How much do you charge?
We work on a project basis based on the customer’s needs. Our prices are competitive and we always strive to go above and beyond the customer’s expectations. We also offer discounts for multiple properties/locations. Basic photo shoots run around $250 for digital photos and $500 for video. Please contact us to discuss the scope of your project. Once we have the full details of the project, we can often offer an exact price.
What is your typical process?
- After initial contact is made, we work with the client to clarify specific needs, objectives and vision of the project.
- We check airspace at the specific location to make sure it is both clear and safe for drone flights and that all waivers are in place if needed.
- Using satellite images, we conduct a first level safety inspection of the site to identify any possible obstacles, safety hazards or privacy/security concerns and address as needed.
- Once project is defined and cleared for flight, we schedule a time to fly the location and capture the images or video. We can often fly the site and capture data without needing to meet the client on site.
- We work with the client to notify neighbors or surrounding residents that we will be conducting drone operations and the purpose of our mission.
- When arriving on site, we conduct a preflight safety inspection of the location to identify any potential hazards or obstacles. We locate and mark a safe launch and landing zone that allows for a full visual line of site on the drone at all times. This may require multiple launch/landing zones and multiple flights.
- Once all preflight inspections are complete, we fly the site and capture images, video or data as needed.
- Upon completion of flight, we conduct all post processing and editing.
- Final project is delivered to client (usually within 24-48 hrs for digital photos).
Are you licensed and insured?
We are FAA Licensed UAS Pilots flying under rule 107. We partner with a licensed surveyor for construction projects as needed. We carry $1m liability insurance for all flights.
I’m located near BWI, can you fly drones near my site?
Yes. We currently hold airspace authorizations throughout the state of Maryland including the following airspace:
• Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
• Washington Dulles (IAD)
• Martin State Airport (KMTN)
• Easton (ESN)
• Frederick (FDK)
• Manasssas (HEF)
• Salisbury (SSBY)
• Portions of Aberdeen (KAPG)
See an area that’s not listed? Check with us. Authorizations for many areas outside of those listed above can be obtained with a day or so notice.
What types of customers have you worked with?
- Commercial Realtors
- Construction Companies providing monitoring/mapping and aerial surveys
- Residential Realtors
- National and International video/production companies (ie. Microsoft Cloud Commercial, Discover Channel Documentary)
- Provided aerial video for live events including the Coastal Delaware Running Festival which included more than 3,000 runners.
- Environmental groups
- Freighter (shipping) and other marine industries
- Many More
What are some of your more interesting projects:
We find that construction mapping and measurement are some of the most interesting projects. When working with a surveyor, it is amazing the detail and accuracy we can achieve using a drone. One example — we had a client who had been excavating a site for months. They hit a point where they were concerned that they had moved too much dirt. Working with a surveyor, we were able to lay out ground control points, fly the site and provide the data they needed in about 24 hours. Without losing any construction time, we were able to help them determine that they still had more to do. We flew the site again two weeks later and helped them confirm that they were where they needed to be.
There is also something personally satisfying about creating beautiful images. Our photo shoot for Annapolis Summer Garden Theater is one such project that came out particularly well. ASGT wanted to capture aerial images of the open air theater from above while a play was in progress. This proved to be challenging due to the fact that we only had about 15 min of daylight after the play started. We scouted the site during the day and planned our shots in advance. This allowed us to know exactly what was needed during the limited time available for the shoot. As a result, we were able to get some great photos that brought the client’s vision to life. Photos were shot on a Friday evening and delivered the following Tues. We normally would have delivered on the next business day but the low light condition required extra post processing in order to get the best image possible.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Anyone can fly a drone. It takes a specialist to do it right. Before hiring a provider, make sure:
- Your provider is properly licensed. Penalties for using commercial photos (anything that is used for business or sold) taken by an unlicensed drone pilot start at around $1,000/photo.
- Your provider follows all UAS (drone) laws and safety procedures. Drones are not toys and can be harmful in the wrong hands.
- Your provider has the proper airspace authorizations and monitors changing airspace restrictions (NOTAMS). Flying near airports requires special FAA authorization. These authorizations take time to obtain and flying illegally is not only dangerous, can also result in large penalties.
- Your provider is fully insured
- Your drone photographer/videography has the professional ability to provide the beautiful images, video or high quality data you need.
What questions should customers consider when starting project?
Who is your target audience and what do they need to see? What What is your vision for the project? How will you present your project (print, website, etc.)? For construction projects, is this project needed for progress monitoring, measurement, modeling? What is the final output needed and how will it be used. What safety concerns do I need to discuss with my provider?