There are success stories, but survivorship bias means you should be cautious. You’re only seeing the ones who made it.
A lot of people don’t know the technical stuff like control points or ASPRS standards, so they don’t always deliver the best quality.
Starting a drone business is tough, especially if you’re focusing just on photography. You need to find other uses like mapping or inspections. It’s not cheap either—my business spent over $200k to get started, but we had an existing client base. Also, make sure you have a professional brand; it really sets you apart.
@Ziv
Thanks for the advice. I’m working on building something bigger, and branding is definitely part of that plan.
Drones alone won’t make you a lot of money, but if you combine it with other technical skills like GIS, you could make it work. Photography alone isn’t enough to make a living.
I’ve seen success stories, but usually when people integrate drones into an existing business. It’s hard to just start with drones and build from there.
I’m hoping to start a drone business soon. I’ve got a good market with little competition in my area.
Finley said:
I’m hoping to start a drone business soon. I’ve got a good market with little competition in my area.
Start now! You never know until you try. Also, study hard for the Part 107 test—it’s not easy.
Not many competitors where I live either. Almost had a job today but my drone’s remote wouldn’t link, super frustrating.
I spent two years developing a domestic drone platform, but it didn’t take off. People in North America prefer buying DJI, even with all the concerns over data going to China.
Scout said:
I spent two years developing a domestic drone platform, but it didn’t take off. People in North America prefer buying DJI, even with all the concerns over data going to China.
Isn’t there a DJI ban coming soon?
@Sai
Yep, but it’s way too late to matter now. People should’ve been focusing on building a domestic industry much earlier.
Change the colors of your logo, black and red doesn’t look good. Try blue or green.
Blake said:
Change the colors of your logo, black and red doesn’t look good. Try blue or green.
You’re right, I’m liking the black and white version much better now. Thanks!
If you’re thinking about using drones for photogrammetry, it depends on where you are. Governments usually have their own in-house professionals for large projects. You’d only get hired if they need extra manpower.
I started a few months ago doing real estate photography as a side gig and made about $1,200 so far. It’s not much, but it’s fun.
Finn said:
I started a few months ago doing real estate photography as a side gig and made about $1,200 so far. It’s not much, but it’s fun.
That’s awesome! Any advice for someone just starting?
I got into drones through real estate. One drone guy tried to sell me his services, but after looking at his prices, I bought my own drone instead and learned to do it myself. Now I have other photographers working for me. The key is focusing on sales; it’s not just about flying drones.
@Nico
Sales is important, but I prefer to build relationships. I tried door-to-door sales once and hated it!
Ag sprayers are a big deal, but those commercial DJI sprayers are pricey unless you have a lot of work lined up.