Over the past year and a half as a licensed FAA drone pilot, I’ve fielded a lot of great questions from real estate agents — and some surprised reactions too. Most people assume that if I show up with a drone, I can just launch it into the sky, fly where I want, and get the shots we need. Seems reasonable, right?
But here’s the truth: I don’t control the airspace. The FAA does.
That means, even though I’m the one holding the controller, the Federal Aviation Administration is telling me where and when I can fly. And they’ve made it very clear: anything with wings (even with propellers) that lifts off the ground — even just a foot or two — falls under their jurisdiction.
⏱️ The Timing Challenge
I get it — when you’re preparing to list a property, time matters. Agents want to go live as soon as possible, and that often means turning around photos overnight. That’s absolutely doable for ground photography. But when it comes to aerial shots, the process involves more than just charging a battery.
If the listing is in controlled airspace (and much of Salem is), I may need to submit a flight request to the FAA — and wait for approval before I can legally fly. That’s not always something that can be done in 24 hours.
✈️ What Is LAANC, Anyway?
To streamline operations, the FAA created LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). This tool helps licensed drone pilots:
Check airspace restrictions in real time
Get instant authorization in certain areas
Submit requests for further coordination if needed
In many parts of Salem, I can get approval within minutes. But in other zones — especially closer to the airport — it may take up to 72 hours to get cleared for flight.
📌 The Legal Side (and Why It Matters)
If a drone pilot skips the FAA process and flies anyway, they risk losing their license. And without that license, they can’t legally operate a drone for commercial work — including real estate marketing.
That’s why timing and planning matter. If aerial photos are a key part of your listing strategy (and they should be), it’s always smart to:
Let your media team know early
Tell us where the property is located
Let us check the airspace while you finalize the listing
🧭 The Bottom Line
If it were up to me, I’d launch the drone the moment I arrive and grab the highest, widest, most dramatic aerials possible. But safe, legal drone photography means working with the FAA, and that means we sometimes need to wait for their go-ahead.
The good news? We’ve made the process simple for you. I’ve created a free 2-page guide to drone flight planning in Salem, with a visual FAA map, zone definitions, and tips for timing your shoot.
A year ago today, May 1, I passed the FAA Part 107 license, giving me the legal ability to fly a drone for commercial purposes. Since then, I’ve put my DJI Mini 4 Pro into the air 175 times. I’ve done over thirty real estate or commercial projects, from simple photos of a house and the surrounding area, to a full-fledged video of a property for a construction company. For fun, education, and to get better at it, I shot video and stills of ten historic covered bridges near Salem and produced a short video.
As a lifelong photographer, I have to say, learning to fly a drone has opened up a brand new world of photography that I could only imagine. I follow several excellent drone videographers and photographers online, and hope to learn from them. As with any endeavor, the goal is to continue to improve and learn, to keep experimenting to see what the drone is capable of.
I’ve learned how to use the various mastershots that DJI offers, and incorporated them into Instagram videos. I’ve learned how to set up timelapse videos with the drone moving slowly from point to point. And there’s more to learn. I feel, even a full year in, and nearly 200 flights, that I’m just getting started.
So, for fun, here are some of my favorite drone shots from the past year.
A recent shoot of a house on High Street across from Bush Park captured the rising sun.Showing a property and surrounding neighborhood near Cordon RoadThe devastation of 2020’s Labor Day fires are shown clearly in this overhead view of Niagara Park on Highway 22, just past Gates.A September view of Hoodoo ButteA flight in March captured Mt. Washington, Hayrick and Hoodoo Butte In August, I flew the drone over Santiam Lodge for the first time. It was interesting to see the place I grew up from the air.Last month, I flew over some property in Sheridan for a client to show the lots he has for sale.
I keep looking for opportunities to fly and photograph the ground below. If you have a project in mind, be sure to reach out!
Yes, this is a blog devoted to real estate photography and videography. But sometimes ya gotta skirt around the edges a bit, and I wanted to show off this fun video I finished this month.
And this is decidedly NOT a real estate video unless you wanna buy a bridge! But, since passing the FAA Part 107 drone license in May, I’ve been practicing and learning its capabilities (and mine with it). On a bright spring day, I had my drone and came across the Hannah Covered Bridge. I’d been visiting my mother in Gates and kept my eyes open for opportunities to fly. When I stopped at the bridge, I looked around and decided it was worth it, so I took the drone up a few hundred feet and snapped a dozen or so photos.
