Real Estate Drone Photography Checklist - What Clients Should Ask Before Hiring

Drone photography isn't a luxury anymore; it's a game-changer in property marketing. Whether you're selling a home or a real estate agent helping a client, you know those spectacular aerial shots stop the scrolling and grab attention.

Not every drone photographer is the same, though. I've seen some work that sells a home in days and some that fail due to blurry images or poor framing. Hiring the right professional can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! I've created a simple, honest checklist, your friendly guide to hiring a pro who will make your property shine.

Real Estate Drone Photography Checklist

Safety and Legality: Top Priorities

Safety comes first, above cameras and angles. A drone is an aircraft, and commercial drone work comes with strict rules.

• Do You Have a License and Insurance?

This is the first question to ask. In the U.S., anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes, like real estate photography, must have an FAA Part 107 license.

Why it’s important: A licensed pilot understands airspace restrictions, safety protocols, and weather limits. They know where to fly legally and safely. An unlicensed operator risks fines or, worse, accidents.

What to ask: "Can you confirm you have a current FAA Part 107 license?"

Bonus question: "Do you have liability insurance?" This protects you, the homeowner, and the photographer if something unexpected happens.

Real-life insight: A client shared that a "budget" photographer they nearly hired lacked insurance. Imagining a drone hitting a window or a person, they realized saving money could be risky.

Gear and Skills: The Tools of the Trade

You don’t need to be a tech expert, but a professional drone photographer should be proud of their gear and happy to explain it.

1. What Drone and Camera Do You Use?

Not all drones are equal. You want a photographer with a drone equipped with a high-quality sensor.

Why it’s important: Drones like DJI’s Mavic 3 or Inspire series have professional-grade cameras with large sensors. These deliver crisp photos and stable video, even in light wind or during golden hour (beautiful light late morning or before dusk).

What to look for: Terms like "1-inch sensor," "mechanical shutter" (reduces blur during fast movement), and "RAW image capture" (better files for editing).

2.  Can I See Your Full Real Estate Portfolio?

A portfolio speaks volumes. Don’t judge based on one or two stunning shots; review their entire body of work.

What to focus on:,

Variety: Do they have experience with different property types (luxury homes, suburban houses, land, commercial)?

Consistency: Is the quality high across all projects?

Composition: Do the photos tell the property’s story? Do they highlight key features like roof condition, pools, large backyards, or nearby amenities?

Pro tip:

Ask for examples similar to your home. A sprawling ranch requires different shots than a downtown condo.

Shoot Day Process: Setting Expectations

Understanding the process ensures a smooth shoot and delivers the results you want.

1. How Do You Handle Weather and Scheduling?

Drone flying depends entirely on the weather.

Why it’s important: Wind, rain, or overcast skies can ground a drone or produce subpar results. A professional monitors the forecast and communicates in advance.

What to ask: "What’s your rescheduling policy if the weather isn’t right?" A good photographer offers scheduling flexibility.

2.  How Can I Prepare the Property?

Drones capture everything, just like traditional ground photography.

Pro tips from a pro:,

Declutter the yard: Remove garden hoses, kids’ toys, and trash bins.

Parking: Clear cars from the driveway and street in front of the house.

Pool: Clean the pool and remove the cover (unless it’s winter).

Windows: Clean windows thoroughly, drones capture low angles, and dirty windows stand out in high-resolution images.

Deliverables: Know What You’re Getting

Misunderstandings often arise around deliverables. Get everything in writing to avoid surprises.

1.  What’s Included in the Package?

The term "drone photos" can mean different things, so be specific.

Key questions,

• "How many final, edited images will I get?"
• "Do you offer video? Is it a separate add-on?" (Aerial video tours are powerful marketing tools.)
• "What’s the turnaround time?"
• "How will you deliver the files?" (You want high-resolution JPEGs usable across platforms.)

2. Do You Offer Virtual Tours or Other Marketing Materials?

Top-tier drone photographers often provide bundled services or work with partners.

Why it’s important: Combining aerial photography, interior photography, and virtual tours (like Matterport) creates a cohesive marketing package and may reduce costs compared to hiring separate vendors.

Pricing: Understand the Value

Price matters, but the value of professional drone photography justifies the investment.

• Can You Provide a Detailed Quote?

A transparent quote reflects a professional business.

What it should include: A breakdown of shoot costs, number of images, travel fees, and add-ons like video. There should be no surprise fees later.

A little encouragement: It’s tempting to choose a cheap quote, but drone photography is an investment, not a cost. Professional aerial imagery can make buyers click your listing over others, showcasing your property’s value and potentially reducing market time by days or even half.

Ready to Hire Your Drone Photographer?

You now have the perfect checklist to find an exceptional real estate drone photographer. You’re not just hiring someone with a gadget, you’re partnering with a skilled artist, licensed pilot, and marketing expert.

Asking these questions ensures peace of mind. You’ll know you’ve hired a true professional who will showcase your property beautifully, helping sell your home quickly and at the best price.

Next Steps for Stunning Aerial Shots

Start searching for local photographers and review their portfolios. Don’t hesitate to ask the questions from this checklist, great photographers will happily answer them. Good luck, and here’s to capturing those stunning, sky-high shots that sell your home.

Svetlana

Svetlana is a writer and senior editor at DroneInsuranceUSA, passionate about making drone laws, insurance, and safety tips simple for every pilot.

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Editorial note: This article was prepared by the DroneInsuranceUSA editorial team using official FAA guidance, insurer resources, and industry FAQs. We update the content regularly to reflect changes in drone regulations and best practices.

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