallery delivery. Select projects may require a 50 percent deposit to secure the scheduled shoot date.
Q: How quickly will I receive my photos and videos?
A: Photos are typically delivered within 2 days, often next day. Videos and media packages are usually delivered within 2 to 3 days depending on property size and scope.
Q: Are your photos MLS optimized?
A: Yes. All delivered images are formatted and sized to meet MLS requirements for smooth uploads and proper display quality.
Q: How are images delivered?
A: Images are delivered through a personal online gallery as high resolution JPEG files optimized for MLS, web, and marketing use. Higher resolution files are available upon request.
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Q: What happens in the unlikely event of data loss?
A: If media is lost before delivery, any payments received for that media will be refunded.
Q: Who owns the copyright?
A: All photographs remain the sole and exclusive property of the photographer.
Q: What usage rights are included?
A: Upon full payment, a non exclusive, non transferable, non sublicensable license is granted for marketing purposes only, including MLS, listings, and social media.
Q: Can images be transferred to another agent or vendor?
A: No. Usage rights are granted only to the paying client unless written permission is provided.
Q: How long do usage rights last?
A: Usage rights remain valid indefinitely while you hold the listing. If you no longer represent the listing, usage rights are relinquished.
Q: Do you offer 3D tours?
A: I offer 3D renders but not interactive 3D tours.
Airbnb & Short Term Rental Photography
Q: Do you photograph Airbnb and vacation rentals?
A: Yes. I create photography designed to showcase short term rentals and enhance booking appeal across listing platforms. I also offer aerial photography, videos, and floor plans to enhance your listing.
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Q: What makes an effective Airbnb photo set?
A: Bright, welcoming imagery that clearly communicates layout, comfort, amenities, and unique features. Strong first impressions and accurate representation are key.
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Q: How should I prepare my Airbnb or vacation rental for a photoshoot?
A: Prepare your space like you would for a guest arrival. Clean thoroughly, remove personal items, and tidy every room. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light and leave interior lights off for an editorial look. Make beds with clean linens, fold towels neatly, and ensure surfaces are free of clutter. Highlight amenities and unique features guests will value in your listing. I’ll take it from there to capture the character and layout of each space.
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Q: What spaces should be included in my Airbnb photo set?
A: Your photo set will include every room or area that guests can use — bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living spaces, outdoor areas, and special amenities. This helps guests visualize the layout and understand what the space offers before booking.
Q: What kind of lighting works best for Airbnb photos?
A: Soft, natural light produces warm, inviting images. Plan photos during daylight hours when rooms receive the most sunlight. . Natural lighting helps create consistent, appealing photos across your gallery, so be sure to open blinds and curtains. I always bring my flash for supplemental lighting where needed.
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Q: How many photos should be included in my Airbnb gallery?
A: I always capture a variety of shots — wide views of each room, detail close-ups of key features, and lifestyle angles that help guests imagine staying there. Airbnb’s own guidance encourages showing each room and its amenities clearly so guests know what to expect.
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Q: Should staging or small décor touches be used for Airbnb photos?
A: YES! Strategic staging — like fresh flowers, neatly placed cushions and throws, or a tasteful coffee setup — can make spaces feel welcoming without misrepresenting the listing. The goal is to enhance the space while remaining authentic so guests have accurate expectations.
Portrait, Lifestyle & Commercial Brand Photo + Video
Q: What types of clients do you typically work with?
A: I work with individuals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses seeking refined, intentional imagery. This includes personal branding clients, small business owners, professionals, and commercial brands.If you’re unsure whether your project is a fit, I’m always happy to connect and learn more about your vision.
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Q: What is the difference between a portrait session and a branding session?
A: Portrait sessions focus primarily on you. Branding sessions are designed to visually communicate your business, personality, and story through a mix of portraits, details, environment, and lifestyle imagery.
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Q: Do you offer commercial photography and video services?
A: Yes. I create photo and video content for brands, businesses, and marketing campaigns. Projects range from headshots and brand storytelling to product imagery and promotional videos.
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Q: Can sessions include both photo and video?
A: Absolutely. Many clients choose to combine still photography with short-form video to create a cohesive visual presence across websites, social media, and marketing platforms.
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Q: What time of day are branding sessions usually scheduled?
A: Morning through midday is typically ideal. Many branding and lifestyle sessions take place in homes, studios, or workspaces where natural light shapes the look and feel of the images. Earlier hours tend to provide soft, even light that photographs beautifully.
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Q: How long will it take to receive my photos?
A: Galleries for portraits, lifestyle, and personal branding sessions are generally delivered within 1-3 weeks. Larger commercial productions may vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
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Q: How much should I expect to invest?
A: Session investment is tailored to the scope and creative direction of your project. On-location portrait sessions begin at $300. Branding and lifestyle commissions typically range from $600 to $2,000, depending on session length, coverage, and overall project needs. A personalized quote is always available.
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Q: What is included in a branding or lifestyle session?
A: Sessions may include portraits, environmental imagery, workspace details, products, team imagery, and visual assets designed for web, social, and marketing use. Each project is customized.
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Q: Can you help with planning or creative direction?
A: Yes. I guide clients through location selection, wardrobe considerations, session flow, and overall visual tone to ensure the final gallery feels cohesive and intentional.
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Q: Where do branding sessions take place?
A: Sessions may be photographed in your home, studio, workplace, or a carefully selected location such as a rental space or Airbnb. The setting is chosen to complement your brand aesthetic.
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Q: What should I wear for my session?
A: Choose clothing that reflects your personality and brand while remaining timeless and comfortable. Neutral tones, subtle textures, and well-fitting pieces tend to photograph beautifully. Incorporating brand colors is always useful. I’m happy to provide wardrobe guidance if desired.
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Q: How may I use my images?
A: Portrait and branding images are licensed for personal promotion, website use, and marketing. Expanded commercial usage can be arranged based on your needs.
Licensing & Usage FAQ
Q: Who owns the copyright to the images and videos?
A: Meghann Padgett retains full copyright ownership of all photographs and video. Clients purchase usage rights, not ownership of the media.​
Q: What usage rights are included?
A: Usage rights are outlined in your agreement and vary by project type. Standard licensing typically includes marketing, promotional, website, and social media use.
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Q: Can I share the images with vendors or collaborators?
A: Images are licensed to the commissioning client only. Third parties must obtain usage rights directly through Meghann Padgett. Clients agree to refer all licensing inquiries accordingly.
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Q: Can another agent use my real estate images if they take over the listing?
A: No. Real estate licensing is non-transferable. Usage rights are valid only while the commissioning agent holds the active listing. New representation requires new licensing.
Q: Are the images licensed exclusively to me?
A: No. Licensing is non-exclusive. Meghann Padgett retains the right to use the media for portfolio, marketing, and professional purposes unless otherwise agreed.
Q: May I edit, filter, or alter the images?
A: To maintain artistic integrity and visual consistency, images may not be altered without written permission. If adjustments are needed, please contact me.
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Q: Can the images be used for paid advertising or publications?
A: Standard licensing covers promotional use. Expanded commercial applications, including advertising, publications, or resale, require additional licensing.
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Q: What should I do if a brand or publication requests usage?
A: Wonderful. Please refer them directly to me so we can coordinate licensing and proper file delivery.
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Q: When do usage rights begin?
A: Usage rights are granted upon full payment.