MalachiConstant
Posts: 18
Joined: 5/11/2004
From: Round Rock, TX,
Status: offline
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This is an interesting topic. I hope the discussion continues. I did want to make one comment about the gentleman who is trying to !QUOT!corner the market!QUOT! and doesn't want to share information. No offense, but I think that is a ridiculous attitude. This is a highly regional business, and unless he is planning to open a national chain of aerial photography shops  there is likely to be plenty of business for everyone who put forth an effort. How is his work in Mayberry RFD going to affect my work in Austin, TX?
In my primary business (training) I have talked to lots of competitors. The ones that try to be secretive never seem to make it while the ones that are friendly seem to do well. Hiding from your competitors doesn't make you succeed. Doing your business makes you succeed.
Anyhow, I will tell you my story, all of it. I am working on starting an aerial photography business in the Austin, TX area. So if you want to scoop me and start your business before mine, feel free. You will just open the market up so I can come in and undercut you.  This is not my primary business. My primary business is working as a software developer. This is something I want to do because it is fun, pays for itself, and gets me away from the computer.
I am new to the RC world, but have always been interested in it. I am planning to use an RC heli, and have been practicing on the sim. I have about 20 hours or so, and can hover in any orientation but nose in. I still have lots more practicing to do.
I've order the electric Voyager 50 shown here. These folks seem like they really know what they are doing and have been great to work with. The heli, camera mount, batteries and radio all together were in the $2000 range. I'm starting out with stills because I think there is much more of a demand for those. If I make some money at it, I will get the bigger gasser to do video.
Here is a Texas company that is using the same setup. Some of these pictures are stunning.
I looked at the draganflyer, but it just seems a little too wimpy for me. I'm sure it is easier to fly, but I want to be able to go very high and still be able to see the helicopter. I'm planning to use the co-pilot autopilot from here to help with stabilization. I'm hoping it will allow me to look away from my heli for a while to be able to concentrate on the photography.
Now, the liability is another thorny issue. I think it is very important, and if you start this kind of business you must incorporate to protect your personal assets. I can talk more about that if anyone is interested. I'm going to talk to my insurance company on Monday, and I will report back with my findings.
One final thing. Just in case you didn't know, a photo heli has to be electric or gas. A nitro heli will generate too much smoke.
There, now I have given away all my critical business secrets. I hope you all can put them to good use. When you get into six figures, remember the little guys like me.
Blue skies.
< Message edited by MalachiConstant -- 5/22/2004 8:21:15 AM >
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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> Aerial Photography and Video >> RE: Low Aerial Photo Businesses 
RE: Low Aerial Photo Businesses - 
It's been over 10 years since I've built and flew RC airplanes (gas) but I'm finally getting to a point in my life where I can enjoy the hobby once again. During those years, I experimented with aerial photos because it was a deep interest of mine. I wouldve loved to tinker with 
