Aerial Composition Techniques

Drone & Aerial Photography | 8 min read

Aerial photography adds a dimension to property listings that ground-level shots simply can't provide. It shows the property in context, its plot size, relationship to neighbours, proximity to amenities, and the surrounding landscape.

Essential aerial shots for property photography

1. Overhead (bird's eye): Directly above the property looking straight down. Shows the plot layout, garden size, and relationship to neighbours. Great for properties with large gardens or interesting layouts.

2. Angled elevation (45 degrees): The most common and useful aerial shot. Shows the property, its roof, garden, and immediate surroundings. Shoot from approximately 20-30m altitude at a 45-degree angle.

3. Context shot: Pull back and up to show the property in its wider setting. This is particularly valuable for rural properties, coastal homes, or properties near parks and green spaces.

4. Street scene: A lower altitude shot showing the property from the front, slightly elevated. This is essentially a better version of the ground-level front elevation, showing the driveway, front garden, and street context.

Key Takeaways

  • The 45-degree angled elevation is the most useful aerial shot
  • Shoot from multiple angles and altitudes for maximum flexibility
  • 20-30m altitude is the sweet spot for most property aerial shots
  • Aerial photography adds most value for rural, coastal, and large-plot properties
  • Always shoot in RAW for post-processing flexibility