Prelighting: When is it a Must-Have in Your Workflow?

Hey everyone, Jordan Kemp here. I specialize in aerial cinematography, often flying an Inspire 3 with the X9-8K, and sometimes an ALTA X for heavier payloads with an ALEXA Mini LF. I've been reflecting a lot on the pre-production stage recently, especially regarding lighting.

For the DPs and gaffers here, I'm genuinely curious: how have you personally integrated pre-lighting into your standard workflow? Is it something you consistently push for on every project? Or are there specific types of productions (maybe a commercial with precise product shots, or a complex narrative scene requiring careful control over every SkyPanel X and Orbiter) where you consider pre-lighting absolutely non-negotiable? I’ve found it invaluable on projects with tight turnarounds and really specific looks but want to hear from others regarding their experience and approach.