Image loader encouters error during file uploading – what to do.

Here’s what to do if you are experiencing the error to the effect that “The image uploader encountered an error – please contact webmaster”.

Most likely, you are attempting to upload a large number of photos at one time.  Try sending your photos to the server in smaller batches of 3-5 files instead of 10 or 20 at a time.  On the server, we are scaling the photos and sending a large number at once can place stress on the server.

Can I have PicTours shoot my pictures for me?

Yes you can.  We offer photography services in the Western New York area only at this time. Additional fees apply.

How many photos can I upload to my tours?

You can upload as many photos of the property as you would like.  Try to make each photo different enough to make it worth uploading and showing to the viewers.  Add some interest to your shots by taking close ups of architectural features and other unique characteristics of the property.

What kind of camera can I use?

Any digital camera will do the job. However, for the best results in shooting real estate, you’ll want a camera that has a wide angle lens, or can have a wide angle lens attached to it. Cameras with 24-28mm lenses are what you’re looking for. And if you’re in the market for a new camera, get as many mega pixels as you can afford. Keep in mind though, that this is not the most important factor to base your decision on. The wide angle lens is most important.

Where will my tours appear?

Once you finish creating your slideshow your slideshow is instantly live.  On the View Show menu item (tab) you’ll find the links that you need to copy and paste into your MLS virtual tour field.   We no longer send emails with links embeded as the view show tab is much more convenient for you.

To ensure that the slideshow appears on various property websites, you must then place this link in your MLS. Typically every MLS system has a field for a virtual tour link. Simply copy & paste this link into this field, and your slideshow will show up automatically on any property search that displays virtual tours and/or slideshows. Note: It may take up to 24 hours before the slideshow appears on these property searches.

What is the security warning pop up window on the “Upload Photos” tab?

On the “Upload Photos” tab you may be presented with a pop up window that asks if you want to trust the image uploader software download from Aurigma Inc. You should click “Always” and you won’t see the pop up again.

This software is useful as it makes the image uploading to PicToursPro much easier.

How do I pay for my subscription?

Once you subscribe to PictoursPro, an email invoice is emailed to you. You can click on the link inside that email, and pay online with a credit card.  Your tours will be marked with a “Trial Tour” watermark until your payment is received.

How do I get started?

Once you subscribe to PictoursPro, you can start creating virtual tours immediately. So from the main page, click subscribe and fill out the basic information to get started.

Once you are logged in, click the Edit Profile tab, and fill in your contact information and click Save. Next, click Create New Slideshow, and simply go thru all the tabs, uploading your photos, entering captions, ordering the slides, selecting music, etc. You can view the tour as your work on it.

Once you’re done, you’ll notice you have received an email from us. That contains the link that you would need to place into the virtual tour field in your MLS. By the next day the link to your new virtual tour should show up on all the websites.

You’ll notice when you view a tour that it will have the word “Trial” over it. That will disappear once you pay online (an email invoice is sent to you upon signup).

How many tours can I create?

Once you create your PictourPro account, your subscription allows for unlimited tours. And, feel free to use your imagination. You can also create slideshows of homes you have sold or a slideshow representing the town or neighborhood you specialize in. The possibilities are endless.

Why are my pictures fuzzy?

Upload your photos exactly as they were when they came out of your digital camera, rather than pulling them off a website. If you pull them off a website, those photos most likely came via your MLS system, and MLS systems resize and/or compress the photos. If you then upload those into PicToursPro they look distorted because all the crispness has clarity has been taken out of them.