How to Be Aerial Photographer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 9, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerial photography is the process of taking photographs from an elevated position, usually from an aircraft or drone. It is used to capture images of landscapes, buildings, events, and other related entities. The use of aerial photography has numerous benefits, including providing invaluable information and insight on areas otherwise inaccessible.

It can be used to map out land, assess damage to areas affected by natural disasters, track environmental changes, and observe wildlife. aerial photography can be used to document construction progress, assist with urban planning, and help monitor agricultural crops. These advantages have made aerial photography a popular tool for research, exploration, and even recreational purposes.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a drone pilot license. In order to become an aerial photographer, you must first obtain a drone pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This license is required for any pilot who wants to fly a drone for commercial purposes.
Purchase the necessary equipment. Once you have obtained your drone pilot license, it is time to purchase the necessary equipment. This includes a drone, camera, drone controller, and any other accessories you may need such as batteries, chargers, and filters.
Learn to fly the drone. Before you can start taking aerial photographs, you must first learn how to fly the drone. This requires practice and experience.
Practice taking photos. Once you have mastered flying the drone, it is time to practice taking aerial photographs. Start by taking photos of simple objects such as trees, buildings, and landscapes. As you get more experience, you can start taking more complex shots.
Market yourself. Once you have mastered the art of aerial photography, it is time to start marketing yourself. Create a portfolio of your work and share it with potential clients. You can also promote your services on social media or create a website to showcase your work.
Network. Networking is an important part of becoming an aerial photographer. Connect with other photographers in your area and attend events such as conferences and workshops. This will help you expand your network and land more jobs.

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You may want to check Real Estate Photographer, Staff Photographer, and Forensic Photography for alternative.

Job Description

Operating aerial vehicles, such as drones, for the purpose of capturing photographs and video footage.
Planning and executing aerial photography assignments, including selecting the appropriate equipment and coordinating flight operations.
Editing digital photographs and videos to ensure the highest quality results.
Working with clients to determine their unique needs and how best to fulfill them through aerial photography.
Developing and maintaining good relationships with clients, ensuring their satisfaction with the photographic services provided.
Staying abreast of new technology and techniques in photography and videography.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to aerial photography.
Keeping detailed records of all aerial photography equipment, operations, and expenses.
Maintaining a portfolio of completed works that demonstrate the quality of the aerial photography services provided.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in aerial photography equipment and techniques
Knowledge of drone regulations and safety procedures
Ability to read aerial maps and charts
Experience in image processing and post-production editing
Good eye for composition and color
Excellent attention to detail
Highly organized and efficient working style
Ability to collaborate with other professionals on a project
Ability to communicate effectively with clients
Knowledge of current trends in aerial photography

Aerial photographers must possess a variety of skills to be successful in their profession. The most important skill an aerial photographer needs is an eye for composition. This includes knowledge of how to select the best angles, frame shots, and use light, color, and other elements to create a visually pleasing image.

technical skills are also important. Aerial photographers need to understand the intricacies of the camera equipment, be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during a shoot, and know how to edit images to bring out the best in their work. Finally, aerial photographers must be creative and able to come up with new ideas for shots to make their work stand out.

All of these skills combined create a successful aerial photographer who can consistently deliver great results.

Night Photography, Action Sports Photographer, and Advertising Photographer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with aerial photography?
How would you ensure safety when shooting from a helicopter or drone?
Describe a difficult aerial photography job that you completed successfully.
How do you determine the best locations for aerial photography?
What techniques do you use to ensure the highest quality results?
What challenges do you face when shooting from an aircraft?
Describe your experience with post-processing digital images.
How comfortable are you dealing with advanced camera and digital equipment?
How do you manage working in a remote area or harsh environment?
What techniques do you use to keep a steady shot while in a moving aircraft?

Common Tools in Industry

Camera Drone. A flying device that contains a camera, used to take aerial photographs from the sky. (eg: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Drone)
Tripod. A three-legged stand used to hold the camera in place for stable shots. (eg: Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4)
Camera. A device used to capture photos and videos. (eg: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV)
Camera Lenses. Specialized lenses that are used to capture different angles and perspectives. (eg: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2. 8L II USM Lens)
Editing Software. Software used to edit photos and videos, such as cropping, adjusting colors, etc. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
GPS Tracker. A device used to track the location of the aerial photographer. (eg: Garmin eTrex 10)
Aerial Navigation Software. Software used to plan the route of the aerial photographer and the drone. (eg: DroneDeploy)
Radio Transmitter. A device used to control the drone from a distance. (eg: Futaba 8JA)
Flight Simulator. A software used to practice flying the drone in a virtual environment. (eg: Liftoff Drone Racing Simulator)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Professional Aerial Photographers International (PAPI)
International Society of Aerial Cinematographers (ISAC)
International Society of Professional Aerial Photographers (ISPAP)
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
Professional Aerial Imaging Association (PAIA)
International Association for Professional Drone Pilots (IAPDP)
Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA)

We also have Landscape Photographer, Social Media Photography, and Corporate Photographer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drone Photography. A form of aerial photography using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or remote-controlled aircraft to capture images.
Aerial Survey. A type of aerial photography that is used to capture images of land or features from the air for mapping, surveying, and other applications.
GIS (Geographic Information System). A system that captures, stores, analyzes, and presents geographic data. It is used in a variety of industries, such as urban planning, resource management, and emergency response.
Orthophotography. A type of aerial photography that can be used to produce a two-dimensional map of an area.
Remote Sensing. The use of various technologies, including aerial photography and satellite imagery, to gather data from a distance.
Light Pollution. A type of environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of artificial light sources. This can interfere with the night sky and impact aerial photography.
Photogrammetry. The science of making measurements and producing maps from photographs taken from the air.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). An aircraft without a human pilot aboard that is controlled either autonomously or remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become an aerial photographer?

To become an aerial photographer, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in photography or a related field and experience in photography. You may also need to obtain a pilot's license and FAA certification to operate an aircraft.

What type of aircraft do aerial photographers use?

Aerial photographers typically use small fixed-wing aircraft such as Cessnas or helicopters to capture aerial images and video.

How much does an aerial photographer earn on average?

According to PayScale, the average salary for an aerial photographer is around $50,000 per year.

What equipment do aerial photographers use?

Aerial photographers typically use high-resolution digital cameras with interchangeable lenses, memory cards, tripods, and other photography accessories.

What skills are needed to be an aerial photographer?

To be an aerial photographer, you will need excellent technical skills, good knowledge of camera equipment, and the ability to take high-quality photos from a variety of angles and heights. You must also have excellent communication and organizational skills.