Factors to consider when deciding on your Colorado Aerial Photography Contractor:
Do you have a Stock Aerial Photography library?
Yes, we are constantly adding to our stock library. We host and sell all of our stock aerial photography images through our photoshelter account.
What about Unmanned Aerial Photography or Drones? Are they Cheaper??
Actually, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones are not cheaper than using our real airplane – in fact our Drone packages typically are more expensive. We fly our real airplane every month on the 1st and the 15th – which allows us to combine multiple properties saving photographer, airplane, pilot and equipment time – thus enabling us to offer you very affordable aerial photography rates. Drones, on the other hand, require more of a photographer’s and pilot’s time being that they must drive to your location, set up the equipment, fly the project, return back to the office, edit the photos and the video and provide you with your finished product.
The FAA is still working out the details on how to regulate drones especially for commercial aerial photography use – so in the meantime, we’ve brought on operators that have met the governments strict guidelines for Section 333 exemptions, Certificates of Authorization and other legal mumbo jumbo that we’re sure you’d rather not read about – but if you do:
Here is the current FAA Site for Commercial Drone use:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/for-business-users/
Here is a brief summary:
You may not fly your UAS for commercial purpose without the express permission from the FAA. You should check with the FAA for further determination as to what constitutes a commercial or business use of small UAS.
What is a commercial use of UAS?
Any commercial use in connection with a business, including:
- Selling photos or videos taken from a UAS
- Professional real estate or wedding photography
- Professional cinema photography for a film or television production
- Providing contract services for mapping or land surveys
Here’s another excellent article explaining the current rules and regulations:
http://buythebestdrone.com/drone-policy-2015-guide-drone-rules-faa-regulations/.
Should I use an airplane, helicopter, or drone for my project?
Airplanes are much cheaper to operate but have a higher altitude that they must remain above the ground: 1000′ Above the Ground in sparsely populated areas and 1500′ AGL for densely populated areas. They are great for a higher perspective, for showing context and proximity, and for encompassing large scale projects in one photo.
Helicopters do not have altitude restrictions and so they can provide much lower views of your property; however, they are quite expensive to operate. They provide a stable platform for acquiring the exact high-resolution aerial image that your project requires.
Drones are great for very low-level aerial photography as they must fly between 0-400 feet above the ground. They provide a great opportunity to showcase potential views from new construction projects, highlight property details from the air, and provide a unique low-level aerial perspective of your property. They are the most cost-effective method when your project needs both aerial videography and aerial photography stills.
Is your Aerial Photographer Insured?
Foresight Aerial Photography is fully insured for up $1 Million per occurrence. Our planes have their own $1 Million Liability insurance certificate as well. These certificates are often required for large construction projects and Government contracts.
Are you a certified government contractor?
Yes, we have passed stringent certification processes to be able to work for the US Government. We’re currently working on a 5 year project with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Our DUNS number: 068357613
Cage Number: 7BC47
We are SAM.gov registered.
We are the ONLY government certified aerial photographer in Colorado. There is a reason we’re respected and chosen for large government contracts.
What type of license and experience is required?
At a minimum Aerial Photographers need a Commercial Pilot’s License in order to fly and take photos for money. Foresight Aerial Photography exceeds industry standards with 1000s of hours of flight time and a Commerical rating. Unfortunately you’ll find low-cost Aerial Photographers in the Denver area that are simply using photography as a way to pay for their next pilot’s rating. We’ve been in the business for over 10 years because we specialize in providing the client with high-quality Aerial Photography – not in seeking out our next pilot’s certificate.
We have the required FAA Section 333 exemption and our Certificate of Authorization (COA) to provide commercial aerial photography from a drone.
Who are some of your clients?
Please review a sampling of our Key Aerial Photography Clients here.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes Foresight Aerial Photography guarantees customer satisfaction with our photos. That’s why the majority of our clients are return customers!
What type of camera do you use?
We typically fly with two cameras – a Canon 7d and a Canon 5d Mk III
Our drones fly with the X3, X5, and the GH4. We can fly the S1000 heavy lift with our 7d and 5d as well.
What type of aircraft do you use?
We fly a Cessna 182 Single Engine Airplane, a Schweizer 300c Helicopter, and a Robinson R44 Helicopter.
We also fly the following drones: DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and the S1000 Octocopter.
Do you do monthly construction progress aerial photos?
Yes, we fly on the 1st and the 15th of every month for a number of large construction projects. We’d love to add your project to our flight!
Do you have the capability of shooting straight down?
Yes, we have an external camera mount for completely vertical photographs.
Do you match or beat competing quotes?
We will do our best to match or beat any competing quote of similar nature.