Uturn Loc: Snellville, GA

Thought I would see what advice my fellow Hoggers might offer about drones for photography
Thanks
Upturn Willy

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

Watching this because I’m also interested.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

It's been a hot area for several years. You need to be more specific.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Before anything else make sure you know and understand all federal and local requirements. The FAA would be the place to start if you haven't already. Proper insurance and a good understanding of your liability are also required. If you have all that figured out then concentrate on your photography.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

As time goes on more and more locations have outlawed Drones. I would check ahead with your local community and see what restrictions are being placed on Drones before you buy.

wildweasel

There are so many restrictions on them now that I haven't flown my Phantom 3 for quiet some time.

ELNikkor

Everyplace that might be fun to fly them now have signs that say something along the lines of: "Forbidden to fly drones". The FAA wants every drone over 8 ounces to be flown by a licensed drone pilot, which includes certification of having successfully completed pilot (as in flying Cessnas!) ground school. None of the drones 8 ounces and under have very good cameras. People who see your drone will be paranoid that you are spying on them. Hunters will shoot them down. Sorry if I seem a bit negative, but I also was interested in drones and photography until I recently looked into the possibility of becoming a drone pilot.

Joe Sommers

I use drones frequently, mostly for scenic landscape video. I use some of my footage for pre- and post- service filler between our online services at http://Live.bethanychurch.com. Check it out this Easter Weekend and send me your comments (joesommers@comcast.net).

My father was a cinematographer for Sikorsky Aircraft and I grew up watching his beautiful scenic aerial artwork. What used to require an aircraft, a pilot, a collection of very specialized gear, and a craftsman behind the lens can now be done with a $1k drone and a pair of steady hands. If this form of art appeals to you then by all means, get yourself a high quality drone (I use DJI products), register it with the FAA, take a course in drone aviation and get a license if you plan on charging for this service. Being respectful of airspace is of utmost importance as our little drones can take out aircraft carrying people and nobody wants to live with that. Also, be respectful of people and authority. Know your facts, educate when possible and let people see what you are shooting - I have turned many people into fans of this craft by simply being willing to listen to them and show them what I am capturing. I have yet to meet a person who did not like the footage I am able to capture using this amazing tool.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

There are different drone operation classifications and requirements. Keep in mind that there is a difference between being able to operate a drone from a particular piece of property and being able to fly over it. Only the FAA can restrict airspace usage so you need to understand their requirements.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/

Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

I took the plunge & bought one, DJI Magic pro. Amazing package of technology. Both in the flying part of it, & the photography. Combined, the give us a perspective so different to the usual ground or close to it, level.
The clarity of photos is amazing. Cost me close to $2k but great fun learning to fly it.
The regulators let us know on screen if we’re flying in a restricted area, but it’s pretty fair & logical.
Within 5 kms of an airport is Verboten. Altitudes are limited but fair.
I’ve not been to any interesting Kodak momentous sites yet. Still working up confidence to fly it beyond sight.
Great experience.

Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

To the peeping Tom phobiacs, if I live in a hirise building, I can peep on others in neighbouring with binoculars & no body bats an eyelid. What’s different in a drone.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Here is more info you may find useful:
https://www.aerotas.com/blog/2017/10/4/who-owns-the-air-above-your-home
There may be updates to this because it is 3 yr old, but, it should be fairly accurate.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Great advice.
Since I live in a VERY rural area, with farms all around me, there are still very few places that you can legally fly a drone.
Sure, you can take a chance, and many do, but the consequences are very severe.
The more that I investigated, the more discouraged I became.
Remember, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Your location may present more opportunities, but I doubt it.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

I love em. I actually build drones for photography. It's a less expensive than buying a DJI pro end model.

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

I had two DJI Drones I used for Photography, one was the Mavic Pro and the other was the Phantom 3 standard, both did very well for aerials. the Mavic was best. however I sold both as the FFA rules are going to be harsh soon, there are too many idiots flying them on or near airports, you hear about it all the time. I register mine as per the rules but every time someone flew near an airport in area they are not supposed to be the rules seemed to talked about more and more. to fly legal for a photography work you must be licensed and the Drone registered. If you read the new proposed rules all flyers of drone will have to be licensed or be tested to have an understanding of the flight and drone requirements. I did not want the hassles from big brother so I sold mine