There are several covered bridges in the area, many near Scio, so it wasn’t long before I found myself at another bridge with my drone in the air. After about the third bridge, I realized that just taking photos of the bridges was one thing, but what about video? I hadn’t done much aerial video, but this could be a starting point. Over the summer and fall, the idea coalesced into a full-blown concept: make a brief video about the ten or so covered bridges within an hour of Salem.
Grabbing the idea by the horns, I revisited about five bridges to get video shots that I could assemble into a fuller video. I completed the filming in November and started to assemble the footage. Add in a little research, write a script, create some titles and silly but fun maps with what looks like a drunken driver in a small car, and the video was complete.
I’ve had the pleasure of doing several photoshoots with Leigh Tracey-Gaynair of HomeSmart. We also live in the same Highland Neighborhood and see each other regularly at the local neighborhood association’s monthly meetings. I put a series of questions to Leigh recently about her experience in the world of real estate:
1. What initially drew you to working with older, stately homes, and what do you find most rewarding about helping clients buy or sell these unique properties?
You know, I fell in love with vintage homes during my own house-hunting journey in Salem. There’s something magical about stepping into a 1920s Craftsman or a cozy Tudor Cottage and feeling the stories within those walls. What drives me now is matching clients with these architectural treasures and seeing their faces light up when they discover original wood moldings or a perfectly preserved butler’s pantry. It’s about protecting and enhancing pieces of Salem’s history while helping families create their own legacies.
2. In your experience, what are some of the most appealing features of older homes in Salem that tend to attract buyers? Are there specific architectural details or characteristics that resonate with clients?
Salem’s vintage homes, particularly in the Grant-Highland and Gaiety Hill-Bush’s Pasture Park neighborhoods, offer details you simply can’t find in new construction. Our buyers are consistently drawn to the craftsmanship – old-growth timber used in construction, hand-carved balusters, leaded glass windows, and those coveted archways. The 1920s Craftsman bungalows in the Court-Chemeketa Historic District are particularly sought after for their built-in cabinetry and signature front porches. Many also feature original hardwood floors, which were often milled right here in the Willamette Valley.
3. Have you noticed any recent trends in Salem’s real estate market, particularly regarding the demand for older homes? How do you think the market for these properties has evolved?
The market for vintage homes in Salem has seen interesting shifts in recent years. While overall inventory remains tight, we’re seeing strong interest from buyers moving down from the Portland area who are drawn to Salem’s more affordable properties. These buyers often appreciate that they can get a vintage property here for a fraction of what it would cost in Portland’s historic districts. The pandemic actually increased interest in these homes, as people wanted more space and separate home offices – features that many older homes naturally provide. There is always a market for vintage homes from the early 1900’s and Mid-Century Modern to 70’s and 80’s contemporary styles. People are drawn to their unique features and become stewards of these properties. It is truly romantic and rewarding.
Here are a few images from a shoot we did in South Salem off Croisan Creek Road earlier this year:
4. What advice would you give buyers considering purchasing an older home in Salem? Are there any unique considerations they should keep in mind?
For buyers interested in vintage properties, I always emphasize the importance of working with inspectors who specialize in older homes. It’s crucial to understand what you’re getting into – these homes often need specialized maintenance and sometimes updating of electrical or plumbing systems. I recommend budgeting for both immediate and long-term maintenance. Also, familiarize yourself with Salem’s historic district guidelines if you’re buying in one of our historic neighborhoods. While these rules protect the character of our historic areas, they can affect what modifications you can make to the property. Choosing a realtor familiar with the quirks and concerns of a vintage home is paramount in having a good experience and choosing the right property.
5. In your view, what makes Salem’s real estate market distinct from other areas in Oregon? How does the city’s character or community play into the appeal of buying an older home here?
What makes Salem unique is our remarkable preservation of entire historic neighborhoods. Unlike some cities where historic homes stand isolated among newer development, Salem has intact historic districts that maintain their original character. The Bush’s Pasture Park area, for instance, offers a complete snapshot of early 20th century architectural styles. We also have several pockets of stunning Mid-Century Modern homes in west and southeast Salem or south Salem like the highly desirable Candelaria neighborhood. Additionally, we have several designated Heritage Neighborhoods featuring vintage homes with charming character. The proximity to state government offices in these “close-in” neighborhoods means we have a stable employment base, which helps maintain property values. Plus, our location in the heart of the Willamette Valley means homeowners can enjoy both small-town charm and easy access to Portland or the coast.
