Low Risk Aerial Property Photography
Aerial photography has become almost essential for high value properties. Most clients expect it, particularly if their property is situated near water, countryside or a value enhancing surround. Aerial photography provides local context.
Foremost in the aerial photographer’s mind should be the knowledge that they are representing Jackson Stops and that any unprofessional behaviour will reflect on not just themselves but also the agency and possibly their client.
Most professional aerial photographers should have at least a CAA certificate of competence or the CAA General Visual line of Sight Certificate (GVC).
The GVC qualification is the certificate you need if you want to get an Operational Authorisation from the CAA to fly drones up to 25 kg in built-up areas safely and legally. It is proof that you are a safe and competent drone pilot, who has undertaken professional training and proven their practical skills. I have one, and it has to be renewed every year. It also indicates, re-assuring for property agents and their clients, that you have adequate insurance. The internet is awash with costly drone accidents. I have written off two, trees being my downfall!
Aerial photography of rural estates is the dream job. No neighbours, plenty of open countryside to land and take-off. Minimum risk of damage to property or equipment and plenty of uninterrupted angles. The total flip side of the coin is taking aerials of property in built up areas. Regardless of the law, the drone pilot should attempt to get permission from every landowner they think they will fly over. Even though no-one has the right of airspace above their property, the law of nuisance may apply. More to the point, the property agent will generate bad publicity for themselves and their client. Adverse Social media can be very damaging. To get a great shot of an urban property can require some pretty low flying and so permissions are essential.
In London, a drone pilot often needs to get permission from land owners, Port of London Authority, Metropolitan police, London City Airport Air Traffic Control and sometimes the Parliament and Diplomatic Protection Agency.
Once you are in the air, the view of the property can look much different than you expected. The neighbour may be renovating their property and the adjacent plot is rammed with cement mixers, dumpy bags and builders vans. Or the next door field is being used to dump old cars. The photographer may need to use judgement as to what can be legitimately retouched out, and what needs to be left in for a truthful interpretation. I may retouch out some removal vans or roadworks that are temporary, but not a sewage treatment works!
Planning and timing is everything. I usually try and talk to the vendor to find out when the sun is going to be on the best elevation. Apart from getting better pictures it assures the vendor that you are committed to providing a good service and involves them in the process.
Winter sun creates long shadows so shooting close to midday after October is best. The angle of sunlight is restricted in longitude as well so a shot that involves looking South and into a low sun can be very tricky in the winter.
The type of property may look better at night. A penthouse apartment can look great lit up at night and shows a prospective client the lights of a city or town location which can look drab during the day.
Similarly, tides can play havoc with a photographers schedule. A coastal or riverside house can look mud bound at low tide but glorious six hours later.
Cars and vehicles can clutter a small driveway, if its possible I will try and get as many cars and vans out of the property or from the kerbside.
The use of thirty seconds of video can be the ultimate truthful assessment of a property. Whilst still images are often retouched. Video is harder to fake and so clients respect its authenticity. However, internally, the use of super-wide angles are really not helpful or nice to look at and should be avoided.
Aerial photography need not be prohibitively expensive. A decent pilot should be able to provide you with decent images from £150 upwards. Any less and you may be using unqualified or uninsured pilots. Its perfectly acceptable to ask for their licence and insurance documents before you take on a new pilot.
Peter Cade has been flying drones professionally for clients for 10 years. He covers the South West, South Coast and London. Feel free to get in touch for more information.