09/01/2026
This does happen. I was recently on a photography assignment in the Englewood area last week and was approached by a homeowner with a metal garden rake claiming that I was spying on her with my drone. My vehicle was clearly marked with door magnets and I was wearing my company hat with the same logo. I explained that I was a real estate photographer and working for the listing agent of the home across the street. STILL she was convinced I was spying on her from 200 ft above; I did my best to diffuse the situation and eventually just had to ignore her commentary to complete the job. Her husband came out but didn’t say much thankfully so things didn’t escalate. This article highlights a story where someone took it much further.
Everything shared by the drone photographer in this interview is accurate. The FAA controls the airspace above our homes and it is in fact illegal to shoot down a drone and can easily create a much larger problem should it catch fire or land on someone or someone’s property.
Additionally, it’s important to know that anyone flying a drone commercially must have a Remote Pilot License issued by the FAA. In order to achieve that certification, a remote pilot must pass a test that is required of pilots of any aircraft - not an easy test! All drone pilots with us carry that certification and fly under part 107.
A local real estate photographer is warning others after he says his drone was shot down while he was working on a residential shoot.
