Business At A Glance
- Startup Costs: $10,000 – $50,000
- Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
- Franchises Available? No
- Online Operation? No
Business Overview
Aerial photography equipment is available invarious styles, including telescopic aluminum masts that can beoutfitted with a camera and extended to heights reaching over 100 feet.
There are also helium-filled blimps available ranging in size from 5feet to 25 feet, that can be outfitted with cameras that reach heightsof up to 1,000 feet. The blimps are safely operated from the ground bya tether line or remote control. Surprisingly, the blimp option is notvery expensive. Good-quality blimps, complete with photographic gearand a transportation trailer, can be purchased new for less than$10,000, or up to as much as $25,000.
Regardless of whether you chooseto use a telescopic mast or a helium blimp, both can be outfitted withfilm or digital still or video cameras. Potential clients includegovernment agencies, homeowners, property developers, corporations,marinas, campgrounds, amusement parks, golf courses, outdoor-eventorganizers, mining and forestry sites, and sporting-eventorganizers–basically, any person or business that wants or needsaerial photographs of his or her home, building, event or property.
Ittakes a bit of learning to operate the equipment, but the manufacturerslisted below do provide basic training. Rates are excellent becausethis is a highly specialized niche service.