How to capture your property’s best side with drone photography.
Drones are being lauded by some agents as the latest industry game-changer. And if you’ve seen any of the more elaborate drone videos from the last few months, it’s not hard to see why. Once reserved for hobby photographers, drones now give agents the power to capture far more of their latest listing’s story, and it gives them a unique and often captivating way to tell it.
Yes, there’s a time and a place for drone photography and videography. Each property is different, and it may not add value to every listing, but it’s another powerful tool on offer in the digital and social-driven real estate world we now live in. And it’s here to stay.
The right place
Location is key. When a property is in a significant location, it’s a prime opportunity to use drone photography to really showcase the surroundings. It might be just a few blocks from the endless blue of the ocean, or right in the heart of a vibrant urban village.
As Campaigntrack’s Video Post Production Manager, Paul Krasa, also points out, an aerial shot may be the best way to really highlight the major selling point of a particular property. “They add a new layer of perspective,” he says, “allowing potential buyers to see specific features like amazing gardens, a resort-like pool or a full size tennis court.” The scale of a large block of land might also be better captured from a bird’s eye view. “Even just showing the home’s facade from an elevated position is a benefit,” he adds. “It’s something that couldn’t have been achieved from the ground.”
The right time
Just like traditional photography, the weather plays an important part. Agents should be encouraged to book drone jobs in most weather conditions – unless there’s rain or high wind forecast. It’s unsafe for pilots to operate drones in strong winds, and photos can come out slightly blurry on rainy days where light is minimal. Overcast days on the other hand get the green light. Professional retouchers will easily be able to enhance photos shot under heavy cloud cover, since there are no shadows and lighting is more even. Unfortunately, video footage from an overcast day can’t be significantly enhanced in the same way photos can, so separate photo and video bookings might be needed.
“It’s a good idea,” Paul suggests, “to plan drone appointments based on the desired shots and position of the sun during the day.” The time of departure, so to speak, should be adjusted to suit the home’s aspect and avoid shooting directly into the sun. “You should also check the weather forecast before booking to avoid last minute cancellations,” he adds.
The right preparation
To ensure a smooth shoot, think about the presentation of the property before the pilot arrives on site. Aerial views show a different perspective and sometimes what’s not visible from the ground will be visible from the air. Keep an eye out for things like wheelie bins at the side entrance, untidy garden hoses, pool cleaners or scattered leaves. Cars in the driveway or outside the home should also be removed if possible to help create a cleaner, crisper image.
The right outcome
Using the photography services offered by Campaigntrack, there will be multiple shots taken – often up to ten slightly different options for each ordered photo – to make sure the property is captured from the best angle. Agents can select their favourites from a gallery before retouching starts. The attention to detail is a huge benefit, says Paul. “Colours and contrast are enhanced, the image is sharpened, and if necessary the sky will be replaced with a blue alternative.”
The addition of drone photography or videography to your next listing could provide a real edge in a crowded market. It might be the new perspective you need to capture potential buyers’ imaginations with a more complete sense of the property’s scale or setting.
To find out what can be achieved with a drone, contact us today or learn more about drone photograpy.
