Startup cost
$15k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Drone Photography Business
Decision Snapshot
Drone Photography
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Drone Photography business - Background
Drone photography involves the taking of photos or videos by an autonomous UAV or one controlled by a person who manually operates it via remote control. Commercial drone photography plays a role across a wide range of industries including real estate, farming, films, advertising, and much more.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Drone Photography business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a drone photography business?
There are many costs associated with opening a drone photography business. Besides the normal costs of starting any type of business, there are several unique costs for anyone thinking about a drone photography business:
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UAVs. The biggest cost by far will be your drones. While it is possible to purchase hobby-type drones for below $1000, commercial-quality UAVs can cost more than $10,000. It is very likely you will need more than one drone.
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Computer and software. Depending on whether you intend to shoot photographs, videos, or both, you will need the right editing software. Most drones come with their own software packages, but many aerial photographers prefer Adobe Photoshop for stills and Adobe Premier Pro for videos. Both programs are available on a subscription basis for around $50 a month. Of course, you will need a computer to run the editing software. If you do not already have a suitable computer, expect to spend around $1500.
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Certification. If you don’t already have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you will need to get one. The testing fee is $150, but unless you already have a solid understanding of airspace regulations and aeronautical knowledge, you will probably want to take a prep course. There are many online and in person prep courses available ranging from less than a $100 for a basic online course to well over $1000 for in-person instruction.
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Website and hosting. A good website is critical for marketing your business. Consider a professionally designed site costing up to $1000. Hosting expenses are minimal.
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Insurance. Insurance is critical to protect your expensive equipment and your business from litigation. Insurance costs vary depending on the level of protection that you desire.
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Transportation. You will need reliable transportation which provide enough space to transport your drones. Transportation costs vary.
What are the ongoing expenses for a drone photography business?
Maintaining, repairing, and updating drones and software is the largest ongoing expense for those who work out of their homes. If your drone photography business operates out of a building or studio, you will also have to consider the costs of rent and office maintenance as ongoing expenses. Whether or not you have employees can also increase the expenses of your business.
Who is the target market?
Real estate agents, people who are selling a piece of property or a boat, advertising companies, and even local athletes are all potential clients. Your ideal client is anyone who wants to showcase something in a spectacularly unique way using aerial photography or videography.
How does a drone photography business make money?
A drone photography business can choose the best type of pricing policies to fit their clients. Some drone photography businesses charge their clients a set price for a complete package which includes everything from shooting to editing. Other businesses choose to charge an hourly rate for the shoot and a separate editing fee. A few drone photography businesses choose to provide only the raw footage to their clients.
How much can you charge customers?
You fees should reflect the valuable service you provide. Drone photography businesses usually charge between $150 – $450 per hour of shooting and around $100 per hour of editing. Package deals typically start around $500 and increase depending on the services desired by the client.
How much profit can a drone photography business make?
The Drone Training HQ suggests the average salary for a drone photography business is from $50,000 – $60,000 a year with some pilots making much more.
How can you make your business more profitable?
There are may additional ways to earn money with your drones. Aerial mapping and aerial inspections are two great ways to generate more money. In addition, there are opportunities to be had in local media and even search and rescue.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a drone photography business?
A drone business owner spends most of the time running the back-end of the company. This involves marketing, speaking with potential clients and current clients, securing permission for flights, filing paperwork, and handling the billing. Only a small percentage of work time is dedicated to operating a drone and editing photographs or video footage.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful drone photography business?
Since August 29, 2016, in order to legally fly a commercial drone in the US, a pilot needs to have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This requires passing the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test with a 70% or better. In addition to possessing a Remote Pilot Certificate, a background in photography, videography, and editing is essential. Just like any other business, having knowledge about marketing and back-office procedures is important.
What is the growth potential for a drone photography business?
The growth potential is huge. There are currently only around 3000 certified commercial drone pilots in the United States, yet the popularity of aerial photography continues to grow. With the high level of technical knowledge required to enter into this field, the opportunities for work will continue to outpace the availability of licensed drone pilots to accept the work.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a drone photography business?
Invest in the best training and equipment you can afford to help you stand out from your competitors. Your clients will expect high-quality results, so you better have the technology and skills to deliver it to them. Choose a single niche, like real estate photography or extreme sport videography to allow yourself to focus your equipment and marketing budgets on a single market segment to reduce costs. Always deliver better and faster than you promised.
How and when to build a team
A team can help you complete the different duties of a drone photography business while letting you focus on the parts of the business which best suit you. For example, if you are most interested in taking the photos, but you are not confident in your post-production editing, you may want hire an expert or outsource your editing to a professional. You should build the rest of your team slowly, as needed.
Part 2 - Is a Drone Photography business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Drone Photography business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Drone Photography Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Drone Photography business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.