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Is there a need for an eBook on Elevated and Aerial Photography?

By Lee Jinks

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Jinks Realty 0352394

April 14, 2013 02:40 PM

I've seriously considered writing an eBook on Elevated and Aerial Photography. What I mean by Elevated is with the camera on a pole so as to provide an interesting prospective of the property or possibly to show what lies behind the property such as a spectacular view. What I mean by aerial photography is climbing into a small airplane and taking photos of larger tracts of land or developments, mostly to show relationships between areas. Both topics would be covered in depth to show someone who has never done either, step by step instructions, tips and pointers to be able to create stunning elevated and/or aerial photos.

My question: It there a need for such a book? Should each subject be covered separately? Are there specific topics you think need to be covered?

PAP

This photo was taken with a pole setup that can easily be assembled for less than $100. Since this doesn't really appear to be all that high, I thought I would show you what this home looks like from the street on a 6 foot high tripod.

not elevated

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Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage

Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL

Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist

You should see my first flight of my new DRONE today. I used it to do aerial of a vacant lot I listed today from about 100 feet up. Incredible view!

Apr 14, 2013 02:48 PM

Lee Jinks

Jinks Realty - McAllen, TX

Kevin, post the photo. I'd love to see it.

Apr 14, 2013 03:06 PM

Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI

HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA

Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Lee, depending on the property, limited use of aerials can enhance a listing. Too often, Realtors, or their photographers, go overboard and include too much aerial content, rather than focusing on the important areas.

Apr 14, 2013 08:41 PM

Norman, I agree. Those of us who have been doing elevated shots for ten years or more are geeks by nature and love to tinker and create things that don't exist. It just so happened that it also produced appealing photos. What I'm suggesting is that it's possible for the average photographer to have access to elevated shots for less than $100 and from higher vantiage points for around $1,000. Of course one can spend much more, but these are the types of people wouild figure it out on their own anyway. Do you think "normal" people would have a use for information from a geek that would teach them to take elevated shots for very little money?

Apr 15, 2013 05:44 AM

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

In the past I have been fascinated by the result of your pole photography. I encourage you to write that book!

Apr 15, 2013 12:38 PM

Brandon Doyle

Maple Grove, MN

Now we have remote control multi-copters a.k.a. drones that can take stuning aerial shots of real estate listings. Our team uses them along with camera on pole trick to get the perfect shot. Many realtors could benefit to a guide to general photography, let alone these advanced techniques

Feb 14, 2014 07:32 AM

My concern was that I've waited too long. Drones like you use have become so popular that I'm afraid pole photography may have become obsolite.

Feb 14, 2014 09:28 AM

Anonymous

Russell Turner

Pole Photography is not obsolete but there might be only a limited number of persons willing to purchase the book. There might be a lot of interest if the book or information is properly marketed. I would like to see a simple description of the most practical pole photography outfits. (poles, cameras, wireless firing equipment, etc.) to include sources to purchase all of the equipment. No posts seem to give this good, practical information although it should be relatively easy to assemble if the author is involved in aerial photography. I have an active business that could benefit from this information and experience in how it might best be used.

Nov 22, 2014 11:57 PM

#10

In the United States drone photography is often illegal and the FAA restrictions are getting worse rather than better because the drone community has challenged them to a fight and the community can only lose. The legal risks are growing and there are always persons willing to sue others when they can win a healthy settlement. I have watched all of the arguments on www.runryder.com for several years. For me, pole photography offers the greatest return on investment of any ground based aerial photography system and we need a good equipment guide. Are you ready to provide one? The sooner, the better. Feel free to contact me when one is available for implementation and review.

Nov 23, 2014 12:07 AM

#11

You are right about drones. I recently purchase a training drone so I would be proficient when my brother lends me one of his two DJI's. I had originally thought poles were on their way out because of drones, but legislation may be giving life back to the poles. I really ought to get that guide written.

Nov 23, 2014 02:07 PM

John Mosier

Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ

Prescott's Patriot Agent 928 533-8142

Lee Jinks -- I don't see a need for a book unless you want to do it just for the credibility that would result. The technology is changing too rapidly for a book to keep up.

Jan 22, 2015 02:58 AM

John, that's the reason I haven't done the book yet. I even thought remote controlded model aircraft (RCMA's) would make poles obsolite. But with the proposed regulations and restrictions on commercial use of RCMA's, poles may be the only viable alternative for some locations and for certian photography providers.

My idea of the book started out quite expansive. Today, I'm thinking more of a guide that could be done in about ten pages or so. There are some things about using poles that may not be obvous to potential users. But if I don't put some time into it, it will never get done.

Jan 24, 2015 03:12 AM

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