Drone photography has become an essential tool in the real estate sales and marketing industry. In today's competitive market, compelling and captivating online photography is crucial, and drones can help you achieve the dramatic images you need. With real estate drone photography, you can capture stunning aerial views and perspectives of properties and their surrounding landscapes. These images and videos can be used to create virtual tours, promotional materials, and eye-catching listing photos. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to excel in real estate drone photography.
Real Estate Drone Photography - An Overview
Real estate drone photography involves using flying drones to capture aerial photos of properties. Viewing properties from above offers a whole new perspective, allowing buyers to see the property's footprint, nearby natural areas, the neighborhood, and the house's relation to its surroundings. These aerial images provide a comprehensive view of the property and its surroundings and give buyers a better feel for the lay of the land. Furthermore, aerial photography boosts your listing appeal by featuring dramatic and alluring images that grab buyers' attention.
Is Drone Photography Effective for Sales?
Some real estate professionals may question the necessity or effectiveness of drone photography. However, the statistics and surveys prove them wrong. According to a National Association of Realtors study, 57% of buyers expect to see at least 8 to 10 aerial shots of residential properties. Moreover, buyers are 65% more likely to schedule an in-person showing for listings featuring drone aerial photography. These numbers clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of drone photography in sales. Additionally, drone photography has become more important since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 7 in 10 agents reporting the increased significance of videos, virtual staging, and drone photography.
How to Get Started With Real Estate Drone Photography
Now that you understand the power and benefits of real estate drone photography, you may wonder how to get started. Here are three steps to help you begin:
Step 1: Learn Your Local Laws
Before employing drone photography, familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. Be aware of airspace restrictions and follow the rules to avoid legal issues.
Step 2: Obtain a License
Flying a drone requires a license in every state. Pass the Part 107 pilot’s test and obtain FAA certification. Make sure to renew the license every 36 months and pass the recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months.
Step 3: Purchase the Right Drone for You
Once you are licensed, find a suitable drone for your needs. Consider factors like capabilities, ease of use, and price. Consult with local real estate photographers to gain insights, and practice flying your drone before using it for aerial photography.
The 9 Best Drones for Real Estate Photography
The following drones are among the best options available for real estate photography:
-
DJI Mini 2 Fly More - Ultralight Foldable Drone
-
Hubsan Zino Pro 4K
-
Ruko F11 Pro Drones With 4K UHD Camera
-
Parrot Anafi
-
DJI Mavic Air 2 - Drone Quadcopter UAV With 48MP Camera and 4K Video
-
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
-
DJI Mavic Pro Bundle
-
Phantom 4 ProV2.0
-
Flightelf Professional Sony Camera Drone
6 Tips for Excellent Real Estate Drone Photography
To capture the best possible results in drone photography, follow these tips:
- Safety first - prioritize safety by ensuring the drone is in good working condition and following all regulations and airspace restrictions.
- Plan your shoot - before flying the drone, plan the flight path, angles, and time of day for the shoot.
- Check the weather - be aware of weather conditions and choose the best lighting conditions for your photos.
- Prepare the landscape - clean up the property and remove any distractions or hazards before the shoot.
- Remember basic photography rules - pay attention to composition, lighting, and other fundamental principles of photography.
- Edit your drone photos - post-processing is essential for getting the best quality images. Consider professional editing services to enhance your photos further.
How Much to Charge for Real Estate Drone Photography?
Determining the appropriate pricing for real estate drone photography can be challenging. Factors to consider include the property's size, location, shoot complexity, the number of shots required, and the type of drone used. Most professional drone photographers charge an hourly rate, which can range from $50 to $500 per hour, depending on experience and service level. Alternatively, photographers may charge per photo or offer packages based on square footage. It's crucial to consider the quality of your work and experience when setting your pricing.
FAQ - Summary
Q: Is real estate drone photography necessary, or will traditional exterior photos suffice?
A: Real estate drone photography provides a unique perspective, showcasing the property and its surroundings more effectively. It allows buyers to see the property's footprint, nearby amenities, and overall size, making it a valuable tool in real estate marketing.
Q: How many shots do I need when shooting real estate drone photography?
A: The number of shots required depends on the property and its surroundings. Larger properties or those with special features may require more shots. It's also essential to photograph nearby attractions and natural amenities.
Q: How difficult is it to obtain a drone pilot's license?
A: The FAA Part 107 drone pilot exam requires studying rules and regulations, airport operations, weather, airspace, flight operations, and sectional charts. Although challenging, there are online training courses available to help you prepare and pass the exam successfully.
Take Your Drone Photography to the Next Level With PhotoUp
If you want to elevate your aerial images to the next level, PhotoUp can help. Their editing experts can enhance and transform your drone photos, ensuring they are captivating and eye-catching. With services like exposure correction, landscape enhancement, and object removal, your real estate drone photos will stand out from the competition. PhotoUp also offers a range of other real estate marketing services like virtual staging, single property websites, floor plans, and virtual assistants. Sign up for a free PhotoUp account to explore all they have to offer.
We hope you found this ultimate guide to real estate drone photography useful. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out other related resources like tips for becoming a great drone photographer, pricing insights for drone real estate photography, and recommendations for the best drones for real estate photography in 2023.