5 Best Tips for Hiring a Drone Real Estate Photographer

Elevate your listings—literally.

When it comes to selling real estate, first impressions aren't just everything—they’re elevated with the right perspective. In today's competitive housing market, aerial imagery can give your listing the edge it needs to stand out. But not all drone photographers are created equal. Whether you're a real estate agent, broker, or homeowner ready to take your listing to new heights, here are five essential tips for hiring the right drone real estate photographer.

1. Make Sure They're FAA Certified (Part 107)

This isn’t just a fancy credential—it’s the law. A professional drone operator must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to legally fly drones for commercial purposes, including real estate. Always ask for their certification. It shows they know the rules of the sky and take their business (and your liability) seriously.

🛩 Pro Tip: Bonus points if they’re insured. Accidents are rare but possible—insurance adds peace of mind.

2. Ask to See a Portfolio of Real Estate Work

A good drone pilot can fly. A great one can fly cinematically. Look for a photographer with experience shooting properties similar to yours. Do they understand angles, lighting, and framing that highlight curb appeal, property lines, and neighborhood features? Their work should feel more HGTV, less roller coaster ride.

📸 What to Look For:

• Smooth aerial pans

• Property “fly-ins” and “pull-backs”

• Quality stills and video editing

• Strategic shots showcasing land, roof, and layout

  
  

3. Look for Local Market Knowledge

A drone shot of your home is only half the story. A professional with local knowledge knows what buyers in your area care about. Whether it’s proximity to beaches, golf courses, schools, or downtown life, a local pilot can frame your property within the lifestyle that sells.

🌴 Florida-Specific Bonus: Drone pilots familiar with Florida regulations know where they can’t fly, like near airports or protected wildlife zones.

4. Evaluate Their Equipment and Capabilities

Tech matters. Ask what drone models they use and if they offer 4K video, HDR photography, or even 3D mapping. Better gear = better results. The top drone real estate photographers often pair drones with ground-level gimbals for seamless transitions between air and interior.

⚙️ Ask About:

• 4K/5K video resolution

• Wide-angle and zoom lens options

• Stabilization systems

• Editing software capabilities (color correction, branded overlays, etc.)

  
  

5. Don’t Forget the Turnaround Time and Deliverables

The home buying game moves fast. You need someone who can fly, film, edit, and deliver without delay. Ask upfront about timelines and what you’ll receive. A clear, professional photographer will offer packages, deadlines, and even revisions.

📦 Get Clear On:

• Video and photo file formats

• Delivery platforms (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

• Licensing (Are you free to use the footage in MLS, social media, and ads?)

• 
  

✈️ Final Descent: Choose Someone Who Gets Your Vision

A great drone real estate photographer isn’t just a pilot with a camera—they’re a visual storyteller. They should understand your goals, capture the property’s best angles, and help buyers feel the space before they step foot inside.

And if you're in Florida? Well, the sky isn't just the limit—it’s our playground.

Looking for cinematic, smooth, and certified drone photography for your next listing?👉 Let’s Fly with Flying High In Florida.