Part pilot, part photographer, these professionals learn the aeronautical skills necessary to fly a drone safely while recording aerial video and digital images.

Startup costs are similar to those of other photography specialties, although licensing and insurance fees will add to the expense of becoming an aerial /drone photographer.

As a licensed drone pilot you can offer aerial photography through your own business or work for a company that provides these drone services. Working independently you stand to make more money, although all the costs of marketing and running a business – as well as finding clients – also fall on your shoulders.

The work itself is undeniably exciting as you photograph or shoot video from an aircraft under your control. The latest drones operate remotely through an app on a computer tablet. Many drone models allow you to see on the tablet what the drone is recording with an onboard camera far overhead, so you’ll know at the shooting location whether you’ve captured all the coverage you need. No more heading home and loading the drone’s memory card into your computer only to discover key shots did not turn out well – or at all.

Beyond the thrill of flight, drone photography also taps into your artistic creativity as you edit images and videos in post-production on a laptop or computer before delivery to the client.

If high-tech flying excitement combined with a photographer’s eye for capturing beauty sounds appealing, read on to learn how you can become an aerial / drone photographer and make a good living.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as an aerial/drone photographer
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for aerial/drone photographers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Aerial/Drone Photographers on average make $43,930 per year, according to a recent salary survey of job openings by ZipRecruiter. Pros on the high end of the pay scale are making more than $81,500 a year. Experience and skill produce great work samples, which can largely determine how much an aerial/drone photographer can charge. A motivated drone photographer with a portfolio of quality work should have no trouble earning $100,000 a year and up.

The average range for a single aerial photography shoot is $250 – $350 for about an hour of actual shooting on location. Keep in mind that there is post-production work to factor into the equation. This includes editing images in Photoshop or similar imaging software, or editing digital video and possibly adding a soundtrack with narration, depending on the client’s requirements.

Training and Certification

You do not need a license or certification to be a photographer. You will absolutely need a license through the Federal Aviation Administration to fly a drone for any commercial purpose, which includes photography and videography in exchange for money.

To be eligible for licensing as a pilot under the FAA’s small unmanned aircraft rule you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam

The process of becoming a licensed drone pilot is not terribly complex but it is lengthy. As you might expect, much of the focus is on flight safety. The full requirements and regulations can be reviewed here. The license itself costs $150 and renews every two years.

The good news is, during the process of becoming licensed commercially to fly a drone, you’ll also become skilled as a pilot. The only way anyone ever learned how to fly a drone safely is by practicing flying a drone.

Before you get started, come to terms with the fact that most people crash a drone at least once while learning to pilot these aircraft. All it takes is one serious crash to destroy a drone, so consider training on an inexpensive model. Toy drones cost less than $100. Drones with cameras start at about $300. A decent commercial drone with a high definition camera will sell for more than $1,000. Multi-camera drones cost $7,000 and up. As you can see, taking your maiden flight with a drone costing several thousand dollars represents a significant risk. Fly it into a tree, the side of a mountain, a building or straight into the ground and your entire business investment could collapse in a twisted pile of metal and plastic.

Once you have your pilot’s license to fly drones commercially, you can consider training in aerial photography. Many courses are available for download on the Internet for less than $100. Depending on where you live, seasoned drone pilots may offer in-person training where you can develop your aerial photography skills under the mentorship of an experienced drone photographer. An Internet search will turn up these instructors. You can also call around to local camera shops asking about classes. Here is an example of an online drone photography course.

In addition, you’ll want to learn the fundamental tools of Photoshop or similar image-editing software, as well as editing digital videos. Once you’ve learned how to edit video, you’ll be able to add music, narration and effects to create cinematic productions that will thrill your clients.

Professional Groups to Join

The Professional Aerial Photographers Association International is the premiere organization for pro photographers in this field. Annual membership is $195. Benefits include regional conferences and educational opportunities, networking with other pros in the field, newsletters and a listing of your business on the association’s website. This helps potential clients find you.

Professional Photographers of America is the best-known organization of photography pros in the United States. A full membership is open to anyone living in the United States or its territories and costs $323 per year. Benefits include:

• $15,000 equipment insurance policy
• Data loss protection
• Access to all online education course
• Online referral database listing
• Printed and digital monthly issues of Professional Photographer magazine
• One full registration to Imaging USA during the first year of membership
• Business Resources
• Contracts and Copyright Resources
• Access to Member Discount Program
• Weekly newsletter

Many aerial photographers work in real estate photography. If this is one of your lines of business, consider joining The Association of Real Estate Photographers. This is an advocacy organization for the industry. Membership costs $185 per year and comes with these benefits:

• Certification with the Association
• Use of AREP Logo on your website and print collateral
• Association-approved License for use with Agents/Brokers – downloadable
• Access to Legal Counsel
• Discounts on the National Conference
• Assistance with licensing disputes
• Relationship with your MLS (multiple listing service used by realtors). Work through the association for any issues with Agent/Broker/MLS image use
• Member listing in Association directory and individual member page for marketing

Employment

Aerial/ drone photographers are in demand. From sporting events to real estate, civil engineering to architecture, you’ll find clients in need of a skilled drone pilot who can deliver crisp images in high definition.

If you plan to market to realtors, concentrate on agents and firms that specialize in the sale of land, farms and estates. These properties can be shown to great advantage with aerial photography so prospective buyers can see the size, shape and terrain.

Visit local realtor offices to drop off your marketing materials, brochures and business cards. Follow up with a phone call in a day or two. If a realtor says she’s already working with a photographer, ask if she knows any realtors who need your services. Don’t be discouraged by rejection when calling realtors. The very next call you make could be gold.

Attend local gatherings of real estate agents (they get together a lot to talk shop) so you can introduce yourself and distribute business cards. Bring along a laptop loaded with your best aerial images and videos to set up a quick live presentation and impress new clients.

Use the networking power of your professional memberships to find jobs.

Contact the athletic departments of local colleges, universities and high schools, offering your services.

Call engineering firms, land surveying companies and architects. Offer to send a copy of your portfolio.

Finding Clients

Business cards and a basic website should be the core of your marketing toolkit. The website doesn’t need to be expensive, just attractively designed, with photos and videos of your best drone work, location and contact information. No need to include your pricing unless you know that your fees are less than what competitors are asking.

In addition to your business website, create an Instagram account to showcase your aerial photography services. Instagram is the #1 online venue for creative professionals to display their work.

Other strategies for attracting new business:

• Create a referral program with discounts for returning customers who bring new clients to you.
• Ask clients to review your services online. According to a recent survey, 90% of people say their buying decisions are influenced by positive online reviews.

Good to know

Currently there are no federal requirements for insurance on a drone pilot. That could change at any time. Regardless, get liability coverage, anyway. As a small business owner, liability insurance protects you if your drone causes an accident in which someone is hurt or property damage is involved. And insuring the drone itself means that if you do crash and destroy the aircraft, you won’t need to come up with a thousand dollars or potentially much more to replace your equipment so you can stay in business. A policy that costs about $750 a year may provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. Here is a guide to commercial drone insurance coverage.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as an aerial/ drone photographer. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

Aerial photographers have more opportunities than ever to grow their skills by networking virtually and communicating with some of the best photographers in the world. When you are just starting out, it can be difficult to find opportunities for paid work, while the specific laws of drone photography can be confusing. Associations provide valuable insight into breaking into drone photography. By joining associations, aerial photographers can get professional support, advice, and resources specific to their needs. Associations also offer the opportunity for photographers to engage in professional education and training, and create a unified community for aerial photographers.

See associations for aerial/drone photographers:

• https://pocketsuite.io/professional-aerial-photographers-association-international/

If you are a photographer wondering how to start your career as an aerial/drone photography, perhaps industry-specific training could be the right stepping stone. As a freelance photographer, there are countless opportunities for training, it all depends on what you are comfortable with, and how you want to begin.

To start off with in your journey as an aerial photographer, there are many online tutorials that you can access for free or at minimal cost. These range from YouTube clips, to free basic photography courses. If this is your chosen path, remember that practice makes perfect. For those just starting out, it is always best to practice your skills, so why not find a unique landscape (after consulting legal requirements) to test out your equipment, or ask your friends and family if you can photograph their homes. This way, you get a lot of practice in shooting different landscapes. Not only will this give you plenty of real-life experience, it will also help you build up your portfolio.

Professional Aerial/Drone Photography Training

If you are more interested in applying to gain professional photography certifications, check the requirement in your state. Depending on your circumstances, you could enroll in a university or college course, or workshops offered by industry professionals. These courses will give you hands-on experience, with feedback from a professional to ensure you are on the right track.

