G
avin Zeigler, an experienced pilot and photographer for Sotheby's International Realty, will be using drones to assist East Hampton Village lifeguards this season. As a licensed drone operator, Zeigler has been capturing stunning aerial footage of the Hamptons' most luxurious properties, including the recent $89 million sale of "La Dune," an oceanfront estate in Southampton.

    Zeigler's day job is traditional photography, but he specializes in real estate photography with drones. His images have helped sell numerous East End properties, and he has a preferred vendor status with Sotheby's International Realty. With his Part 107 pilot's license and DJI Mavic 3 drone, Zeigler can capture high-quality footage of properties from unique angles.

    "I want to tell the story of the property," Zeigler says. "Let a potential buyer understand how the place is laid out, how they're situated on the property." He typically flies his drones at low altitudes, around 20-30 feet above the ground, to capture detailed shots of properties.

    Zeigler's expertise in drone photography has made him a go-to vendor for real estate agents and homeowners looking to showcase their properties. "It's a different view of the world," he says. "You get a bird's eye view that you wouldn't be able to get otherwise."

    However, there are limitations to drone use. Without special permission from the FAA, drones must remain five miles away from airports. Zeigler often obtains special permission to fly closer to airports, but he must follow strict guidelines and regulations.

    Zeigler has been using drones for several years and has developed a keen eye for capturing stunning footage. He typically shoots in RAW format, which allows him to edit the images later and make adjustments to lighting, color, and other factors.

    In addition to real estate photography, Zeigler has also used his drone skills to capture video tours of properties, including flying through homes to give seamless tours. "Drones are being used inside to give seamless tours of the home," says Vicky Reynolds, a real estate advisor with Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.

    Zeigler's expertise in drone photography has made him a sought-after vendor for various industries, including movies, commercials, and agriculture. He believes that drones have many applications beyond real estate photography, from security to emergency services.

    Despite the benefits of drone use, Zeigler has encountered some challenges, including bird attacks on his drones. "You've got to watch out for birds," he says. "Sometimes, they're really interested in the drone."