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phoenixdronepros • September 7, 2023

How to Become a Professional Drone Photographer


At Phoenix Drone Pros, we're often asked about the path to transforming a passion for drone photography into a successful business. In this blog, we'll explore what inspired our journey into the world of aerial photography and the crucial steps we took to establish Phoenix Drone Pros.

A man holding a drone in front of a doosan forklift

Introduction:

Becoming a professional drone photographer can be a thrilling and rewarding journey. At Phoenix Drone Pros , we're often asked about the path to transforming a passion for drone photography into a successful business. In this blog, we'll explore what inspired our journey into the world of aerial photography and the crucial steps we took to establish Phoenix Drone Pros.

Passion in Flight: From Inspiration to Business


For us, the spark that ignited our path to becoming professional drone photographers was the sheer fascination of the unique perspective a drone could offer. The allure of capturing breathtaking scenes from above, revealing hidden beauty and unexpected angles, was impossible to resist. This passion was the driving force that pushed us to delve deeper into the world of drone photography.
However, passion alone isn't enough to transform a dream into a thriving business. The critical turning point was seeking early coaching and gathering valuable customer feedback. These insights were instrumental in honing our skills, refining our services, and understanding the specific needs of our clients. It's often said that feedback is the breakfast of champions, and in our case, it truly paved the way for success.

Skills and Certifications: The Foundation of Excellence


To excel in drone photography, aspiring professionals must build a strong foundation of skills and acquire the necessary certifications. In the United States, obtaining the Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a fundamental step. This certificate is earned by passing a written test that covers essential regulations and safety guidelines.
For those looking to prepare for the FAA test, there are excellent study courses available online . However, passing the test is just the beginning. To capture smooth, cinematic, and usable footage that clients are willing to pay for, a drone pilot must become highly skilled in flying the drone. This level of expertise comes only with dedicated practice and hands-on experience.

Marketing and Networking: Building Your Brand


In the rapidly evolving field of drone photography, effective marketing and networking are essential to building a strong client base and establishing a professional portfolio. The first line of offense is to create a fantastic show reel that showcases your talent and a beautiful website that serves as your digital storefront.
Networking is equally crucial. Don't hesitate to connect with anyone and everyone who may be interested in your services. Attend industry events, engage with local businesses, and leverage social media platforms to showcase your work. Building relationships and establishing a professional network can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Conclusion:

Becoming a professional drone photographer is a journey that combines passion, dedication, and continuous learning. It starts with a love for capturing the world from above and evolves into a thriving business through skills development, certifications, and effective marketing. At Phoenix Drone Pros, we've witnessed the magic that unfolds when passion meets professionalism, and we're excited to see where your drone photography journey takes you. We offer several options to help you be successful in your drone career; flight training, business start up, and franchising opportunities . We would love to help you progress faster than your competitors.
https://www.phoenixdronepros.com/ Robert Biggs (480) 330-1778

By Robert Biggs March 17, 2025
Colleen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? The journey of Phoenix Drone Pros began when Robert Biggs, a tech enthusiast and avid photographer, first laid eyes on drone technology. Fascinated by the potential of capturing breathtaking imagery from the skies, Robert delved deep into the world of drones, honing his skills and mastering the art of aerial photography and videography. In 2015, with a keen eye for innovation and a drive to share his passion with the world, Robert officially established Phoenix Drone Pros. The name “Phoenix” symbolizes rebirth and renewal and reflects the soaring capabilities of the drones that would soon take flight under his expert guidance. From the outset, Robert set out to create a company that would stand apart from the competition by offering unmatched expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized service. He envisioned Phoenix Drone Pros as a one-stop solution for businesses seeking exceptional aerial imagery, whether for real estate, construction, search and rescue, cinematography, or any other industry that could benefit from a new perspective. Fast-forward to today, Phoenix Drone Pros is expanding in its 10th year of business in Franchising. Colleen Biggs, Robert’s devoted wife, brings her heart and expertise to this journey. With over 18 years in the Franchise Industry, she has been a steadfast advocate for franchisees, guiding them through every step of launching their businesses. From territory analysis and staffing to marketing, lease negotiations, training, and leadership development, Colleen has been there, helping others realize their dreams. Her experiences during challenging times in 2001 and 2008 have equipped her with the skills to build resilient, recession-proof businesses. Colleen’s passion has always been rooted in supporting franchisees and ensuring their success. Through her journey, she learned valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t, always prioritizing transparency and honesty. At Phoenix Drone Pros, we embody these values, nurturing a community where our franchisees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? Like any business, our journey has been shaped by both successes and setbacks—each one a valuable learning experience. When we first started, drones were a relatively new and misunderstood technology. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon to face unexpected challenges, like having a drone shot out of the sky while filming a property or dealing with upset neighbors convinced we were invading their privacy. Those early days taught us the importance of educating our clients and the public about how drones are used and the value they bring. Over time, as awareness and acceptance of drone technology grew, so did our business. We started by working with residential real estate agents, capturing stunning aerial views that helped homes sell faster. But as we refined our skills and invested in cutting-edge equipment, new opportunities emerged. Today, we’re proud to work on much larger-scale projects, partnering with solar farms, construction companies, and commercial real estate firms to deliver professional-grade aerial data and visuals. Each of these “bumps in the road” taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of clear communication. By overcoming early misconceptions, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and delivering exceptional results. These challenges didn’t just shape our business—they strengthened it, allowing us to soar to new heights. Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others? Phoenix Drone Pros: Elevating Your Vision from the Sky At Phoenix Drone Pros, we specialize in delivering high-quality drone services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a team of experienced and FAA-licensed pilots, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for innovation, we provide stunning aerial footage, comprehensive inspections, and a variety of other drone solutions. What We Do Our services span a wide range of industries, from commercial real estate and raw land development to solar inspections, weddings, and even search and rescue missions. Whether you’re a homeowner needing a roof inspection or a business owner seeking captivating aerial content, we bring expertise, precision, and creativity to every project. What Sets Us Apart What makes Phoenix Drone Pros stand out is our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our advanced drone technology allows us to capture areas that are often hard to reach, delivering detailed and accurate visuals that empower our clients to make informed decisions. We pride ourselves on offering:
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