Our Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Drone Photography

Because 97% of homebuyers begin their property searches online, real estate agents have a real opportunity to stand out with the quality of their visual content. Unique photography and professional videography make a significant difference in capturing buyers’ attention and compelling them to action.

One way to bring this technique up a level is with real estate marketing via drone photography. Recent statistics show that real estate listings that include aerial photos sell 68% more quickly than those that don’t.

By offering breathtaking aerial views and unique perspectives, drone photography not only enhances the appeal of property listings but also provides a comprehensive visual experience that traditional methods simply cannot match. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of using drone photography in real estate—from improved property visualization to cost-effective marketing solutions—and reveal how it can give real estate agents a competitive edge.

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What is real estate drone photography?

Drone photography in real estate requires unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras that can capture aerial images and videos of properties. This technique offers a unique perspective that traditional ground-based photography cannot, providing comprehensive and engaging visuals that can significantly enhance real estate marketing efforts.

Why you should use real estate drone photography

As drones have become much more mainstream, the cost of using this relatively simple technology to help your property and business marketing skills stand out has come down greatly. Here are the main reasons to consider adding real estate drone photography to your arsenal.

Enhanced property visualization

Aerial view of an oceanfront property shot via real estate drone photography

Before a property is even listed, drones can be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops and wooded areas of large estates, providing detailed views that can highlight maintenance needs or showcase well-maintained features.

Once a property is ready for market, drones provide comprehensive aerial views, showcasing the entire landscape, surrounding areas, and property layout. Drones can highlight unique selling points of a property, such as large backyards, swimming pools, proximity to amenities, and scenic views.

This can be particularly beneficial for luxury properties or those with expansive grounds. It all helps potential buyers get a better sense of the property’s size, features, and setting. By combining aerial footage with ground-level shots, agents can create a comprehensive and immersive narrative that resonates with potential buyers.

Competitive advantage

Using drones gives real estate agents a competitive edge. It demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the latest technology for marketing, which appeals to tech-savvy buyers and sellers.

Increased engagement

Drone videos can be shared on social media and other digital platforms, increasing the reach and engagement of property listings. Videos are more likely to be viewed and shared compared to static images.

Getting started with drone photography

Whether you want to DIY your real estate drone photography or hire a professional, here is the information you need to get started.

License requirements

Real estate agents generally need to get a license to operate a drone for aerial photography, especially for commercial purposes like property marketing. You must pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test, commonly known as the Part 107 test, which covers various topics, including airspace regulations, weather effects, drone operations, and emergency procedures. Then you’ll need to pass a TSA background check.

Drone costs and options

When selecting a drone, it is essential to consider which features are most important for your needs, whether it’s camera quality, flight time, range, or advanced flight modes. The cost of drones varies widely based on their features, quality, and intended use.

Entry-level drones, priced between $50 to $200, offer basic cameras, limited flight time (around five to 15 minutes), and short-range control, making them suitable for beginners and hobbyists. Mid-range drones, which cost from $200 to $1,000, come with better cameras (often with 1080p or 4K video capabilities), improved flight time (15 to 30 minutes), longer range, and additional features like GPS, obstacle avoidance, and automated flight modes.

High-end consumer drones, costing between $1,000 and $2,500, feature high-quality cameras (4K or 6K video and higher megapixels for photos), extended flight time (sometimes over 30 minutes), advanced sensors, enhanced GPS, multiple automated flight modes, and superior build quality, making them ideal for semi-professional photographers.

Professional drones, priced from $2,500 to $10,000 and beyond, offer top-of-the-line cameras (4K to 8K video, interchangeable lenses), long flight times, extensive range, professional-grade stabilization, multiple sensors, advanced obstacle avoidance, and customizable options. They are used by professional photographers, in films, and for commercial applications like real estate.

Skyline view of a city's waterfront shot via real estate drone photography

Hiring a professional drone operator

If you don’t have the time or interest in getting licensed, you’re better off hiring an expert. When doing so, consider these questions:

Are they licensed and insured?
What kind of equipment do they use?
Does their portfolio show them to be a good fit for your brand?

Costs of professional real estate drone photography

The cost of real estate drone photography can vary widely based on several factors, including the location, the complexity of the shoot, the experience level of the drone operator, and the specific services required. Packages can run from very basic ($150 to $300) to comprehensive, which can cost a few thousand dollars. Let’s examine each of these factors individually.

Location plays a significant role, as prices can vary depending on the geographical area and local market. Urban areas with higher demand might have higher rates compared to rural regions. The size and complexity of the property may also impact costs; larger and more complex listings require more time and effort to shoot.

The experience and reputation of the drone operator are crucial as well, with experienced and well-established operators or companies often charging higher fees for their expertise and quality of work. Additional services such as video editing, virtual tours, and adding music or voiceovers can further increase the total cost.

Tips for getting the most value

Compare quotes: Get quotes from multiple drone photography providers to compare services and pricing.
Check portfolios: Review the past work of drone operators to ensure their style and quality meet your expectations.
Clarify deliverables: Make sure you understand what is included in the package, such as the number of photos, length of video, and level of post-processing work.
Ask about revisions: Clarify whether the price includes revisions or additional edits to the photos and videos.

Top tips for real estate drone photography

Whether you’re shooting footage yourself or working with a professional operator, follow these steps to capture high-quality aerial images and videos of real estate properties:

Plan your shots
- Visit the property in advance and identify key features you want to highlight, such as the house, yard, pool, garden, and surrounding neighborhood.
- Create a shot list to ensure you (or your drone operator) capture all desired angles and features. Include a mix of wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups.
Consider timing
- Shoot during the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the best lighting. This time provides soft, warm, and flattering light that enhances the property’s appearance.
- Avoid shooting on overcast or rainy days. Clear skies with minimal wind provide the best conditions for drone photography.
Establish your flight path
- If shooting your own content, plan your flight path to ensure clear and stable footage. Practice smooth and gradual movements to avoid jerky or abrupt changes in direction. Maintain a consistent altitude to capture steady and level shots, and vary the altitude to get a mix of perspectives. Avoid flying too high, which can make details hard to see.
- Ensure you have the necessary permissions to fly and shoot in the area. This may include obtaining consent from property owners and neighbors. Follow all local regulations regarding drone flights, including altitude limits, no-fly zones, and privacy considerations.
Use the right camera settings
- Use the highest resolution settings available on your drone’s camera for sharp and detailed images.
- If possible, use manual camera settings to control exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. Adjust these settings based on the lighting conditions.
- Use high dynamic range to capture more detail in both shadows and highlights.
Apply composition theories
- Follow the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually appealing compositions. Place key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections.
- Use natural lines, such as driveways, pathways, or fences, to lead the viewer’s eye into the frame and toward the property.
- Frame shots to include interesting foreground elements that add depth and context to the images.
Don’t forget post-processing
- Use professional photo and video editing software to enhance your footage. Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness to improve overall quality.
- Stabilize video footage to remove any shakes or jitters, ensuring smooth and professional-looking clips.
- Apply color correction to ensure consistent and natural hues across all images and videos.

How Luxury Presence uses drone photography and videography

The expert website-building team at Luxury Presence knows that beautiful, eye-catching video and images are a critical component of property marketing. Our websites and single property sites utilize drone photography and videography to enhance our agents’ brands and marketing. Here are just a few examples of how we’ve used images captured with a drone to convey a strong sense of place: