FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is solely based off of travel time to get to the site, level of risk (obstacles, birds, airspace type, etc.) and the type of photo or video desired. For example, a time lapse with a few birds around may be more expensive than one to two photos in a crowded setting. Another example would be that it is more expensive to operate at or near an airport rather than farmland due to airspace restrictions legally. The cost would rise if I had to request approval from the FAA in any way.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I would begin the operation in steps or phases. Step 1: Introductions (viewing of the drone included if desired)/discussion of the photo/video desired. This discussion will be in depth to the customer's desire to ensure the best content is created to fit the customer's needs/wants. Step 2: Inspection of the desired Area of Operation (AOP). This allows me to determine the level of risk the drone will have to navigate during the operation. I will check the airspace type before I arrive and will asses possible obstacles in person while respecting customer's privacy needs while at the site. Step 3: Operation. After assessing all of the variables, the drone takes flight. I will brief the client on certain rules to follow while the drone is in operation to promote safety and comfort while the drone is in flight. Step 4: Post-Operation. After the flight concludes, the resulting raw footage/photos can be reviewed on site if the client wishes. If the resulting product needs to be retaken, I will start the drone up again and we will repeat until the client reaches satisfaction. After I depart, the resulting product will be inspected for any editing to help refine the imagery further if needed. Step 5: Delivery. The resulting finished product can be made available to you by either CD or a direct download from my personally hosted drive system. I am flexible and if a USB is needed, one will be provided to keep.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I learned how to fly the drone and became certified by the FAA all on my own while I was in the service. I studied and experimented with Rule of Thirds photography over hundreds of hours flying this particular drone. In regards to my personally hosted drive and website, I have taken the IT knowledge that the Air Force and Space Force has given me to ensure it's ability to endure the test of time.