7 Things to Look for in Fort Myers when hiring a Drone Company
Being in the market for a drone photography company can be challenging. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start. If you’re not in the industry, it can be hard to make an informed decision, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
There are specific qualities, skills, and certifications that are important to consider when searching for a quality Fort Myers drone photography company. Our experience and expertise with owning and operating our own drone company will help provide the inside scoop on what to look for when choosing a company to provide aerial imagery.
1. Find a Drone Company in Fort Myers that Specializes in a Specific Niche
There are various reasons why someone might need the services of a Fort Myers drone photography company. Event photography, residential real estate photography, commercial real estate photography, construction site monitoring, drone inspection services, and surveying services are just a few examples.
However, depending upon the niche, the skills required may be different. Do you need a pilot with an artistic eye? Or do you need one with the capability to survey a construction site and monitor resources? Something to consider.
At first glance, it may seem like there are many Fort Myers Drone Photography companies and you may feel overwhelmed. But narrow the search down to just companies in your niche that specialize in what you need and the right company will almost jump out at you. Sometimes you don’t want just photography, but will want videography as well. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure the company provides all of the services that you’re interested in.
2. Ask for Samples or a Portfolio
Obviously, you don’t want to hire a drone photography company without seeing examples of the work they’ve done. And you don’t want to sign a contract without seeing an official portfolio. So, ask the company for samples of the drone photography work they’ve done in the Fort Myers area. From the stunning Fort Myers Beach horizon to the unique attractions such as the historical Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Lakes Regional Park, and Jetblue Park to see spring training for the Red Sox. This will give you an idea of what you can expect in their work, and gives the company an opportunity to show off what they’re most proud of.
One of the keys to obtaining clear, sharp images and video that pops is equipment and gear quality. If a company is using models from seven years ago, you may want to look elsewhere. That said, even the best quality equipment can be ineffective if not operated by a skilled professional.
When looking through the samples, make sure that the quality of the images is what you desire. If you want the photos to be edited to show vivid colors and detail, make sure the images in the company’s portfolio reflect that.
If you’re interested in more than just photography, such as promotional videos or slow-motion features, make sure to ask for samples of these types of media as well. The talent and skill of the drone operator will also make a difference. Ask to see samples that reflect the style you are searching for.
3. Ask For Certifications
If someone is operating a drone for the purposes of making money, they are required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to have a Remote Pilot Certificate. This ensures that the pilot knows how to safely operate a drone and is well-read on the official rules.
During your meet-and-greet, ask to see their pilot certificate to verify. This certificate is proof that the pilot has put in time to learn and practice, which will be an assurance to you. If the pilot is operating a drone without a certificate and is caught, both the pilot and the person who hires them can be charged serious fines.
4. Verify That The Fort Myers Drone Photography Company is Insured
Another important aspect of a drone company is insurance. When meeting with your pilot, ask to see their certificate of insurance (COI). Possession of insurance not only protects them, it also protects you. There are different types of insurance with different types of coverage, so just ask what type of insurance the drone operator has.
There is insurance to protect the drone from damage, to any associated equipment, and even liability coverage in the case of personal injury. It doesn’t hurt to ask to be listed as an additional insured prior to the job or event.
5. Determine Your Budget
As with any project, you need to determine your budget. Once you know how much you have available to spend on photography services, you have a good idea of the kinds of companies to look at and the types of products to browse.
Just remember: it takes considerable skill and expertise to operate a drone and provide photography, no matter the niche. Consider the price options compared to the skill of the pilot and what you see in their portfolio.
6. Research Online Reviews of Various Companies
True to 21st-century style, be sure to always check the online reviews before doing business with a company. This is easy to do and can save you a lot of time and unnecessary stress. A quick Google search for Fort Myers drone photography companies should do the trick.
An occasional disgruntled customer is inevitable for most companies; you can’t always please everyone all of the time. However, if a company has reviews that are consistently negative – stay away.
It’s important to pay attention to the most recent reviews and if the company takes the time to respond or refute any negative claims. A company’s online presence says a lot about their level of detail and how concerned they are with providing exceptional customer service
7. Strive To Find A Customer-Focused Company
As previously mentioned, online reviews of the company are a good indication of how they treat their customers. However, simply making an appointment to talk with a representative, or even a phone call, also gives a good picture of the type of company that you’re dealing with.
It should go without saying that you want to choose a company that is customer-focused with a goal to provide quality results and impeccable customer service. Pay attention to the attitude of employees and the overall culture of the company. If the company is cutting corners, ignoring customer requests, or moving at a snail’s pace then these things will show up during your research.
Do they respond to your inquiries in a timely manner? Do they treat you with respect or make you feel like you’re an annoyance? Nobody likes to deal with a company that does not value its customers, even if they produce quality work. Do yourself a favor and choose a company that is customer-focused.
To Sum It Up
In short, these are the seven things that we think are most important when choosing a drone photography company. Once you’ve verified all of these things, you can rest assured that you will have a positive experience with a reputable company. If you need any services whether it be photography, video, construction, marketing, or real estate related, feel free to contact us or check out our company’s drone based services.
