One of the most frequently asked questions we get as architectural and drone photographers is whether or not drone photography should be included. If you landed here, you might be wondering the same thing. How do I know when I do or don’t need drone photography or videography? Where and when does it make the biggest impact?
Drone and ground-level photography serve a purpose, but knowing when to use each is the key to delivering high-caliber visuals that hold the gaze, tell a story, and set your brand apart from your competitors. We’ll break down exactly when and why to use each.
The Power of the Bird’s Eye View
Drones are extremely versatile compared to ground-level photography. They allow us photographers to capture an image from angles we otherwise can’t catch by foot.
A bird’s eye view of your property gives a dynamic perspective. It allows you to communicate not just where but why your location matters. By flying high (and low), you get to show off the accurate scale of your property, its proximity to demand drivers like beaches, highways, or downtowns, and how it fits within the broader landscape.
Look at two of our examples below and how well the drone photography shows proximity to downtown, sports complexes, and roads that are important to their target audience.
Shot for Camden Living at their Camden Buckhead property
Shot for Mint House on behalf of DevMar Development and Architect Fusco Shaffer & Pappas
If you’ve got a large-scale property, drones help to have a transparent view of the property. Otherwise, large properties can be overwhelming and hard to conceptualize. Drone photography will help to reduce the conceptual sizing of your property.
While drones are great at showcasing the big picture, ground-level photography is where you capture the small details that show the craftsmanship of your build.
When to Stay Grounded
Ground-level photography is about being in the space, seeing how light dances through a window, the symmetry of architectural lines, or the texture of materials that tell a story. Ground-level shots are essential for small or detail-rich spaces, like the ones showcased below.
Interior of Aventon Opal Orlando shot on behalf of Interior Designer Beasley & Henley
They help your audience understand your attention to detail and craftsmanship, and further picture themselves in your space. When done right, these images immerse your viewer in the environment like they’re really there. These images should feel rich, detail-oriented, and crisp.
So, Which One Should You Use?
Ground and drone photography work hand in hand, but here’s a recap of when each should be used, and why. Drone photography is perfect for large-scale projects, to show scale, and proximity to essential drivers (like highways and downtowns).
On the other hand, ground photography is best suited for showcasing your craftsmanship, interior design, and standout features.
Shot for Camden Living at their Camden Roosevelt property
Think of it like this: drone photography sets the scene; ground-level photography tells the story. Together they create a cohesive, strategic visual experience across your website, brochures, billboards, and more.
Our Approach: Strategic, Seamless, and Detail-Oriented
At Rob-Harris Productions, we’re not just technicians, we’re storytellers. We obsess over angles, lighting, timing, and every detail (even that pillow ¼ inch off). Whether 400 feet in the air or crouched low with a wide lens, we approach every project with the same commitment to crisp, clean, premium results.
And if you’ve worked with us before, you already know that we make the entire process smooth, collaborative, and fun. We keep things easy and reliable from the first phone call to post-production. If you’ve got architectural photography needs, we’d love the opportunity to make your property pop.
