10+ Years of Flying Drones

For over 10 years, I’ve been flying drones and capturing amazing views from the sky.

 

As the Chief Remote Pilot at Sky Perth, I’ve worked with big names like Netflix, Stan, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Disney+. My goal is to inspire people with powerful stories through stunning aerial shots.

 

But now, my mission is even bigger. I want to help new and experienced drone pilots fly safely and take creative, exciting photos and videos. Let me guide you to master the skies and tell stories like never before.

 

Top Lessons I Learned

1. Be Prepared

A great flight starts before takeoff. Always check your drone’s battery, camera, and flight plan. Being ready helps you focus on getting the perfect shot. Skipping pre-flight checks can lead to malfunctions or even crashes. I learned this the hard way in my early days when a loose propeller caused an unexpected landing. Now, I never skip my checklist—and neither should you.

 

Preparation also means knowing the environment where you’ll be flying. Check the weather, map out obstacles, and ensure you’ve updated your drone’s firmware. These small steps make a big difference in keeping your flights safe and successful.

 

2. Change Your Perspective

Drones let you see the world in ways most people can’t. Try different angles. Fly low to capture waves crashing or high, turning city streets into patterns. Experimenting with angles and altitudes brings your creativity to life. One of my favourite shots was capturing surfers from directly above; it turned the ocean into a swirling canvas of blues and whites.

 

The trick is to think beyond the obvious. Look for patterns, symmetry, and textures that aren’t visible from the ground. Fly around your subject to find the most striking angle. Sometimes, moving just a few meters can completely transform the shot.

 

3. Be Flexible

Weather changes fast. Things don’t always go as planned. Stay calm and adapt. It makes you a better pilot. I remember a project where sudden rain forced me to land quickly. Instead of giving up, I waited for the rain to pass and captured a beautiful rainbow over the city. Flexibility allowed me to turn a setback into a masterpiece.

 

Always have a backup plan. Look for alternative scenes if your original shot isn’t working due to lighting or other conditions. Flexibility not only saves projects but also pushes your creative limits.

 

4. Follow the Rules

Flying safely means respecting the law and others. In Australia, pilots must fly under 120 meters, avoid crowds, and always keep the drone in sight. Rules might feel restrictive, but they exist to keep everyone safe—including you.

 

Understanding airspace regulations is crucial. For example, flying near airports or emergency zones can result in heavy fines or even accidents. I always check local regulations before every flight using apps that show no-fly zones. Respect for rules builds trust and ensures the drone community remains welcome in public spaces.

 

Turn Your Drone Passion Into a Business

Step 1: Learn the Basics

Master how to control your drone: move up, down, turn, and land. Then, practice cool tricks like blending photos (HDR) and creative angles. Spend time flying in open spaces until handling the drone feels natural. Confidence in basic maneuvers allows you to focus on creativity without worrying about controls.

 

As you improve, start experimenting with advanced features like waypoint navigation and panoramic shots. Many drones have intelligent flight modes that make complex shots easier to capture—use them to your advantage.

 

Step 2: Build Your Brand

Show off your best work online. Focus on what makes your photos unique. Maybe it’s Australia’s beaches or city skylines. Building a strong brand means curating your work to tell a story. Create a portfolio that highlights your style and expertise.

 

Consistency is key. Use the same editing style, colour themes, and storytelling approach across your portfolio. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are powerful tools for reaching potential clients. Engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes moments and the stories behind your shots.

 

Step 3: Handle the Business Side

Get certified with a Remote Pilot License (RePL) and make sure your gear is insured. Set fair prices for your work, including editing and extra services. Knowing how to run a business is as important as flying a drone.

 

Pricing can be tricky. Research competitors and understand your market. Offer different packages, for example, basic aerial photos, premium videos, and full post-production services. Don’t forget to account for travel, equipment maintenance, and editing time in your pricing.

 

Step 4: Grow Your Income

Try different ways to earn money:

• Teach Workshops: Help others learn to fly drones. Start with local classes or online tutorials.
• Sell Stock Photos: Upload your best shots to stock photo websites for passive income.
• Print Your Work: Sell posters of your coolest images at art fairs or online.
• Partner with Brands: Work with tourism companies or brands to create custom content.

 

Diversifying your income keeps your business stable. When one stream slows down, another can keep you going. Explore new opportunities and stay open to creative projects.

 

Why This Matters

Drone photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about sharing new views, telling stories, and connecting with people. A single aerial photo can inspire someone to see the world differently. Whether it’s for fun or business, flying drones can open up a world of possibilities.

 

Every flight is a chance to learn and improve. The sky offers endless opportunities for creativity and connection.

 

Are you ready to take your drone skills to the next level?