Real Estate Drone Photography are widely used these days for real estate photography. But is a little bit complicated due to regulations, gear requirements, and shooting challenges. This beginner’s guide covers why drone photography is crucial for your business and how to comply with FAA regulations.
Understanding the Use of Drones in Real Estate Photography:
In today’s competitive real estate market, many clients will request drone photography for property shoots. Drones are used to provide a whole new perspective on the property. That means it allows realtors to showcase the beauty and surroundings of the property. Aerial views are also essential for showing the relative property size and framing the property in context. Drones are particularly helpful for listing photos of smaller homes in subdivisions. However, it is essential to avoid editing the photo to add technical aspects. This might create legal issues for property transactions. These Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly in demand for real estate photography. A drone photographer can offer more than what agents can with their cell phone cameras. Video, virtual staging, twilight shoots, and drone photography are all services that can help photographers win business more easily and for a higher rate. Drones are also useful for covering large properties, including raw land, to showcase the entire scope of the property. Another interesting use of drones is high-quality videography. It allows photographers to integrate motion and dynamic shots into an otherwise picture-based slideshow about the property. Good quality drone photography and video can be captured using a range of drones, and it is not all that expensive. Drones have made advancements in features for automatic flight, ProRes video recording, etc.
Top Drones for Stunning Real Estate Photography:
When it comes to choosing a drone for real estate photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. Unlike traditional cameras, most drones come with a fixed-focal-length prime lens or a moderate zoom lens. When looking for a drone, consider camera specs, flight time, ease of flight, and Remote ID support. Drone models like the Mavic Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Phantom 4 Pro are popular choices. The Mavic Mini 2 is a smaller and less expensive option, but may not have the best image quality. The drone for real estate photography will depend on your budget and desired features.
Mavic Air 2 and Air 2S
The Mavic Air drones strike the right balance between cost and performance.
- They are compact and portable and come with a camera and a large battery for extended flights.
- The Air 2 is great for daylight shoots, while the Air 2S offers additional features like a larger sensor and a longer range.
- Depending on your budget and shooting needs, either one can deliver similar photo quality. Overall, the Air 2 series is an affordable option for getting started with real estate drone photography. Consider comparing prices between the two models, as you may find a good deal on the older Air 2 or decide that the extra features of the 2S are worth the premium.
Mavic 2 Pro
Consider the Mavic 2 Pro for budget-friendly drone photography. Though discontinued, its features are comparable to the Air 2S, with a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor and similar photo quality. It’s larger but still portable. Look for a used one at a good price.
Mavic 3
- In terms of drone photography, the Mavic 3 is a game-changer, offering a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a portable body with exceptional flight time and high-quality images.
- The camera produces flexible raw files, extending shooting conditions into lower light and stronger wind without issue.
- It is an expensive option for real estate photography but it is a worthwhile investment for those with a bigger budget. The more expensive Cine model with built-in SSD and ProRes support is unnecessary for most real estate drone photography.
FAA’s Licensing Process for Real Estate Drone Photography:
Now let us check the details of obtaining a drone license under Part 107, which governs commercial drone flights within the US. While the process is straightforward, it is essential to follow all rules and regulations surrounding drone flight. Different countries have varying regulations. Flying under recreational rules is distinct from Part 107 (commercial) rules. If you use a drone for any non-recreational purpose or make any money from drone photography, you must adhere to Part 107 rules, requiring a license and passing the FAA’s Part 107 test. To obtain a commercial drone license under Part 107, you must pass an Aeronautical Knowledge Test and apply to the FAA.
- The test covers various topics, including FAA drone laws, sectional charts, and weather forecasting.
- Studying for the test can take around 15-20 hours. You can choose to use a test prep company to help you prepare.
- The exam is a 2-hour, 60-question test.
- After passing, you must submit paperwork to apply for the certificate. Upon approval, you shall receive a license card.
Once you have your license, you can fly commercially and in a wider range of conditions.
Tips for Capturing High-Quality Real Estate Photos from Above:
When it comes to real estate drone photography, the same principles of good photography apply. These are composition, exposure, and color accuracy. However, capturing these elements may require different techniques. For instance, composing a shot may be more challenging as drones offer more flexibility in positioning across the X, Y, and Z axis. To emphasize the best features of the property, you need to balance positive and negative space and keep the horizon level. Exposure is also important in drone photography, especially when dealing with wide-dynamic range situations. Such as a shaded building entrance against a bright sky. Using auto-exposure bracketing or 5-image bursts, and checking the histogram can help you get the best exposure. Post-processing is easier for real estate photos as fewer edits are usually required. For instance, merging to HDR within Lightroom can improve dynamic range. While cropping and tweaking contrast and HSL can refine the composition. By following these guidelines, you can capture stunning real estate photos from the air.
Wrap Up:
This is a comprehensive guide for those who want to know details about drone photography in real estate. Looking forward to renting out drones for real estate or do you need drones for disaster management ? Stay connected with Canada Sky Drone Services.
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