Aerial Drone Photography 101: What to Expect on Shoot Day

Aerial drone photography has become one of the most powerful tools in real estate marketing — and for good reason. A bird's-eye view reveals context that ground-level photos simply can't: proximity to the ocean, lot size, neighborhood character, and the sweeping coastal landscapes that make Monterey Peninsula properties so desirable.

If you've never had a drone shoot before, here's exactly what to expect when whaBAM! arrives on site.

Before the Shoot

We handle all FAA airspace authorization in advance. The Monterey Peninsula includes controlled airspace near the airport and restricted zones near certain coastal areas, so we check every location before confirming your booking. If there are any airspace restrictions, we'll let you know upfront.

We also monitor weather closely. Coastal fog and wind are the two biggest variables on the Peninsula. We'll reschedule if conditions aren't right — we'd rather wait for clear skies than deliver mediocre footage.

On Shoot Day

Our FAA Part 107-certified pilot will arrive with a professional-grade drone and run a brief pre-flight check. We'll capture a series of still photos from multiple altitudes and angles, plus smooth cinematic video passes if video is part of your package. A typical aerial session takes 30–45 minutes depending on the property size.

You don't need to be present, but if you are, please keep the immediate area clear of people and pets during flight operations.

What You'll Receive

Edited aerial stills and video clips delivered within 24–48 hours, ready to upload directly to MLS, your property website, or social media. All images are color-corrected and optimized for both web and print.

Drone photography pairs perfectly with our Matterport 3D tours and cinematic video tours for a complete listing media package. Add aerial photography to your next listing package and show buyers the full picture.