Similar to associations, there are many aerial/drone photography groups are available to provide industry-relevant support to photographers and videographers. These groups allow photographers to share experiences and insights with like-minded colleagues in what often becomes an all-inclusive community. These groups often meet either online or in real life, and sometimes both, depending on location and the type of group. Websites such as Meetup allow you to search for industry-specific meetups in your local area, allowing aerial photographers to come together in one place. By finding a local aerial group, it will become even easier for you to understand the rules and regulations for aerial photography in your area. There are numerous groups on social media such as Facebook and Instagram that you can search and join for a similar experience, each of which can be extremely beneficial for growing your skills.

Check out these Facebook Groups for Aerial/Drone Photographers:

DJI Drone Photography

Official DJI Drone Videography/Photography

Aerial Photography & Drones.

Drones & Real Estate Photography

Iloilo Drones (Aerial Filming, Photography and Drone Racing)

DJI Drone Videography

DJI / Photography Drone Community | Aerial Guide

Real Estate Aerial Photography and Videography

Drone Aerial photography

Australian Drone Community Photography

Drone & Aerial Photography

Personal DRONES For Sale and Swop

Brisbane Aerial drone photography & videography

International Drone Photography and Videography Group

Photography Group + Aerial

Sky Cam – Aerial Photography and Videography.

Aerial Photography For Real Estate

UAV Drone Aerial Photography

Drone Community

Joe’s Aerial photography

Aerial Photography Network

Jersey Drones & Aerial Photography

Aerial Photography Group

Drone Photogrammetry

Railfan Drone Videography and Photography

DJI MAVIC Series / Drone Owners Network

Photography, Drones & Banter

Archaeological Aerial Photography

Kite Aerial Photography

Aerial Cinematography and Photography

Photography Videography – International Photographers & Cinematographers

DJI Drone AeroNetwork

Real Estate Photography

SJRC Drones Group – F11, Z5, S70W, S20W etc

Drone Pilots

Real Estate Drones

Drones Building Drones

Toy Grade Drones

ILOILO DRONE OWNERS

Newbies To Drones

Drone View – Amazing Drone Photos & Videos

Drone Photos / Videos

NZ Drone Photography

Xiaomi MI Drone and FIMI X8 owners

DJI Drone Pilots

Drone Photography UK

Drone Life

Creating a common language for Aerial artists

Drone Photography

Time-Lapse Photography

Drones Kenya Drone Group

OHIO Drone Club

DJI Drones UK Buy Sell Trade

Timelapse / Hyperlapse / Drone-Lapse Photography

Drone Repairing Center INDIA

ARIZONA Drone Club

Drones Australia

New Zealand Drone Photography

FLORIDA Drone Club

Orlando Drone Club

DJI & Drone Operators WA

The DRONE Club INDIA

North East Drone UK

Photography 3:11

Vintage Lens for Portraiture Photography

Alabama Photography

INDIANA Drone Club

Houston Drones

DRONERS by squaDRONE

FOTOLEX – Photography | Videography

DJI PHOTOGRAPHY

PTGui – Aerial Photography

Trinidad and Tobago Drone Network TTDRONE

JERSEY & GUERNSEY (CI) DRONE OWNERS GROUP

Natural Light Portrait Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY: Show us your gear

Isle Of Wight Drone Footage

Creative Aviation Photography

DJI Drones of TEXAS

Drone Flyers UK

GEORGIA Drone Club

MyDji – Dji Drone Modification, Unlocking and More

DRONES IN IRELAND

Central Coast Drone Flyers

DJI Drones New Zealand Users’ Group

Drone Flyers, Ireland

THOMAS ARGENT AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Minimalist Photography

Hunter Valley – Foto Friends + Drone Tips

Mobiography – For Better Smartphone Photography

UK Asian Weddings Photographers, Videographers, Crane & Drone Operators

Perth Drone Flyers

With advancements in technology, a new form of professional photography has emerged – aerial or drone photography. The ability to take images with the use of a drone has changed the industry, which previously required expensive, noisy helicopters to capture images from above. At a fraction of the cost, drones allow you to photograph beautiful, unique images of landscapes from above.

As with most genres of photography, it takes a lot more to become successful than simply being able to take great photos. Aerial/drone photography is a more complicated business, with strict requirements regarding who, where and when you can take your photographs. Aerial/drone photography can also involve a lot of travel and requires photo editing skills. Specific photography gear is needed in this field. The right camera equipment can make or break an aerial photograph, so it is essential to consider this before rushing into the career itself.

