Real Estate Aerial Photography

Provide drone photography and video for real estate listings

Startup Cost
$5,000-$20,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
4-8 months
Profit Potential
$12,000-$58,000/month

Overview

Real estate drone services charge $150-$500 per property.

Shooting 80-250 properties monthly generates $150,000-$700,000 annually with 70-85% margins.

In 2025, aerial photos standard for real estate listings.

Services include aerial photography, video tours and walkthroughs, twilight photography, property boundaries and land, neighborhood and location shots, and photo/video editing.

Successful drone photographers master composition and lighting, provide quick turnaround (24-48 hours), edit professionally, maintain relationships with realtors and brokers, and schedule efficiently.

Can combine with ground photography.

Marketing through real estate agents, brokers, MLS providers, and networking events.

Required Skills

  • Drone Piloting
  • Photography & Composition
  • Video Editing
  • Part 107 License
  • Customer Service
  • Efficient Scheduling

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High demand from real estate market
  • Quick jobs (30-60 minutes on-site)
  • Can shoot multiple properties daily
  • Recurring realtor relationships
  • Relatively low startup costs

Cons

  • Very competitive market
  • Weather dependent
  • Seasonal real estate patterns
  • Price pressure from competition
  • Need quick turnaround editing

How to Get Started

  1. Get FAA Part 107 drone license
  2. Invest in quality drone and camera
  3. Master aerial photography and editing
  4. Build portfolio of property photos
  5. Network with real estate agents
  6. Set competitive pricing packages
  7. Provide fast professional turnaround

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