Real Estate Drone Photographer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technology advancement, the spotlight on real estate drone photographers has never been more significant.

As the real estate industry evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can capture, interpret, and present high-quality aerial property images and videos grows increasingly more essential.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a real estate drone photographer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drawing up the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of real estate drone photography,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile real estate drone photographer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Real Estate Drone Photographer Duties and Responsibilities

Real Estate Drone Photographers use drone technology to capture high-quality aerial photos and videos of properties for sale.

These professionals play a crucial role in the real estate industry, as their work helps to highlight the unique features of properties and create compelling marketing materials.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Communicating with real estate agents or property owners to understand the specific photographic requirements of each property
• Conducting site surveys to determine the best locations and angles for drone flights
• Operating drones to capture still images and video footage of properties, including their exteriors, interiors, and surrounding landscapes
• Ensuring the drone equipment is maintained, including performing pre-flight checks and minor repairs or maintenance as needed
• Editing and retouching images to enhance their quality and remove any flaws
• Creating virtual tours and property walkthroughs using drone footage
• Adhering to all regulations and laws regarding drone operation, including acquiring necessary permits or licenses
• Delivering final images and videos to clients in a timely manner and in the required format

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Real Estate Drone Photographer to capture high-quality aerial photographs and videos for our real estate listings.

The role involves operating drone equipment, ensuring optimal image quality, editing photos and videos, and delivering final content that showcases properties effectively.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of drone operations, excellent photography and videography skills, and a keen eye for detail.

Experience in real estate photography would be a significant advantage.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate drone equipment safely and proficiently to capture high-quality images and videos.
• Study property listings to understand the best angles and perspectives for photographs.
• Edit photos and videos to ensure optimal image quality and consistency.
• Adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations when operating drones.
• Ensure all photos and videos meet the company’s style and quality standards.
• Provide creative input to enhance the visual appeal of property listings.
• Collaborate with real estate agents and marketing team to understand specific project requirements.
• Maintain and perform routine checks on drone equipment.
• Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a drone operator and photographer.
• FAA-certified Drone Pilot License is required.
• Experience in real estate photography is an asset.
• Proficiency in photo and video editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Premiere Pro.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong visual storytelling abilities.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

 

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Equipment allowance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Real Estate Drone Photographer
• Work Environment: This role requires both office work and field work. Travel to various property locations is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Photography Manager or Creative Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio of previous work, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Real Estate Drone Photographer Do?

Real Estate Drone Photographers specialize in creating compelling visual content for properties that are on the market.

This involves using drone technology to capture unique perspectives and aerial views of residential and commercial properties.

They work closely with real estate agents and property owners to understand the key features of a property that should be highlighted.

They perform site evaluations and plan the drone flights to ensure optimal coverage of the property.

Real Estate Drone Photographers are responsible for maintaining their drone equipment, ensuring they are in compliance with local regulations and laws regarding drone usage, and editing the footage post-production to produce high-quality photographs and videos.

They may also be tasked with uploading these images and videos to various online platforms, or providing them to the client in their preferred format.

Their ultimate goal is to present a property in the most appealing way possible, to attract potential buyers and facilitate successful real estate transactions.

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Qualifications and Skills

A skilled Real Estate Drone Photographer should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Proficiency in operating drone equipment, ensuring quality and safety during flight operations
• Technical understanding of photography and videography concepts, such as framing, lighting, and editing
• A strong eye for aesthetics and detail to capture high-quality images and videos that showcase properties effectively
• Proficiency in post-production software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro for enhancing and editing captured media
• Excellent spatial awareness and navigation skills to maneuver drones in various conditions and spaces
• Knowledge of real estate industry trends and property features to highlight in media content
• Interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate with real estate agents, home owners, and other stakeholders
• Understanding of local regulations and laws related to drone usage and photography
• Physical fitness and hand-eye coordination to handle drone equipment
• Time management skills to meet project deadlines and manage multiple assignments

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Experience Requirements

Real Estate Drone Photographers typically need 1 to 2 years of experience in photography, particularly in aerial photography, often gained through freelance projects or part-time roles in photography studios.