Breaking into the aerial/drone photography business may seem daunting with the strict rules and regulations in place, but once you are in, it can be the career of a lifetime. To help give your career the boost it needs, there are plenty of resources available, so spend some time doing your research.

Requirements for aerial/drone photographers

Once you understand the basics of what aerial/drone photography involves, it is important to do your research. Investigate your local legal requirements for starting an aerial photography business, including licensing and certification. With aerial photography in particular, there are many places that have strict rules regarding where you can or cannot fly and the types of images that you are permitted to capture. This is particularly important if you are near any private property, federal buildings, schools, or airports. Knowing where you can operate your drone will help you avoid hefty fines.

Growing your career as an aerial/drone photographer

The aerial/drone photography business is a relatively new field. With the massive price drops in drones, you are going to come across a lot of competition. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, it may be beneficial to continue growing your talents and produce work in a range of different styles to showcase your abilities. Another great way to grow as an artist is to join networking communities and associations. Industry-specific communities offer insight into trade secrets, as well as provide opportunities to grow a business. 

Search through the resources below to begin your journey into your dream job.

Resources to help in starting or expanding your aerial/drone photography career:

• Aerial/Drone Photographer Associations
• Aerial/Drone Photographer School and Certification
• Aerial/Drone Photographer Social Groups

This one-day, 8-hour course advanced course costs $1,000. Courses are taught 7 days a week. To secure your seat, a $250 deposi is required.

Earn an FAA Airman Certificate  then pursue this Advanced Drone Aerial Photography/Videography course on capturing high-quality media, still images and video.

Training Programs at Drone Universities

• Advanced Drone Aerial
• Photography/Videography
• Price Range: $1,000 

Resources for Drone Universities

• Phone: (866) 643-8709
• Website: https://www.droneuniversities.com/product/drone-photography-videography-course-deposit/
• Email: info@droneuniversities.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drone.universities/

This course is designed to teach skills in aerial photography and cinematography with drones, including cinematic techniques during flight, video production techniques, 3D mapping, photographic techniques, panorama, video editing, and photo editing. Students will use software such as the DJI Go App, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Premiere CC, Adobe Lightroom, and Pix4D Mapper Pro to create original content that showcases a variety of professional aerial projects. 

Training Programs at Gavilan College

• Advanced Drone Aerial Photography
• Price Range: Check website for updated details.

Resources for Gavilan College

• Phone: (408) 848-4848
• Website: https://www.gavilan.edu/academic/drone/index.php
• Email: jweiler@gavilan.edu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gavilancollege/

Learn to navigate the DJI Go app and gain the confidence to make your flying and phpotography experience more enjoyable. The hands-on workshop will get you flying your DJI drone and you’ll have the opportunity to refine your skills to get maximum output from the camera and your drone’s capabilities. This Drone 101 course provides the knowledge to use the DJI Go app.

Training Programs at Mike’s Camera

• Drone 101 course
• Price Range: Check website for updated details.

Resources for Mike’s Camera

• Phone: (303) 443-1715
• Website: https://mikescamera.com/school/drone101
• Email: service@mikescamera.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymikescamera/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikesCamera?ref=hl

In this six-hour class, participants will review camera controls and settings on a UAS and learn the flight techniques that will produce the best aerial photographs and videos. UAS cameras will be compared by resolution, sensors, and settings to demonstrate different capabilities. Participants also receive an introduction to Photoshop using provided photography and an introduction to video acquisition and Final Cut Pro software. (Pre-requisite: Safe Drone Operator or prior experience flying drones)

Training Programs at Southern Connecticut State University

• Drone Photography and Videography
• Price Range: $175 

Resources for Southern Connecticut State University

• Phone: 203-392-7278
• Website: https://www.southernct.edu/drone-academy
• Email: canningi1@southernct.edu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernscsu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernCT/

At this Florida Drone Training School, their mission is to provide comprehensive training to governments, corporations and individuals on the proper operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Drones. 

Training Programs at 3rd Rock Air

• Drone Photography
• Price Range: $299 

Resources for 3rd Rock Air

• Phone: (813) 498-4268
• Website: https://3rdrockair.com/
• Email: davidc@3rdrockair.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntoflydrones/