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CHECKLIST · PROPERTY
How to prepare your home for drone photography
Altvis Drone · · 4 min read
From the air, the camera sees the whole property at once: the roof, the garden, the driveway and everything around it. What you don't notice from the ground stands out from above. A bin in the driveway or a hose across the lawn can be the first thing a buyer sees. A day or two of preparation makes the photos much better. Here is what to do before I arrive.
1. Garden and grounds
- Mow the lawn one or two days before the shoot.
- Rake up leaves and pick up twigs from the lawn and paths.
- Put away garden hoses, toys, tools and tarps.
- Trim hedges and bushes that hang over the paths.
- Sweep the terrace, steps and paths.
2. Cars, bins and trailers
- Move the cars off the driveway and yard, ideally some distance from the house.
- Put the bins out of sight, for example behind the garage.
- Move trailers, boats and caravans if you can. If they stay, keep them tidy.
- Close the garage door.
3. Roof, terrace and balcony
- Clear the gutters if they are full of leaves. It shows clearly from above.
- Arrange the garden furniture neatly and take the covers off.
- Bring in any washing and put the drying rack away.
- For dusk shots, turn on the lights in the rooms and the outdoor lighting.
4. Weather and timing
- The drone does not fly in strong wind, rain or fog, so agree on a spare day.
- Sunshine or light cloud gives the best photos. I choose the time of day based on which way the house faces.
- In winter, clear snow from the driveway and paths, and sweep the steps and terrace.
5. Neighbours and agreements
- Let your neighbours know a drone is coming, so nobody is surprised.
- I only fly after a written order from the owner of the property.
- The photos should show your property. I keep neighbours' gardens and other people out of the frame as far as possible.
What you don't need to worry about
- You don't need to be at home, as long as we have agreed the time and area in advance.
- I check the airspace and permissions myself before I fly.
Quick checklist
Print it and tick off each item.
- Lawn mowed and leaves raked
- Hoses, toys and tools put away
- Cars moved off the driveway
- Bins out of sight
- Garage door closed
- Garden furniture in place, covers off
- Neighbours told
- Spare day agreed
Selling your home?
I photograph and film property from the air in Norway and Croatia, and in Slovenia by arrangement. You get the edited photos and video within 48 hours.