Experience operating drones, particularly those equipped with high-quality cameras, is a crucial requirement for this role.

Aspiring drone photographers often gain practical experience and expertise in operating various drone models, understanding the technical aspects of drones, and learning about drone safety regulations.

Some may have experience in videography, which can be advantageous for real estate marketing.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience in drone photography are usually considered professionals in the field.

They have refined their skills in composing shots, managing lighting, and mastering post-processing techniques.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have experience in project management, dealing with clients, and navigating the intricacies of real estate marketing.

These seasoned drone photographers are generally ready to take on more complex real estate projects or step into a managerial or team lead role within a real estate marketing or photography company.

In addition to experience, a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones commercially is typically required for a Real Estate Drone Photographer.

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Education and Training Requirements

Real Estate Drone Photographers often have a background in photography or videography, with specific training in drone operation.

A high school diploma or equivalent is often the minimum requirement.

However, many photographers opt to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in photography, film, or a related field to develop their technical skills and understanding of the craft.

Besides basic photography knowledge, these professionals must have a solid understanding of drone technology and operation.

They should be well-versed with the various aspects of drone flying, such as understanding weather conditions, respecting privacy rules, and ensuring safe operation.

In the United States, drone operators are required to obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test.

Apart from these, Real Estate Drone Photographers should have a keen eye for detail, as they need to capture property layouts and surroundings effectively.

Optional, but highly beneficial, additional training in real estate market dynamics, property staging and real estate laws can provide a competitive edge.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest drone technology and photography trends is also a key part of the job.

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Salary Expectations

A Real Estate Drone Photographer can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, the income can vary based on factors like experience, the number of clients, complexity of the projects, and the geographical location.

Freelancers could potentially earn more depending on the volume and frequency of their work.

 

Real Estate Drone Photographer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Real Estate Drone Photographer need?

A Real Estate Drone Photographer should have strong technical skills in drone operation and photography.

They should know how to maneuver drones effectively and safely in different environments and weather conditions.

They should also have a keen eye for detail to capture appealing and informative images of properties.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary to understand and meet clients’ needs and expectations.

 

Do Real Estate Drone Photographers need a license?

Yes, Real Estate Drone Photographers must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, also known as Part 107 certification, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This certification confirms that the drone photographer understands the regulations and operating requirements for flying drones commercially.

 

What should you look for in a Real Estate Drone Photographer’s resume?

First, confirm if the candidate has the required FAA Part 107 certification.

Apart from this, look for experience in aerial photography, videography, and drone operation.

Knowledge of real estate is a plus.

Also, consider if the candidate has experience with photo editing software and technology.

A portfolio showcasing the candidate’s previous work can also provide insight into their skills and aesthetic style.

 

What qualities make a good Real Estate Drone Photographer?

A good Real Estate Drone Photographer is detail-oriented, ensuring every feature of the property is captured effectively.

They are also patient, as capturing the perfect shot often requires multiple attempts and adjustments.

Creativity is also a must for this role, as unique and appealing photographs can make a property stand out in the competitive real estate market.

Lastly, they must respect safety and legal regulations related to drone operation.

 

What are the daily duties of a Real Estate Drone Photographer?

The daily duties of a Real Estate Drone Photographer include site visits to capture aerial shots of properties, editing photos and videos, communicating with real estate agents or property owners, and maintaining the drone equipment.

They may also spend time scouting locations and planning shoots to ensure the best angles and lighting.

Regularly, they will need to study weather reports to ensure safe and efficient drone operations.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve flown above and beyond, revealing the realities of being a real estate drone photographer.

Surprise!

It’s not just about operating drones.

It’s about capturing the essence of a property, one aerial shot at a time.

With our ultimate real estate drone photographer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all ready to elevate your career.

But why stop there?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your next flight path to meticulously-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every aerial shot captures a unique perspective of the property.

Let’s capture that perspective. Together.

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