Most Photographers Should Hire a Drone Op

While modern drones are very easy to fly and get good results with, the realities of flying drones for work and during busy photoshoots are complex. For most photographers, I recommend hiring a certified, insured and experienced drone op who has the drone that will get you the results you need.

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We recommend *Two Blue Drones + Digital.* They specialize in flying drones for professional photographers. They will take care of insurance, regulations and any permitting required.

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What drones should the drone op be using for photography?

The best drones for photography that a drone op should have are:

• DJI Mavic 4 Pro, 28mm, 70mm, 168mm lenses
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine, 24mm, 70mm, 168mm lenses
• DJI Inspire 3, variety of lens options
• Sony Airpeak - heavy lift drone that only works with Sony Alpha cameras
• Freefly Alta X - Heavy lift drone that is camera agnostic and can carry just about every major camera system, including Phase One and Arri and Red systems. Most Hollywood productions are using these or DJI Inspire 3
• DJI Mini 5 Pro, 24mm (small enough to fly over non-participants with the right paperwork)
• DJI Mini 4 Pro, 24 mm (small enough to fly over non-participants with the right paperwork)
• DJI Air 3s, 24mm and 70mm lens

Any drone op you hire will most likely be flying a Mavic or an Inspire, or both. They are the most common.

Forget that advice, I love paperwork. I want to fly myself. What Drone Should I Buy for Photography?

I get this question a lot. For most photographers, the DJI Air 3S, for the 70mm lens, and the DJI Mini 5 Pro are the best options. If you can spend more and want more features, look at the DJI Mavic 4 Pro

• If you are in the US, don’t expect to be able to buy a Mini 5 Pro or Mavic 4 easily. You’ll have to hunt them down. However, the Mini 4 Pro and the Mavic 3 are both excellent.
• Also, in most countries you will need a certification or license to fly drones for work.

Education and Regulations:

• https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws/
• Getting your Part 107: thttps://pilotinstitute.com/courses/drones/
  • The Pilot Institute is one of the best courses for everything you need to know to get your FAA Part 107 certification and other drone techniques and info
• DJI Course Library
• FAA https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
• Minnesota Regs: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/aero/drones/commercial.html
• North Carolina Regs: https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/uas/Pages/commercial-operators.aspx
• FFA NOTAMs and TFR list: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html

Insurance:

https://www.global-aero.com/

Global Aerospace is the main insurer for drones. Your regular insurance agent or plan will sub-insure through them. You’ll need to be certified to get any insurance.

https://www.skywatch.ai/drone-insurance

People Worth Following: