Nine years ago, I was working as an IT Project Manager, spending my days in a routine 8-to-5 job. I had a steady career, but deep down, I felt unsatisfied. I knew I wanted a change, but I didn’t know what that change would look like.
Then, an unexpected opportunity came along. A friend asked me to take aerial photos of them surfing using a drone. I was new to drone technology, but the experience excited me. The combination of technology, creativity, and freedom was exactly what I had been looking for. However, just a week later, I lost control of the drone, crashing it into the water. The equipment—and the money I had invested in it—were gone.
It was a hard lesson. I questioned my decision. With 14 years of IT experience behind me, was I really going to give it up for something I barely understood? But despite the setback, something inside me wanted to keep pursuing this new passion.
The Biggest Challenges of Starting a Drone Photography Business
Continuing on this path wasn’t easy. If I wanted to work with drones professionally, I needed to buy another one. Not only that, but to use drones commercially, I had to get certified, obtain insurance, and comply with strict regulations. All of this came at a high cost, and I didn’t have the funds at the time.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that drone photography was the right choice for me. Flying drones gave me the freedom to see the world from a different angle, and I wanted to turn that passion into a business. Luckily, my wife was supportive from the start. We decided to take out a credit card and buy a new drone in instalments. For the next two years, she was the main provider while I focused on building my business from the ground up. Many times, I felt like giving up, but her belief in me kept me going.
How I Grew My Drone Business Despite Financial Struggles
During this period, the company I worked for was also struggling due to increased competition. It became clear that I had to make a decision—stay in my safe IT job or commit fully to my drone business. With my wife’s encouragement, I chose to dive into the drone business. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to make it work.
One of the biggest keys to my success was consistently using social media. I shared my work on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, which helped me reach new clients and build credibility. Eventually, larger companies started reaching out for my services. This was the turning point I had been waiting for.
From Struggles to Success: Collaborating with Big Brands
After years of hard work, things began to change. Big companies, including Netflix, Paramount+, Stan, AppleTV+, and Disney+, started to inquire about my services. My persistence with social media paid off, and I was finally able to grow my business and breathe a little easier.
Looking back, I’ve learned that running a business is not as glamorous as it seems. It takes a lot of effort, especially when you’re starting from scratch. I had to learn new skills and take on multiple roles to keep the business running. But the most important thing I’ve learned is perseverance. There were countless times when I considered giving up, but I kept going—and it paid off.
What I Learned from Starting a Drone Business
If there’s one lesson I can share, it’s that starting a business isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Today, I’m proud of where my drone photography journey has taken me. I’ve travelled across Australia and a few places around the world worked with major brands and seen my work featured on some of the biggest platforms in the world.
However, the future is constantly changing. AI and automation are transforming the drone industry, and while I believe creativity will always have a place, it’s important to stay adaptable. The key to long-term success is to keep learning and evolving.
Advice for Anyone Starting a Drone Business Today
If I could give advice to my younger self, or anyone starting a drone business today, it would be this: Don’t try to do everything on your own. Ask for help, learn from others, and focus on networking. There’s always more to learn, and building relationships is vital to growing a successful business.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Drone Photographers
- Get Certified: You’ll need proper certifications and insurance to operate drones commercially.
- Start Small and Grow: You don’t need the best equipment to begin—just the passion to keep improving.
- Leverage Social Media: Consistent posting on social platforms can help you gain credibility and attract clients.
- Be Prepared for Challenges: Starting a business will always have ups and downs, but perseverance is key.
