10 Strategies for Capturing Professional Aerial Real Estate Photographs

 

Real estate agents want to show off the best features of their properties. Professional aerial real estate photography is a great way to do this. The right aerial photos help to capture the full beauty of the property and create a lasting impression. 

This blog outlines 10 strategies for capturing high-quality aerial real estate photographs.  

1. Use the Right Equipment

High-end cameras and lenses are essential for shooting quality aerial images. DSLR cameras and wide-angle lenses are typically best suited for aerial photography. Investing in quality equipment will help you capture sharp, professional-looking images with vivid color and clarity. 

For shooting aerial footage with a drone, it is important to have a reliable model with quality components. Look for drones with advanced gimbal control and a wide-angle lens to help ensure you get the best shots possible. 

Additional accessories, such as external monitors and filters are also important to consider. Monitors can help you preview the shots on a larger screen and filters can help you capture clear images in bright sunlight. 

When shooting aerial real estate images, having the right equipment is key to getting professional results. Investing in quality cameras, lenses, drones, and accessories, will help ensure you capture the best possible shots.

2. Invest in Editing Software

Investing in editing software is an important step in capturing professional aerial photography. Editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Corel PaintShop Pro are invaluable tools for creating stunning photos. By using these applications, photographers can easily adjust tones, enhance the colors, and create the perfect shot. 

Photographers can adjust the shadows and highlights, control the vibrance and saturation, or even apply sharpening filters to their photos. 

There are also many editing tools available to help photographers achieve the desired perspectives or apply special effects. 

Using editing software makes it easier for photographers to apply edits to multiple photos at the same time, which can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to finish a project. 

In the end, investing in good editing software is an important step in capturing professional aerial real estate photographs. With the right editing tools, photographers can quickly and easily adjust their photos to meet any desired look or style. 

3. Check Weather Forecast

Capturing professional aerial real estate photographs requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to develop a comprehensive strategy to capture the best shots with the right equipment and lighting. 

To ensure the success of your project, one of the most important steps is to check the weather forecast. Monitoring the weather is essential for outdoor photography, as it can affect the visibility, lighting, and overall quality of the images. 

Picking the right day and keeping an eye on the hourly forecast for the day of the shoot will help you plan for any changes in the weather conditions. 

When checking the forecast, make sure to consider factors such as wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and precipitation. Windy conditions can create turbulence and affect camera stability, while high winds can make aerial photography dangerous. Cloud cover can also alter the lighting, which can impact the outcome of the shoot. 

Finally, rain can reduce visibility and make the images appear washed out or blurry. If the weather conditions are unfavorable for shooting, you may need to reschedule the shoot. 

Keeping an eye on the forecast before the shoot day can help you plan ahead and make the most of the available time and resources. 

4. Focus on the Details

When it comes to capturing professional aerial real estate photographs, it is essential to focus on the details. 

Each shot should be carefully composed and balanced to create a harmonious image. Photographers should use quality lenses, look for interesting angles, and consider weather conditions to ensure the results are eye-catching and professional. 

Additionally, photographers should also focus on post-production. Editing tools can be invaluable for enhancing the image. For example, tools like Photoshop and Lightroom can be used to adjust colors and exposure, sharpen and crop images, and correct other minor details that can take a photograph from average to outstanding. 

In conclusion, paying attention to the details is a critical part of capturing professional aerial real estate photographs. Photographers should compose the shot carefully, use quality lenses, and consider post-production to ensure the final result is as professional and eye-catching as possible.

5. Take Multiple Shots

For capturing professional aerial real estate photographs, taking multiple shots is an important strategy that should not be overlooked. Doing so can ensure that you are capturing a variety of angles, heights, and perspectives that can be used to create a dynamic, stunning portfolio of images. 

Taking multiple shots takes time, so it’s important to plan accordingly and make sure that you have sufficient time to capture the images you need. Additionally, it’s important to get the right lighting conditions, as this can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the image. 

When taking multiple shots, it’s important to vary the angles and the heights of the shots you take. By doing this, you can create a range of different perspectives and capture an interesting variety of images that can be used to showcase the property from different angles and elevations. 

Finally, it’s important to make sure that you take multiple shots of the same area in order to create consistency in the final product. It will ensure that the images you capture all have a similar look and feel and that they work well together in creating a professional portfolio. 

By taking multiple shots, you can be confident that you are creating a portfolio of professional aerial real estate photographs that will be sure to impress. 

6. Capture the Exterior

Capturing the exterior of a property is an essential component of taking professional aerial real estate photographs. The key to creating a stunning image is to capture a frame that accurately reflects the size, condition, and features of the property. 

When shooting from above, aerial photographers must be aware of the elements of design to ensure that every shot is balanced and visually appealing. Planning ahead is essential for achieving the desired result.

Before the shoot, aerial photographers should take the time to analyze the property and the surrounding area to determine the best angles and perspectives. 

