So you want to know how much do drone pilots charge and why? Aerial photographs taken with a drone are ideal for real estate, hotels, golf courses, and a variety of other subjects. The view from above provides a new viewpoint that can be breathtaking. What is the cost of drone photography, though?
This question has two solutions, depending on whether you want to go with a safe, legal professional or take a chance with a cowboy operator. A hobbyist with a drone who wants to make some money on the side may be willing to capture some drone photographs for as little as £50-£100, but you should think twice before hiring one. A pilot must be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority before engaging in commercial, paid drone work (CAA). A professional cost of £150-£500 is likely to be charged by a CAA qualified pilot, depending on your specific needs.
So, what’s the difference, and why is it necessary for a CAA-approved drone photographer to charge these fees?
A hobbyist only requires a camera-equipped drone. This might be as low as £500 or even less if purchased used. A cowboy drone operator can make big money working for £50-£100 an hour with such a small investment. As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for, and amateur images are likely to be of poor quality. The cheapest choice for hiring a drone photographer to showcase a property, hotel, or tourist site can be highly unsatisfactory. You might wind up having to hire someone else to redo the work.
To be able to provide a legal, safe, and high-quality service, a professional drone photographer must invest a significant amount of money. The following are the basic start-up costs:
To be able to provide a legal, safe, and high-quality service, a professional drone photographer must invest a significant amount of money. The following are the basic start-up costs:
Professional training and CAA approval expenses are estimated to be between £750 and £1,000.
- Professional training and CAA approval expenses are estimated to be between £750 and £1,000
- Lenses and camera from outside (optional): £1,000-£2,000
- Drone and Public Insurance: £600-£12,000
- Additional safety and equipment £500
- £1,000-£1,500 for a computer and photo editing software
This is without the fees that any firm would expect to pay, such as a website, marketing expenses, equipment maintenance and upgrades, and actually turning a profit!
The topic of how much does drone photography cost becomes clearer once you realise what it takes for a professional to operate.
If you’re looking for high-end results from a trusted videographer and photographer, get in touch with AerialJohnny today.
