How to find drone photography in Marco Island, FL
In Marco Island drone photography companies are all over! Trying to decide which company to choose can be a daunting task. Marco Island has several businesses to choose from making it difficult to know where to start. There are some basic things to look for in your search for the perfect drone photography company. These five recommendations are some of the most important things to consider when hiring a drone photography business for a project.
1. Checking for a Remote Pilot Certificate
When looking for drone photography in Marco Island, there are few things more important than making sure the operator is licensed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires commercially operated drone pilots to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. This certificate shows that the pilot understands regulations, operating requirements, and procedures to safely operate a drone. Drone pilots can face civil and criminal penalties if they operate a drone that requires registration or they have not obtained a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Not many people realize that anyone who hires a drone pilot without proper certification can also be charged fines. Ignorance of this rule does not work as a defense. To avoid serious fines, ask the drone photography company to show proof of a Remote Pilot Certificate.
2. Drone insurance: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Commercial drone operators should have insurance. It’s a good idea to verify that they do have a certificate of insurance (COI). Sometimes accidents happen and it’s a important to verify coverage to avoid liability issues. It is especially critical when the drone is being used to inspect an area that is unsafe for human inspection. This is why the drone is being used in the first place. Even if a drone photographer is hired for an event seemingly as harmless as a wedding, an accident can happen at any time and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If necessary, ask to be listed as an additional insured before the job.
There are various types of insurance coverage, so feel free to ask the company what their insurance covers. Some things to check for are:
- The policy offers protection from physical damage to the drone.
- Insurance protects the value of the camera or equipment that the drone is carrying.
- The carrier covers the equipment needed to operate the drone, if needed for a long term project. This ensures that a company will be able to complete the job even if something happens to their equipment.
- Insurance covers the liability of the drone causing personal injury.
3. View Their Marco Island Drone Photography Portfolio
When hiring a drone photographer, ensuring you get the best quality images is important. Take a look at a company’s portfolio. You will want to see work in the Marco Island area and see if their work demonstrates the style and feel of what is needed. Ensure that the image quality meet your quality standards.
While it may not seem important, every skilled photographer puts his or her own unique touch to the photos. Knowing that the drone photographer’s style matches expectations will ensure the result is what you anticipated.
4. Services and Equipment
Ensure that the company offers all of the drone services that are needed for the project. Determine if drone photography is all that’s needed or if drone videography is needed also. Most drones can take photos and videos, but it’s always a good idea to verify with the company.
There are a variety of drones on the market and the quality varies too. While taking a look at a company’s portfolio will ensure the results are as expected, it’s a good idea to make sure that the drone company’s equipment can handle the project and that the pilot is skilled enough for the environment and potential weather conditions at the location.
5. Relationship with Marco Island aviation community
Finally, a good drone pilot will have a relationship with the local aviation community. In this case, the pilot should have a good knowledge of Marco Island Executive Airport and knowledge of the Collier County area airports and community is a plus. They should be familiar with any federal and local drone laws & ordinances and responsibly abide by them. Some drone pilots have an extensive checklist that they work through to ensure they are operating the drone safely. This covers areas from pre-flight, to in flight, and finally to landing. Checklists increase safety by lessening the mental load of the pilot.
Ultimately, Drone pilots in Marco Island need to be aware of manned aircraft in the area and be respectful of them for the safety of everyone involved. Having tools to stream air traffic and being aware of their surroundings is essential. Having a relationship with the local aviation community shows that the company employs responsible drone pilots.
To learn more about drone photography services in Marco Island, please visit Professional Drone Solutions, an FAA licensed drone service provider specializing in construction inspections, progress photos, and real estate video.
Wrapping it up
If you follow these tips, you should be successful with hiring a quality drone pilot. If you are looking for drone services in Jacksonville, we have all the necessary experience and equipment to ensure you get quality drone photo and video. 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.
