Understanding Commercial Drone Photography
Drone photography is rapidly becoming a mainstay in numerous industries. There are many ways to use drones as you learn how to make money with photography. Real estate is just one of them, where drone-captured aerial views have transformed property showcasing. There’s also the events sector, where drones have revolutionized the way we capture and memorialize special moments, from weddings to large-scale festivals. The tourism industry is another arena where drone photography is making waves, enabling stunning perspectives of travel destinations.
A 2023 study revealed that the global drone services market size was valued at USD 13.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 18.9 billion in 2023 to USD 189.4 billion by 2030.
The Benefits of Starting an Aerial Photography Business
Learning how to start a business surrounding aerial drone photography comes with a host of benefits:
- Flexibility: Drone photography offers flexible work hours. You have the freedom to choose your projects and set your schedule.
- Demand: As we discussed earlier, the demand for drone photography is skyrocketing in several sectors. You’re stepping into a growth market.
- Earning Potential: With the right skills and equipment, drone photography can offer high earnings. A single project can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Are Drone Photography Businesses Profitable?
The potential profitability of a drone photography business is as vast as the skies your drone can reach. As per Skylogic Research, experienced drone photographers can earn over $100,000 per year. However, profitability depends on factors like your skills, the market demand, the type of clients you cater to, and how effectively you market your services.
Challenges in the Drone Photography Business
Even with blue skies and clear horizons, the drone photography business is not without its turbulence. Here are some challenges you might encounter:
- Regulatory Issues: Navigating the ever-changing landscape of drone laws and regulations can be daunting. Every country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding drone flight and photography.
- Technical Skills: Operating a drone and capturing high-quality photos and videos require specialized skills and training.
- Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance of drones can be expensive.
- Competition: With the increasing popularity of drone photography, the market is becoming competitive. Standing out will require creativity and a keen understanding of the market’s needs.
Key Steps to Start a Drone Photography Business
You’ve fastened your seatbelt, studied the skies, and are now ready to pilot your journey in the drone photography business. But before we take off, here’s a business startup checklist for launching your own drone photography business.
Acquire the Necessary Skills for Flying Drones and Certification for Aerial Photography
Before you can capture stunning aerial shots, you first need to master the art of drone piloting. Here’s how to start:
- Learn Drone Piloting: Drone piloting involves understanding flight mechanics and safety measures. There are many online and offline training programs available.
- Understand Photography: Learning the principles of good photography is essential. It’s not just about shooting from the sky; you also need to know how to compose a shot.
- Get Certified: Depending on your location, you might need a certification or license for aerial drone photography services. For instance, in the Australia, pilots must first their Remote Pilot License, then get their Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC).
Setting up Your Business - Legal Considerations and Drone Insurance
Setting up your business involves more than just purchasing a drone. It’s about doing things by the book:
- Business Entity: Establish a legal business entity, like an LLC, to protect your assets.
- Comply with Regulations: Adhere to CASA regulations or the governing body in your country. Register your drone and always stay updated with the latest rules.
- Insurance: Drones are valuable pieces of equipment, and accidents can happen. Insurance protects your investment and gives your clients confidence in your professionalism.
Building a Drone Photography Portfolio and Finding Clients
Now, you’re ready to showcase your skills and attract clients:
- Build a Portfolio: Start by capturing diverse shots and showcasing them on your website or platforms like Instagram. Find a niche that appeals to your style, whether you want to use a drone as you learn how to become a wedding photographer or prefer shooting real estate photos. Quality should be your main focus, both in shooting and editing photos.
- Find Clients: Networking plays a huge role in finding clients. Attend industry events, reach out to potential clients, and make use of online marketing.
Scaling and Growing Your Drone Photography Business
Expanding your drone photography business? Excellent! But as the sky has no limits, neither should your aspirations. Lets look into strategies to elevate your venture to the next tier.
Investing in Advanced Equipment
Top-tier results require top-tier tools. Investing in superior equipment can enhance your output and make a statement about your commitment to quality.
- Upgraded Drones: Consider drones with longer flight times and advanced camera tech.
- Gimbal Stabilizers: Ensure smoother video capture, reducing post-shoot editing time.
- Advanced Camera Lenses: A varied collection can help achieve different photographic effects and styles.
Diversifying Your Services
Broaden your horizons by offering a diverse set of services:
- Videography: Capture moments in motion, which is especially popular for events.
- 360-Degree Panorama Shots: Offer a holistic view, making locations and properties more immersive.
Building Partnerships and Collaborations
Strengthening your network can lead to steady work:
- Event Management Companies: Weddings, corporate events, and festivals can all benefit from drone photography.
- Real Estate Firms: Aerial shots can add a unique dimension to property listings.
Marketing and Digital Presence
An online presence is paramount in today’s digital age.
- Social Media Marketing: Engage with a wider audience, showcasing your portfolio on platforms like Instagram.
- SEO: Boost your website’s ranking on search engines.
- Paid Advertising: Target specific demographics with Google Ads or social media promotions.
- Email Marketing: Stay in touch with past clients and reach out to potential ones.
- Jobs Platform: You can advertise your business and find new clients by joining drone jobs platforms like ours at Drones for Hire! You can visit www.dronesforhire.com.au/signup to join now!
Getting a great Drone Photography Business Website
In the drone photography domain, a picture is worth a thousand clicks. An attractive, user-friendly website serves as a portfolio, a client touchpoint, and a branding tool. Ensure it’s mobile-responsive, easy to navigate, and showcases your work elegantly.
Drone Photography Tips
Diving into the technicalities, here are some game-changer techniques and pointers:
Mastering the Art of Composition in Aerial Photography
Composition is the backbone of captivating visuals.
- Rule of Thirds: Break your image into nine equal segments and align the subject with these lines or intersections.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines to lead the eye into the image.
- Balance Elements: Balance out your subjects for a harmonious shot.
Understanding the Drone's Camera Settings
Perfect photos require a blend of skill and tech know-how.
- ISO: Adjust according to lighting. Lower ISO for daylight and higher for darker scenes.
- Shutter Speed: Faster shutter speeds for moving subjects; slower for static or low light scenes.
- Aperture: Controls the depth of field. Smaller apertures (bigger f-number) keep more in focus.
Embracing Different Perspectives and Angles
Stunning images often come from unconventional views.
- Top-Down Shots: Offers a bird’s-eye view, revealing unique patterns.
- Low Angle Flights: Skim close to your subjects for dramatic shots.
- Side Profiles: Showcase landscapes or cityscapes in their sprawling glory.
The importance of Planning and Safety Precautions
Well-laid plans lead to well-executed shoots.
- Weather Checks: Avoid wind or rain, which might damage equipment or disrupt shoots.
- Battery Life: Always ensure a full charge before take-off.
- Safety Protocols: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and no-fly zones.
Scaling your drone photography business is a learning, innovation, and dedication journey
Get some quotes for a drone operator
✔ 100% free service✔ Featured in the SMH, The Age & WA Today
✔ 1,800+ online recommendations
