A drone shoot is quick, often under an hour on site, but a little preparation makes the photos dramatically better. Whether you are a realtor prepping a listing, a homeowner documenting a project, or a contractor recording progress, here is how to get the most out of your session with Sanford Aerial Solutions.
Tidy What the Camera Will See
The drone sees everything from above, including the things you stop noticing at ground level. Before shoot day:
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the property.
- Put away trash cans, hoses, toys, and yard equipment.
- Mow the lawn a day or two ahead if it needs it.
- Remove temporary signage and clutter you do not want in the frame.
You do not need a perfect yard. You need a yard free of distractions.
Timing and Light
The best drone photos happen in the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset, when light is warm and shadows are long. Midday sun flattens everything and creates harsh contrast on roofs and lawns. When you book, mention if you want that golden-hour look and the shoot can be scheduled around it. Overcast days work fine too: clouds act as a giant softbox and eliminate harsh shadows entirely. The only hard stops are rain, high wind, and fog.
What Your Pilot Needs From You
Have this ready when you book so nothing delays the shoot:
- The address and any gate codes or access instructions.
- Your goal: selling, documenting damage, recording progress, marketing a rental. The shot plan changes with the purpose.
- Must-have angles: if there is a specific feature to capture (new roof, back acreage, pool), say so upfront.
- People and pets: let the pilot know who will be on site. For safety, people stay clear of the takeoff and landing area.
- Neighbor awareness: a quick heads-up to adjacent owners avoids awkward conversations mid-flight.
What Happens on Shoot Day
The pilot arrives, walks the site briefly, and checks airspace and weather on the spot. The flight itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the package. You are welcome to watch and can request angle adjustments in real time. Once the flight is done, files are edited and delivered in the format agreed in your quote. Most clients have final images within the turnaround stated at booking.
Book a Shoot
Ready when you are. Sanford Aerial Solutions serves Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Paw Paw, and all of southwest Michigan, with travel included within 30 miles of Kalamazoo. Property Essentials stills from $249, Photo + Motion from $449, Progress Visits at $225. Every quote itemized before booking. Call 269-303-8302 or email brent@sanfordaerialsolutions.com.
Need aerial photos of your property?
Sanford Aerial Solutions is a Kalamazoo-based drone photography service run by an FAA Part 107 certified pilot. Call, text, or email and we will get your shoot scheduled.