I’m Kurt Schachner. Wildhare Media is based in Pocahontas County in the West Virginia mountains. Below are the questions people ask most before we start a project. Rates match what’s live on the site today. If your job doesn’t fit a package cleanly, say what you need and I’ll quote it straight.
Services & what I shoot
What does Wildhare Media do?
Commercial photography and video, tourism and destination content, real estate and short-term rental media, commercial aerials, action sports, portraits, and mountain weddings and elopements. Work is based in Pocahontas County and available statewide (and farther when the project warrants it).
Who is this for?
Tourism boards and destination partners, local businesses and outdoor brands, agents and hosts who need listing and aerial media, families and seniors who want mountain portraits, and couples planning small weddings or elopements in the highlands.
Do you do action sports?
Yes. Mountain bike, snow sports, athlete profiles, and campaign-style coverage. Action work is quoted from the brief (location, athletes, stills vs motion, aerials). Start on the services page or send the project notes through contact.
Are you a Certified Professional Photographer?
Yes. I’m a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through Professional Photographers of America. That credential is about craft standards and a tested body of work, not a marketing sticker.
Do you fly drones commercially?
Yes. I hold an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, so commercial aerial photo and video is legal for client use. Hobby rules don’t cover marketing, listings, or paid campaigns. Weather, airspace, and site access still decide whether we fly on a given day.
Pricing (current)
Starting points from the live site. Final scope can move the number up or down.
Tourism & commercial
Photo Starter: $800
30s spot: $1,200
60s spot: $1,800
Brand / DMO campaigns: custom quote
Tourism & commercial media on the services hub starts from $1,500 for fuller packages
Details: Commercial & tourism
Real estate & aerials
Small / studio: $175
Condo: $275
Home: $425
Full media package: $800
Add-ons: aerial photos +$150, aerial video +$200, walkthrough +$150
Standalone aerial (as listed on the RE page): $200
Dedicated aerial-only trip with no ground package: $450 (separate rate when I’m making a trip just for air)
Details: Real estate & aerials
Portraits
Quick Capture: $150
Classic: $300
Signature: $450
Athlete: $475
Details: Portraits
Weddings & elopements
Elopement: $600
Elopement + video: $1,200
4-hour coverage: $2,500
6-hour: $3,500
8-hour full day: $4,500
Common add-ons: highlight film $1,500, ceremony video $800, proposal $400, photobook $500
Details: Weddings
Is travel included?
Pocahontas County and nearby mountain jobs are usually covered in the package. Longer statewide or out-of-area work may include travel or a split-trip fee. I’ll put that on the estimate before you book, not as a surprise later.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes on most booked projects. Amount and timing depend on the job size and calendar. You’ll see it on the estimate or contract before anything is locked.
Do you offer retainers or multi-shoot packages?
Yes for partners who need regular stills, B-roll, and aerials. Those are scoped as a short pilot or monthly retainer, not a one-size menu. Ask if you want a recurring cadence.
Booking & process
How do I book?
Email kurt@wildhare.media, call 304-940-2058, or use the form on the contact page. Include what you need, where, rough dates, and any must-have deliverables (stills, video, aerials, vertical for social, etc.).
How fast do you reply?
I aim to get back within about a business day. Peak season and shoot days can slow that a little. If it’s time-sensitive, put that in the subject line or leave a voicemail.
What should I send so you can quote accurately?
Location and property or venue access notes
Preferred dates and hard deadlines
Stills, video, aerials, or a mix
Where the files will live (web, social, print, MLS, paid ads)
Rough shot list or brand notes if you have them
How do shoots usually run?
We lock scope and timing first. On the day I run a clear shot plan, work the light and weather, and keep direction simple so people aren’t performing for the camera. You leave with a defined set of files, not a vague “we’ll see what we get.”
What if the weather turns?
Mountain weather shifts fast. For safety and quality we may delay aerials, move outdoor blocks, or reschedule. I’ll communicate early when a call has to change.
Do you travel outside West Virginia?
Yes when the project makes sense. Travel costs and schedule get written into the quote up front.
Deliverables, licensing & usage
What file formats do I get?
Edited stills as high-resolution JPEGs sized for web and print use unless we agree otherwise. Video is delivered in standard web/social-ready formats (horizontal and vertical when the shoot supports both). RAW files are not included unless we contract for that separately.
How long until I get the files?
Typical turnaround depends on the job:
Real estate / simpler stills: often a few business days
Portraits: usually about a week
Commercial, multi-day, or heavier video: longer, set on the estimate
Rush is available when the calendar allows; rush is usually a surcharge.
Who owns the photos and video?
I retain copyright. You get a usage license that matches what we agreed (marketing site, social, MLS, print, paid media, etc.). Extended, exclusive, or full buyout licensing is available when you need it. Don’t assume unlimited global rights unless the contract says so.
Can I edit the files myself?
Light crop and color for your CMS is usually fine. Heavy filters, AI face swaps, or re-edits that change the look of the work need a conversation first. Brand guidelines on your side are welcome; I’ll match them when you share them before the edit.
Do you shoot vertical and horizontal?
Yes when the brief calls for it. Tell me up front if you need Reels/TikTok/Shorts cuts plus web hero frames so we cover both on set.
Aerials & technical
What’s the difference between add-on aerials and a standalone aerial day?
Add-on aerials ride with a ground package (photos +$150, photos + video +$200 on the RE menu).
Standalone aerial on the RE page is listed at $200 for simpler property air work.
Dedicated aerial-only trip (I’m traveling just for air, no ground package): $450.
Can every property be flown?
No. Temporary flight restrictions, nearby airports, weather, trees/power lines, and owner or HOA rules can block a flight. I’ll check what I can before shoot day and won’t bill you for a flight we can’t legally or safely make.
Location & logistics
Where are you based?
Pocahontas County, West Virginia (Marlinton area). I work across the WV mountains and travel statewide.
Do you know the area well enough for tourism and destination work?
I’ve lived and shot in these mountains for over a decade. That shows up as practical local knowledge: roads, seasons, light windows, and how outdoor locations actually behave on a production day. Client proof includes destination and regional work such as Mon Forest Towns asset libraries, plus editorial placements with Highland Outdoors, Freehub, and Blue Ridge Outdoors.
Can you work with models, staff, or athletes on set?
Yes. I’m used to directing people who aren’t professional talent and keeping the day moving without a huge crew.
Policies
What’s your cancellation or reschedule policy?
Life and weather happen in the mountains. Reschedules are handled case by case when we have notice. Late cancels or no-shows may forfeit the deposit per the contract. Full terms go on the agreement before the hold is firm.
Do you work with other vendors or second shooters?
When the job needs it, yes. I’ll say so in the plan rather than surprising you on site.
Is photography taxable in West Virginia?
WV often treats photography services as taxable. Sales tax handling is confirmed with your invoice and, when needed, your CPA. I’m not giving tax advice here; the invoice will show what applies to your job.
Still stuck?
If your question isn’t here, email kurt@wildhare.media or call 304-940-2058. Tell me what you’re building and the date window. I’ll answer with a clear next step.