Reaching New Heights, Literally: I Am Now a Certified Drone Pilot
Call Me Fly Girl!
Hello, good people!
Just an announcement that I have been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a remote Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) pilot. You might hear the term “Part 107 pilot” or “Part 107 certification,” which is the same thing. In short, I can fly my drone for commercial purposes.
I had wanted to bring that dimension to my work since so many of my wedding clients have their ceremonies at venues in big, open spaces. As an example, Renae and Nick had their wedding at The Views at Sunset Ridge in Cleveland, TN.
And Rachel and Daniel had their wedding at Swann Stables in Sevierville, TN.
Lenoir City Utility Board Project
My drone was in use for a project I did for the Lenoir City Utility Board. They wanted pictures of their linemen at work, to use for public relations. Now, as you know, linemen go UP - up power poles and work with live wires. To get an eye level shot of the important work they do up there would mean finding a spot where two bucket trucks would be parked side-by-side and a photographer would have to be taken up in the second truck. Trust me, it is a complicated deal - when I photographed the Bishop of Knoxville rising to the skeleton of the not-yet-completed dome in the diocesan cathedral, I had to suit up in a harness and ride with a construction worker up some 100+ feet.
And I do not like heights.
But that is not an issue with a drone, as these pictures show:
I greatly admire men like these fellows - theirs is not an easy job and it is a critical one.
Uses for Drone Photography
Drones are being used more and more to allow certain tasks to be done in a safer fashion than having a person complete it.
Obviously, for weddings being able to give the bride a picture of her venue in its setting or maybe getting a creative shot of the couple from a new perspective adds to the value of their images. But as seen here, getting close to the action in a hard to reach place can be done.
Drones are also being used more and more for real estate listings, especially when it is property located on several acres. What will help a realtor more, a picture of trees or some photos/video showing not simply the property but the area around it. Does the house have lake access or a lake view? What about a picture of the neighborhood with landmarks noted on it, to show a potential buyer with a teenage son that the house is less than two miles from the local high school?
If that is a feature near the property you’re selling, wouldn’t it be great to show your buyer what is in their backyard? BTW, that IS in the backyard of the retreat center for the Diocese of Knoxville.
If you think you might need a different perspective for your visual needs, reach out to me and let’s talk about how we can bring your images to new heights . . . literally.