We had a lengthy discussion on cameras a week or so ago. Since the early 70's I have been doing lots of aerial photography; usually from a little Hughes helicopter or an old Taylorcraft....1932, I believe.

Work is for expanding farms, an automobile manufacturer, the University, etc.

Now, especially for video vs. still photography, a drone with a lens that can be operated from the ground by a 2nd operator (my son) will be the way to go.

The numbers look good. Cost will be about $20,000.00, and there will be a learning curve.

Product will look better and the final cost to clients will be less.

The sales guy is coming to Lexington Friday to show me the options.

Too old to hang out of a plane anymore, anyway.

R.

I purchased a relatively inexpensive drone for my Go Pro so I could video the boat while I was underway. It was a bit tricky to retrieve, but I managed to get about 12 minutes of video in before the drone batteries began to run low. It was pretty neat, I had fun, and later gave the drone to my grandson. He destroyed it within a week.

Good luck with that project, Russ,

Gary

Hi Russ:

Aerial Photography has been taken to a new level with drones becoming available for just about all budgets. One word of caution before you buy... the federal regulations now in place and with more being considered could impact an expensive acquisition.

Let's hope it makes you a fortune. I can just imagine you having one "drop in" at an event or gig where you are performing. Then selling CD's or Memory Sticks of those gathered at the event to those in the crowd... along with some of your performances.

All the best, ---Dave Rice

Are you talking about drones the size of an airplane or drones like those from DJI? If dji, they're are about to release their latest soon which is the Phantom 5 I believe it will be called. They are some of the best drones for aerial photography. Am Trying to get one soon for the summer when they are released.

I haven't seen the units yet, but the ones the rep is bringing have imprints about 35 inches square. I only go this route because most of the aerial photography I do is a small part of a bigger project...no photography for photography's sake. Now, for 3 minutes worth of content, I pay about $5000.00 for the helicopter, pilot, etc.

Competition is billing about $2,000.00. I could contract with a service, but that wouldn't let me control the angles, etc.

And I am well aware of the mass of regulations involved. I have had to deal with flight plans, permission, etc. for years.

Actually, this purchase will reduce costs considerably. It's just another technological upgrade.


I will miss the time flying with the old pilot, a retired traffic copter dude, with more tales to tell than me (believe that!).

R.