Prepare for a Successful Shoot
Planning to capture stunning aerial visuals? Follow these steps to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your drone photography session:
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Check Weather Conditions: Ensure the weather is clear with no rain or strong winds. Ideal conditions will help the drone operate safely and capture the best possible shots.
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Clear the Area: If you have control over the property, make sure any obstacles or debris are cleared from areas that will be captured. This helps avoid any unexpected issues during the flight.
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Prepare Permissions: Ensure that all necessary flight permissions are secured in advance, especially if the shoot takes place in controlled or restricted airspace.
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Set the Scene: Whether it's real estate, event coverage, or commercial work, ensure the property or subject is well-staged and prepared before the drone takes flight.
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Lighting Matters: Consider when the best natural lighting will occur (early morning or late afternoon). Discuss with your drone operator to schedule the flight during the golden hours for optimal lighting.
Boost Your Property Listings with Expert Drone Photography
Maximize the impact of your real estate listings by following these drone photography best practices:
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Highlight Key Property Features: Prioritize showcasing important elements of the property such as landscaping, outdoor spaces, and any unique architectural features.
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Choose the Right Angles: Work with the drone operator to plan shots from angles that provide the best view of the property, including aerial perspectives that make the property stand out.
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Stage the Exterior: Make sure the property's exterior is clean and presentable. Outdoor staging, like fresh landscaping or clean pools, adds value to aerial shots.
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Capture the Neighborhood: Highlighting surrounding areas such as parks, nearby amenities, and the overall neighborhood vibe can greatly enhance buyer interest.
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Show Property Size & Layout: Use aerial shots to demonstrate the full scope of the property’s size, including land boundaries and lot size, giving potential buyers a comprehensive view.
Keep Your Drone Session Safe and Compliant
Whether you're on-site or arranging the shoot, safety and legal compliance are essential. Here's how to ensure your session is smooth and legal:
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FAA Compliance: Make sure your drone operator holds a valid FAA Part 107 certification and follows all necessary flight regulations for commercial drone usage.
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Pre-Flight Safety Checks: Ensure that the drone operator completes pre-flight checks, including inspecting equipment, confirming safe flight zones, and ensuring all batteries are fully charged.
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Secure the Flight Zone: Work with your drone operator to establish a safe flight zone that is clear of obstacles, people, and hazards to avoid accidents or interruptions.
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Monitor the Weather: Avoid high winds, rain, or low visibility conditions during the shoot. Keep a close eye on forecasts leading up to the shoot and prepare a backup plan for rescheduling if necessary.
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Emergency Procedures: Discuss emergency landing options with your drone operator in case of any unexpected technical issues during the shoot.
