What’s the best way to choose a drone photography business?
Who in Ocala can use aerial photographs from a drone photography company? Almost anyone. A business or property in historic downtown Ocala, a residential real estate agent selling homes in the area, or a commercial real estate agent selling commercial properties can all benefit from utilizing drone imagery.
However, knowing which Ocala drone photography company to choose can be difficult, though. You might have a lot of questions about what to do and where to even start. We’ve answered some of the most common questions for you here.
What’s the best way to choose a drone photography business?
First, do a Google search for drone photography companies located in Ocala and then read through the customer reviews. You can gather a lot of information about a company by simply reading the reviews. Of course, you should choose a company with more positive reviews than negative ones.
Additionally, have you noticed any aerial photography while out and about or while browsing the internet? Reach out and ask what company they went with and if they would recommend the company’s services. Word of mouth is always the best kind of referral and usually one you can trust!
It’s important to determine what each Ocala drone photography companies niche is. Does this align with the services that you need? If you need marketing photography done, find a company that specializes in marketing photography. If you need aerial photos that will make your real estate property shine, find a company that frequently works with real estate companies.
How much does drone photography cost in the Ocala area?
Prices for drone photography can vary, so the best way to find out the cost is by contacting each company and requesting a quote. It’s a good idea to figure out what your budget is so that you know the price range you can work with. Most businesses will charge between $150-400 while individual pilots might charge as low as $80.
When selecting a drone company, it is important to think about how often you will use a drone company, as the less expensive options are usually part-time pilots with less insurance and experience.
What services do drone photography companies offer?
Every drone company offers a different mix of products, so it is important you call your local drone company, such as Professional Drone Solutions branch in Ocala, to see what they offer. Although most companies offer both photography and videography, it’s always good to verify rather than assume. Here are some of the services that may be offered:
- Aerial photography/videography
- Residential real estate
- Commercial real estate
- Commercial marketing
- Undeveloped property marketing
- Weddings or other outdoor events
- Insurance inspections
- Construction inspections
- New construction
- Virtual tour content
- Walkthrough videos
- Live news broadcast
Does the type of drone photography equipment matter?
Yes and no. You will want to consider what type of Ocala land and structures you are looking to capture. The most expensive equipment does not automatically make it the best equipment. If the operator is not skilled enough to operate the equipment to take advantage of all of its features, then it won’t make a difference.
What you want to look for is that the drone photography company has the equipment needed to produce the results that you want. Make sure the camera used will be able to produce high-quality images or videos.
Is the location windy or prone to other temperamental weather conditions? Make sure that the drone being used can withstand these environments. If someone is operating a drone photography business, then they should be knowledgeable about these topics.
Do drone pilots need to be certified?
If a drone pilot is operating a drone for commercial purposes, they are required by law to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Naturally, when choosing an Ocala drone photography company, ask to see their Remote Pilot Certificate, which is provided through the FAA after training.
If a pilot is found operating a drone for commercial purposes without a Remote Pilot Certificate, both the pilot and the person who is paying for their services will be charged expensive fines. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
How do I know if the Drone photography company is insured?
First of all, you definitely want to find a drone photography company that is insured. You can verify that they are insured by asking to see their Certificate of Insurance (COI). Even if you are using a highly reputable company, no one is exempt from having an accident. If you verify that the company has a COI, it can help protect you from litigation issues. For example, in the case that the drone or other equipment is damaged or if there is an unfortunate case of personal injury.
What else should I know when choosing an Ocala drone photography company?
We have a few more tips that will help you choose the right Ocala drone photography company for you.
Ocala Portfolio
Whenever you’re having services performed in the Ocala area, it’s a good idea to ask to see the company’s Ocala-specific portfolio. Asking for pictures of top attractions like The Gypsy Gold Farm, Sholom Park, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, and Silver Springs River would give you an overall idea of the quality of work of the company.
Also, pay attention to the overall look of the images. Are they as colorful as you expect? Are they styled in a way you would be happy with?
Aviation Community
Next, find out if the drone pilot has a good relationship with the local aviation community. Since there may be communication between pilots at times, the drone pilot needs to be able to stream air traffic and be aware of their surroundings in the air. The fact that they have a relationship with the local aviation community gives them an additional level of professionalism that you can trust in.
Customer Experience
Even if a drone photography company provides stellar work, if working with the employees is difficult and frustrating, then it’s not worth it. Is it easy to talk to a real person when you contact the company? The last thing you want is to need to get ahold of the company and not be able to ever get through when you call.
For example, when you contact the company for a quote, pay attention to the level of service they provide. You should find plenty of details about the customer experience when doing business with this company when you read through online reviews. So do yourself a huge favor and choose a company that provides a spectacular customer experience!
key Takeaways
With a little time spent researching, a good understanding of your needs, and the tips above, you should be able to find a professional drone photography company that matches your needs serving the Ocala area. 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.
