Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drones have transformed the photography landscape and heightened competition amongst photographers. These drones literally elevate our experience of enjoying scenery.
Discovering Drone Photography Services
Drone photography offers a unique perspective, providing a different experience of familiar sights. Thanks to technology, we now have drones capable of capturing amazing aerial views. Forget renting expensive helicopters or taking heart-pounding skydiving lessons. If you offer drone photography as a profession, you can now provide your clients with views from different altitudes and creative angles. However, there are important considerations for professional drone photographers.
If you’re searching for aerial or drone photography services near you, there are several avenues to explore beyond asking around. Below are some websites to check out to see the services offered by certified drone photographers.
Featured Drone Photography Providers
1. Momentum Virtual Tours
Momentum Virtual Tours boasts a team of FAA-certified drone photographers. They specialize in aerial shots for real estate property, construction progress monitoring, and location mapping, providing high-definition images. They utilize premium equipment like the Phantom Pro 4 and aim to invest in the latest technology. Their services include HD images or 360° video shots. Additionally, Momentum Virtual Tours offers property marketing services, including virtual tours, walk-throughs, and photography. They cater to real estate, golf courses, and park owners. Contact them for a free quote.
Website: https://www.momentum360.com/
2. Aerial Innovations Southeast
With strategic locations in Atlanta and Nashville, Aerial Innovations Southeast specializes in aerial shots for construction development. Their services include drone photography, aerial photography, video services, ground photography, and stock photos. Their drone operators are FAA certified and use DJI equipment, including Phantoms and Mavics. Client waivers are obtained before flights.
Website: https://aerialsoutheast.com/
3. Dronethusiast
Dronethusiast’s website provides comprehensive information on drones, including tips and tricks for flying, a gallery of videos and pictures, and news related to aerial photography. They offer tutorials for aspiring drone pilots and have partnered with Drone Launch for specialized training.
Website: https://www.dronethusiast.com/tutorials/
4. Droners.Io
Droners.Io is a global showcase for drone pilots, similar to freelance platforms for drone services. Users can post job requirements for commercial building shots and be matched with local registered pilots. The platform allows comparison of services, prices, and licenses before hiring. They do not take a commission on transactions and thoroughly vet pilots for licenses and certifications. Features include pilot chat for aligning specific requirements.
Website: https://droners.io/
5. Dronegenuity
Dronegenuity provides drone service photography, including marketing imagery with 4K HD shots, commercial and residential photography, inspection services, land mapping, 3D models, and thermal imaging. They serve approximately 50 states in the US and offer customized videos across various business sectors. They also provide training courses on drone flying, safety, laws, earning potential, and equipment news, with options for online or in-person training.
Website: https://www.dronegenuity.com/
6. Bark
Bark is similar to Droners.Io, enabling users to hire local drone photographers. The platform is featured in publications like TechCrunch and The New York Times. Users can search by zip code to find drone photographers and choose from various price points: ‘great value,’ ‘average,’ and ‘premium.’ They connect users with professionals offering aerial photography, helicopter filming, and aerial surveys across US states.
Website: https://www.bark.com/
Key Considerations for Professional Drone Pilots
1. FAA Certification
Becoming a professional drone pilot requires more than just operating a joystick. Securing licenses and certifications is crucial for commercial operations. Certification assures clients of your understanding of drone flying regulations for commercial purposes. Research drone training courses to become certified.
2. Night Flying Regulations
It’s essential to be familiar with the rules for flying drones at night to prevent mid-air collisions in dark conditions.
3. Understanding Flight Modes
Knowing which flight mode to use for a specific project is vital for capturing impressive shots and maintaining a competitive edge. Familiarize yourself with your drone’s settings and capabilities.
4. State and National Laws
Researching state and national laws related to drone flying is paramount, as some locations have restrictions or prohibitions on aerial photography. Avoid flying in prohibited areas and respect privacy, such as not taking photos or videos of private events without consent, which can lead to legal trouble, especially in places like California. Consult local authorities for assistance and clarification on local laws.
5. Essential Equipment
With the high demand for aerial shots, a wide variety of drones are available. Ensure you have reliable and sturdy equipment to deliver high-quality output and earn positive ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is drone photography?
Drone photography utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to capture images and videos from aerial perspectives, offering unique viewpoints of scenery, properties, and events.
Are drone pilots required to be FAA certified?
Yes, if you intend to fly drones for commercial purposes, you are generally required to obtain FAA certification to demonstrate knowledge of operational rules.
How can I find drone photographers near me?
You can find local drone photographers through websites like Momentum Virtual Tours, Aerial Innovations Southeast, Droners.Io, Dronegenuity, Bark, or by searching online directories.
What kind of services do drone photographers offer?
Drone photographers offer a range of services including real estate photography, construction progress monitoring, aerial surveys, marketing imagery, 360° videos, and even thermal imaging.
Are there legal restrictions on flying drones?
Yes, there are state and national laws governing drone flight, including restrictions on flying in certain areas, at night, or capturing images of private property or events without consent.
What equipment is important for professional drone photography?
For professional drone photography, it’s important to have reliable and sturdy drone equipment capable of capturing high-quality output, such as HD or 4K resolution images and videos.
