Drone shoots utilize a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) equipped with a high definition camera to capture dramatic aerial images of your property that would be otherwise impossible to from ground level. Drone shoots are often scheduled as an add-on your normal “ground-level” shoot. Why add a drone shoot? You can get great angles of a house that that can showcase the best parts of your property. You can show proximity of the property to nearby features such as lakes, parks, schools, or urban centers. Aerial photography can show the entire lot in a single wide shot and we can digitally emulate approximate property lines on the photos. Balconies and rooftop decks shot from a drone can reveal the entire balcony along with the views all in one shot. Shots from above the roof can show what a second story view or rooftop deck would look like.

Safety First!
The most important aspect of drone photography is flight safety. FAA rules say I am not allowed to fly over people (except crew directly involved in the drone operation) or any moving cars. That means I can’t fly over busy streets nor over anybody walking down the street. I can fly over houses and buildings but, again; not directly over people who are standing outdoors. So additional caution and consideration must be used in urban environments. I may request assistance in keeping watch for people, vehicles, and any possible hazards both in the air and on the ground.

Flying Is Always Weather Contingent
Strong winds, rain or fog will prevent me from flying. Drones, gusty winds and power lines are a recipe for disaster. Flying close to groups of people outdoors requires extra caution and can be distracting to the pilot. I may request assistance in managing nearby viewers. Birds such as crows and seagulls can see a drone as a threat and may decide to attack it! If this happens I may need to cut the flight short. A lot of power lines in the area could make a flight too treacherous. If I feel a flight is too risky I will refuse to fly at that location.

FAA Restricted Flight Zone = Unable to fly
Much of the sky above us in the Seattle area is in controlled airspace that requires FAA approval to fly in. Additionally Nearby hospitals, government buildings, airports (See red zones above), heliports, seaplane landing zones, large outdoor events, sports stadium events, and other special temporary FAA restrictions can prevent me from flying.