I tell my clients that owning a vintage home in Salem isn’t just buying a property or being its steward – it’s becoming part of a community that values architectural heritage and character. These homes supply the owner with a lifestyle along with a beautiful place to live. Although some may require more commitment than newer properties, the rewards of owning a piece of Salem’s history are truly special.
In the dynamic world of real estate, captivating aerial imagery has become a cornerstone for showcasing properties. Integrating drone photography into your marketing strategy as a real estate agent can significantly elevate your listings, offering potential buyers a unique perspective and a comprehensive view of the property. However, the key to reaping the benefits of drone imagery lies in choosing the right drone pilot.
Here’s a guide to help you vet potential drone pilots effectively.
1. Certification and Compliance
Start by ensuring the drone pilot is FAA-certified. In the U.S., commercial drone pilots must have a Remote Pilot Certificate under the FAA’s Part 107 regulation. This certification is not just a formality; it demonstrates the pilot’s understanding of airspace regulations, safety practices, and operational requirements. Verify their certification and inquire about their understanding of local airspace restrictions, especially in areas with complex regulations like the Willamette Valley, Oregon, known for its proximity to multiple airports.
2. Portfolio and Experience
Experience matters. Review the pilot’s portfolio to assess their expertise in real estate photography. Look for variety in their work – different property types, landscapes, and architectural styles. Please pay attention to how well they capture the essence of each property and the surrounding area. An experienced drone pilot should provide a compelling narrative of the property, showcasing its best features from angles that ground-level photography can’t achieve.
Aerial photos show a dramatic view of the property in context with its surroundings.
3. Equipment and Capabilities
The quality of the drone and camera significantly affects the final output. Inquire about the type of drone and camera the pilot uses. Look for high-resolution cameras capable of capturing 4K video and high-quality stills. Additionally, consider their ability to shoot in various lighting conditions crucial for capturing properties at their most appealing times, like the golden hour.
4. Insurance and Liability
Ensure the drone pilot has liability insurance specifically for drone operations. This is crucial to protect yourself and the property owner from potential damages or accidents during the shoot. A professional drone operator should have no issue providing proof of insurance.
5. Communication and Professionalism
Effective communication is critical. The pilot should be able to understand your specific needs and translate them into stunning visuals. Their professionalism extends beyond flying skills; it includes punctuality, responsiveness, and the ability to work under varying conditions.
6. Creativity and Customization
Each property is unique, and the drone footage should reflect this. A skilled drone pilot can offer creative suggestions and customize their approach to highlight the unique features of each property. Whether capturing the expanse of a rural property in the Willamette Valley or the intricate details of an urban dwelling, their creativity can make a significant difference.
7. Testimonials and References
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients, especially other real estate agents. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide insights into the pilot’s reliability and quality of work.
Finally…
In conclusion, the right drone pilot can transform your real estate listings, offering breathtaking views that captivate potential buyers. Focusing on these best practices ensures that your aerial imagery meets and exceeds expectations, setting your properties apart in a competitive market.
I was recently contacted to shoot a 60-second video for Harmony Communities’ Salem Green Estates, a peaceful 55+ community in NE Salem. The team found me through Bark.com and requested drone footage highlighting the beautiful neighborhood.
My first visit was in late May, where I captured several short aerial videos and a variety of still photos. I put together a draft video, but after reviewing the footage, they mentioned the property wasn’t quite ready—particularly the pool, which needed some attention to look its best on camera.
In early July, I returned to Salem Green Estates for another round of filming, spending about an hour capturing fresh drone footage and stills. After I shared a second draft video, I asked for feedback on the visuals, text, and titles. After a couple of email exchanges, we fine-tuned the details, and I was able to deliver a final version they were thrilled with. Once they approved it, I rendered the video in full resolution.
It was a great experience working with the team at Salem Green Estates—such nice people—and I enjoyed capturing the welcoming vibe of this lovely community. It’s always rewarding to be part of a project that highlights what makes a place special!
