General information only — not legal, tax, financial, or real-estate advice. Verify with a licensed BC professional before acting.
MLS® photography refers to the professional photographs displayed on a Multiple Listing Service® listing. CREA and each BC real estate board publish standards on the number, quality and copyright of images uploaded. Photos are typically taken by a professional real-estate photographer engaged by the listing REALTOR®. Copyright generally belongs to the photographer unless assigned; the listing brokerage typically holds a licence to display the images for the duration of the listing. Twilight images, drone (Transport Canada RPAS-compliant) imagery and 3D virtual tours are common add-ons. Whether any specific photo scope is appropriate for your listing is a decision to discuss with your own licensed REALTOR®.
There is no rule requiring professional photography, but nearly every BC MLS® listing above a nominal price uses it. Consumers commonly ask their listing REALTOR® about the photographer's licence, scope and copyright.
Copyright typically remains with the photographer unless assigned to the listing brokerage in writing. Listing brokerages typically obtain a licence to use the photos for the duration of the listing and for marketing archival purposes.
Drone photography (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, RPAS) is permitted where the pilot holds the required Transport Canada certification and complies with Canadian Aviation Regulations. Consumers commonly confirm the drone operator's licence with their listing REALTOR®.
Verify the specific statutory language, thresholds, deadlines and current guidance directly with the governing authority: