Unlike other industries that are still exploring drone use, real estate adopted the technology from its infancy. The ability of drones to capture high-quality aerial shots from various angles has made them a natural choice for realtors. However, the pricing of real estate drone shoots can still be unclear. In this article, we will explore the various factors that influence the cost of these shoots.
Factors Influencing Real Estate Drone Shoot Costs
When pricing their services, professional drone photographers take into account several factors:
Type of Listing
Each project is unique, and rates cannot always be standardized. Factors such as the size of the property and any special requests from the realtor can influence custom quotes. Luxury real estate listings often require higher rates for extremely high-quality shots. Listings with complex angles or located in bustling neighborhoods may also incur additional costs.
Setup Costs
Costs associated with real estate photography include purchasing the drone itself, training to operate it, and acquiring a license. Operators must comply with part 107 regulations for commercial drone use. The type of drone the photographer uses can also impact the price, with premium drones like DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, Parrot Anafi, DJI Mavic Air, and DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 potentially increasing the quoted price.
General Expenses
Expenses such as premium software subscriptions, mileage, marketing, web hosting, SEO, and manpower costs can vary from one photographer to another. Additionally, drone insurance is an added cost that ensures realtor clients are not liable for any mishaps. While the photographer may not charge directly for insurance, some of the cost may be factored into the pricing.
Add-On Services
In addition to shooting photos and videos, some photographers offer complementary services such as editing, translation, and transcription. These services can increase the overall cost of the shoot.
Expertise
While drones provide impressive aerial photos, photography skills also play a role in pricing. Different photographers may charge varying rates for the same type of work based on their perceived value and expertise.
Location
The location of the shoot can affect pricing. Urban centers and areas with higher market rates often have higher quotes. However, in locations with a lot of competition among real estate photography services, more affordable quotes may be available. It is essential to research and compare quotes from multiple professionals or companies before making a decision.
Number of Photos and Videos
Some drone photographers charge a fixed rate per photo or video, making it easier to tailor the shoot to fit your budget. Others may charge a per-minute or per-hour fee, while some have a fixed base rate for the entire shoot with additional charges for extra images.
Time of Day
While shooting real estate photos during daylight is common, some realtors may request early morning, dusk, or night shots. The logistics and additional skills required for these specific times may result in higher charges.
Final Thoughts
While it's challenging to provide specific figures for real estate drone shoot costs due to the various influencing factors, here are some general figures from 2019:
- $150-$300 for 10 or fewer still images without editing
- $300-$1,000 for a 1-5 minute drone video
- $500-$1,000 for editing images or videos
Keep in mind that these figures can vary based on location, type of real estate, logistics involved, and additional services provided by the photographer. If you already have a drone and only require a photographer for shooting and editing, the costs may be lower. Take the time to gather quotes from multiple professionals to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
