How To Master The Art Of Aerial Photography In Real Estate (2024)

Do you want to learn how to get better at real estate aerial photography and crush your opponents? Here are the 5 top aerial photography strategies recommended by pros.

In the fast-paced realm of real estate aerial photography, staying ahead demands embracing innovative techniques. Among these, using aerial photography through UAV drones has emerged as a game-changer. This cutting-edge approach offers a distinct perspective, enhancing the appeal of properties and captivating potential buyers. Whether it’s residential or commercial listings, the demand for drones and professional drone photographers is soaring, reshaping the real estate industry’s landscape.

Aerial photography, particularly through UAV drones, provides a bird’s-eye view of properties, elevating the traditional real estate visuals. This new technique offers versatility, allowing for the capture of stunning images that showcase the property’s unique features. With residential clients seeking a minimum of 8 to 10 captivating aerial shots, the importance of mastering this art cannot be ignored.

What is aerial photography and how to master drones? Let’s check out the below detailed list that will show you how to get better at aerial photography.

What is Aerial Photography?

Aerial photography for real estate is when photographs are taken from the air of a property. The resulting frame of reference from a high elevation is the meaning of aerial view. 

Drone photography for real estate is a subtype of aerial photography that explicitly uses drones to take photos. Other aircrafts, such as planes or helicopters, can also be used for aerial photography. With this, the real estate sector has become more imaginative and touched the technological side to new heights.

This modern aerial photography technique boosts your listing quality and focuses on presenting creativity in your listings.

5 Tips To Master The Art Of Aerial Photography In Real Estate

1. Stage the House Beforehand

Just like you’d clean up the outside of a property before snapping exterior photos with a handheld camera, getting everything set for a drone shoot requires a little extra effort. It’s not just about tidying up the yard, arranging the outdoor furniture, and making sure the landscaping looks great. A professional drone photographer got to think in three dimensions—giving the roof a good clean and parking all vehicles neatly in the garage. Consider how things look from both ground level and up in the sky!

2. Plan for Traffic

Aerial photography has a special magic in its knack for capturing the broader scene. Just like you’d tidy up the property to minimize trash, it’s important to think about the flow of activity around it.

Consider the various movements that could impact your aerial shots – from cars and pedestrians to folks waiting at bus stops or even boats if you’re by the water. Try pinpointing times when there’s less hustle and bustle, so your UAV drones can truly shine without distractions.

3. Plan for Weather & Light

A professional drone photographer also needs to keep a “weather eye” on the forecast.

Obviously precipitation and wind are bad from both a piloting and photography perspective. But the time of day and the degree of cloud cover will also make a huge difference in terms of light.

You can correct for problems with light and shadow to some degree in post, but it’s easier to process photos when you don’t have to, and you can never eliminate these problems entirely.

Do a little reconnaissance to figure out how the property is oriented and when the important angles are lit the best. Midday is often best for minimizing shadows, but if it’s full sun, the light will be harsh. Shooting through a neutral density filter can help reduce glare.

Partly cloudy days can look great in the background, but an obvious cloud shadow over the property can ruin a shot, and if there’s no wind, you’re stuck. Mostly cloudy days can give you more even light and less harsh shadows, as long as you aren’t trying to get too much sky in the background.

Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’re likely to end up with a drone’s shadow from at least one angle. However, the “golden hour,” which occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset, will enable you to capture warm, soft lighting that enhances the property’s appeal.

4. Add Variety to Your Shots and Angles!

Mixing up your shots and angles can really add some fresh air to your real estate aerial photography. Instead of just sticking to high-altitude views, take the time to capture the little details of the property, like the blooming flowers in the garden or the inviting deck. 

Flying UAV drones at around 20 feet above ground level allows you to strike the perfect balance between showcasing the property as a whole and highlighting its unique features. And don’t forget to snap multiple photos from the same angle, giving you options to choose the best shot later on.

And remember to consider the surrounding location too! Location plays a big role in the value of real estate. 

Are there nearby attractions like malls, universities, or highways that could increase the property’s appeal? Keep an eye out for any upcoming developments or projects in the area, as these could also impact your client’s interest in certain aerial shots. By including these key features in your aerial photography, you’ll provide a more comprehensive view of the real estate’s potential.

5. Capture in RAW and Edit Afterwards!

You’ve probably heard that photography is half about taking the shot and half about editing. 

With the skilled touch of a good photo editor, average aerial pictures can be transformed into stunning visuals. That’s why it’s always a good idea to shoot your real estate photos in RAW format, preserving as much detail as possible. While RAW files may take up more space, ensure your SD card can handle it without compression.

Popular editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop allow you to tailor your photos to meet your clients’ preferences. Whether they prefer vibrant colors or more subdued tones, you can adjust the editing accordingly. Many photographers, including professional drone photographers, now outsource their editing to Fotober for quick and polished results.

At Fotober, we specialize in enhancing real estate images to showcase homes at their best. Our services include image enhancement, object removal, converting occupied spaces to vacant ones, and creating day to dusk transformations. Choosing us as your real estate photo editor offers numerous benefits, ensuring your listings stand out in the competitive market. What sets us apart:

• Affordable rates
• Professional quality
• Swift turnaround times
• Tailored to your preferences
• Enhanced property presentation

Conclusion

Enhancing real estate with the power of UAV drones technology and innovation has propelled the industry to new heights. UAV drones are reshaping the experiences of real estate companies and their clients, setting higher standards in the aerial photography and real estate industries. By easing the challenges of real estate marketing, drones showcase the remarkable progress in technology. As a result, the future of aerial photography in real estate holds great promise, promising growth for both real estate and professional drone photographers. Start your career with us!