When shooting the exterior of a property, the camera should be angled so that the building appears as if it is correctly aligned and the details are visible. The perspective should be aligned to create a sense of depth and draw the viewers’ eyes to the most important elements of the property. 

When taking bird’s-eye images, the photographer must pay attention to the horizon and make sure that the camera is level to provide a balanced look. It is also important to consider the foreground and background elements that will appear in the photo. 

Shooting from a higher angle will allow the photographer to capture a wider area and include the nearby landscape while shooting from a lower angle will help to emphasize the features of the property. 

Finally, the photographer should consider the light and the shadows that will be cast on the property. By using the right lighting techniques, photographers can create a visually stunning image with great depth.

7. Take Photos at Different Times of Day

One key element of any aerial photography strategy is to consider the time of day when capturing each shot. 

The sun’s position will play a major role in capturing the best shot possible. Different times of day offer different lighting angles and opportunities for fantastic angles and perspectives. 

For instance, when the sun is rising or setting, the sky will often be painted in bright pinks and oranges with interesting shadows that can be used to create a captivating scene. During midday, the sun will be more directly overhead and will produce bright and vibrant colors with deep shadows. 

Using HDR photography and other post-production techniques can help to further enhance the shots taken during midday. At night, aerial photography can create stunning shots with city lights glimmering in the background. 

Long-exposure photography can help to capture the best of night shots, and the right post-production techniques can bring out the best of these shots. By being mindful of the time of day and adjusting the camera settings accordingly, professional aerial real estate photographs can be captured. 

8. Consider the Neighbourhood

When it comes to capturing aerial real estate photographs, considering the neighbourhood is an essential part of the process. It’s important to understand the environment in which the real estate property resides, paying particular attention to local landmarks and features, as this can have an impact on the quality of the resulting images. 

Before shooting, familiarise yourself with the area and consider the local topography and architecture. Highlight noteworthy features such as nearby parks, lakes and rivers, as well as specific buildings and sites. It will help ensure that the photos you take capture the full sense of the property’s location. 

You should also research local regulation and rules that may apply to aerial photography in the area. Some municipalities may have restrictions in place covering the use of drones and other related devices, so make sure you’re aware of any applicable laws or regulations. 

In addition, keeping an eye on the weather is also important. Cloudy and overcast days, as well as times when the sun is hidden behind buildings can have a negative impact on the quality of the images. 

When considering the neighbourhood, it’s also important to think about the time of day. Different times of the day can bring out unique aspects of a property and its surroundings. Early morning and late evening are especially good for capturing contrast and natural light. 

By paying close attention to the neighbourhood when taking aerial real estate photographs, you can help ensure that the images you create accurately reflect the location, providing potential buyers and renters with a true sense of the property’s surroundings.

9. Focus on the Interior

In the world of professional aerial real estate photography, the importance of focusing on the interior cannot be overstated. Capturing stunning shots of the interior of a property can be the difference between a good portfolio and a great one. 

The interior of a building is a valuable source of visual information and should be carefully composed. When done correctly, it can highlight the unique features of a property and create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. 

When shooting interiors, it is important to consider the size and shape of the room, as well as the lighting and colour scheme. The aim should be to achieve an even distribution of light and an aesthetically pleasing composition. 

It can be achieved through careful positioning of the drone, taking into consideration the direction of the sun and the angles of the walls. Pay close attention to the details, such as furniture arrangement, artwork, and decorations. These should be captured in a way that gives a sense of the property’s character and helps to showcase its features. 

Finally, make sure to take multiple shots from different angles to capture the entire space. Experiment with different heights and zoom levels to capture the interior from different perspectives. It gives potential buyers an accurate representation of the space and allows them to understand the layout and flow of the property. 

By taking the time to focus on the interior of the property, professional aerial real estate photographers can create stunning portfolios that show off the best features of their properties.

10. Use Professional Post-Production Services

As the demand for professional aerial real estate photographs grows, post-production services are increasingly in demand. Post-production services refer to the process of editing, enhancing, and retouching images to create a higher-quality final product. 

Using post-production services for aerial real estate photos can be extremely beneficial for achieving the desired effect and increasing the overall quality of the image. 

Professional post-production services can help to adjust for any lens distortion, correct any environmental issues, and even add digital elements to the image. In addition to improving the overall quality of the photos, post-production services can also help to add that special something to the images. 

It could include adding shadows or highlights to emphasize certain features, or introducing saturation to bring out the colors in the landscape. Post-production services are an important part of the process when capturing professional aerial real estate photos. 

They are an invaluable tool for ensuring the highest quality photos and achieving the desired effect. Professional post-production services allow photographers to create beautiful, high-quality photos that can truly stand out.

Conclusion

Professional aerial real estate photography can make a property stand out from the competition. Studio52 is a professional real estate photography service that specializes in aerial photography. 

 

Also Read: Aerial Photography with Drones