How To Make Money With A Drone

There are various ways to make money from flying your drone. You can gain expertise in one and then expand or combine two or three as a passive income idea.

Here are ways of making money with your drone photography:

Photography and Videography
Stock Photography
Mapping
Surveillance/Security
Agriculture
Teach Flying Techniques
Inspection
Search And Rescue In Disaster Relief
Drone Delivery
Reselling Drones

#1 Photography and Videography

One of the most common ways to make money with drones is by selling your aerial photographs and videos to people. Drone photography is trendy and can be quite a profitable business nowadays.

However, to do this, you must have a drone that is equipped with a gimbal and a quality camera that is capable of making crystal clear, high-quality videos/photos from the air.

There are two ways of doing this. You can either find attractive and unique places, capture your images, and be as creative as you want or be commissioned for a specific contract. In either case, social media sites are a great way to promote your drone photos.

Here is the thing… If you can show that your photos are in high demand, you will be in a great position to promote your business.

So, if you already have some images that you are proud of, why not try to sell your aerial photographs as prints?

Many websites (like Etsy) will let you create your own online virtual shop and sell your photography. You can also get creative and print on objects, like calendars, and sell those. In fact, take a look at what other drone photographers are doing for inspiration.

Furthermore, you can exploit specific markets where aerial photographs are in high demand.

Here are some niches that regularly require the services of a drone photographer.

WeddingsArchitectureNews ReportingSports EventsConcertsReal Estate

Weddings

Ariel wedding photography and videography is a popular and, most importantly, very profitable business.

Many people want to get outstanding photos of their weddings that will remind them of this great day forever. Currently, there is an increasing trend to hire a drone photographer/videographer for weddings, and the competition in the field getting really tough.

So, to make money with your drone here, you have to offer unique wedding videos and photos taken from an awesome perspective. You can also create a network with wedding photographers in your area and offer your services.

Architecture

Most architects often like aerial photographs of their work to build their own portfolios. So, you can take photos of buildings and landmarks, and try to sell them to the owners. Better still, go out and promote yourself to builders and architects.

News Reporting

Local newscasters, reporters, and journalists constantly seek content for their news and stories. So, you can stay attentive to events and go out whenever possible to record them.

Note that being in the right place at the right time may provide you with footage you can sell.

Sports Events

This is one exciting market to tap into. You can get hired to capture images and videos of sporting events from the air and make some cool cash. Try contacting local sports clubs for offers.

Concerts

To make money here, contact event promoters to offer your work during music concerts and cultural events.

Real Estate

Get in touch with real estate companies and local realtors to let them know that you can provide aerial photographs and videos of properties that they have on the market. Note that the more luxurious listings tend to require more visuals.

Hotels/Resorts

This is another interesting niche to tap into. Most hotels and resorts hire drone photographers to have aerial photographs or videos to promote their business and services. In addition, they hire drone photographers for special events.

#2 Stock Photography

Stock photography is one way you can earn money from flying drones. All you have to do is to create a profile with some stock photo websites (such as Shutterstock, Unsplash, Pixabay, and iStock) and send your images for review. If they accept your photographs, then you can start making money on each download it accumulates.

Do well to look at several stock photography sites, as some offer cheap photography and also don’t pay very well. Notwithstanding, sites like Getty Images prioritize quality over quantity, and the royalties are considerably higher than other websites.

So, when you are out during a contract, try to take some photos for yourself that you can then edit and sell as stock.

Note that this is usually not a way to make a full living, but it can provide some slight passive income for years to come.

#3 Mapping

Mapping is one area you can make money if you are an experienced drone photographer. Currently, many industries hire drone photographers to take aerial photographs for various reasons.

Landscaping
Construction Industry
Archeology Industry
Forest Industry
Mining Industry
Topography

#4 Surveillance/Security, Private Investigation, And Video Monitoring

Another field where you can make money flying drones is the surveillance or security industry. Many industries (including private companies or government offices) hire drone photographers to keep watch over their properties or to document events.

In addition to surveillance, these UAVs also have practical applications in aerial monitoring and private investigation alike and this makes these jobs easier and less dangerous. Also, when compared to other devices that are used for surveillance, drones are less noticeable and can reach almost every location.

In truth, it is more cost-effective to employ one person who owns a drone and can do quality surveillance than to pay for constant camera surveillance. So, as a drone owner, this is one area you can tap into.

#5 Agriculture

You can make a profit using a drone in precision agriculture. Farmers and agriculture workers need to keep an eye on their growing crops and one easy way to do so is from the air with aerial photographs or videos.

Here, drones are beneficial for crop surveillance in agriculture because they significantly reduce the costs and time required for such a job. So, both the farmers and drone pilots gain from the deal with the latter making money working for the former.

However, when using a drone in precision agriculture, ensure that it’s equipped with a specialized camera for the infrared video that can capture the specific wavelengths. These cameras produce specific contrasting colors while shooting, and based on these recordings, the farmers can see the overall health of crops in a certain area.

Furthermore, as a drone pilot, you’ll need some experience and also know exactly what clients expect from you before setting out into this type of drone photography. You will most likely be looking for plant growth, water pooling, field uniformity, and so on.

#6 Teach Flying Techniques

The ability to teach is one skill that will last the test of time. So, if you’ve reached the level of experience where you have mastered your drone and aerial photography, you can decide to teach your skills to photographers who are just getting into the business and make some money.

#7 Inspection

A variety of industries and utility companies now hire drone photographers to inspect buildings, works, or facilities for specific reasons.

They may need you to inspect sites for any damages, or quickly reach the water or gas outlets, and make quality video footage.

So, having a basic knowledge of the industry you want to work with will help you to know what to look for so you can provide the best material.

Here are few companies that will pay you to fly your drone and get footage or photographs:

Utility Services (Power, telephone, water, gas, and so on)
Insurance Companies
Construction

#8 Search And Rescue In Disaster Relief

Drones can be of great help for search and rescue in affected areas. The traditional search methods (that is the use of helicopters and dogs), can be unsuccessful in some cases and rescuers often can’t find the missing people.

On the other hand, drones can notice missing people, or whatever you are searching for, from the air with ease. So, during disaster relief, drone operators and pilots are often employed and well-paid to provide video services.

I guess you’ve never thought about this but now you are aware, tap into it.

It’s not just an excellent opportunity to use your drone to make some money, but also to help people. And you know a job is always more rewarding when you know you are helping people!

#9 Drone Delivery

Using your drone for different delivery purposes is another way to make money. Drone delivery is an innovative solution in the world of drones.

Many companies (like AliExpress and Amazon) already use UAVs for this purpose, including deliveries by drones in their services.

Medical facilities, national institutions, and some charity organizations worldwide use drones when delivering various supplies in hard-to-reach places. Also, in locations that are unreachable for ground vehicles, drone deliveries come into play.

So, if you’re willing, you can offer drone delivery services to companies and organizations that need them.

#10 Reselling Drones

Another viable way to make money with drones is the reselling business. In fact, all the strategies that apply to reselling any goods will work with drones.

First, purchase the popular new drone models at one price, and later sell them at a higher price to your customers. You can do this with your own drone store(if any), with an online store, or through online marketplaces.

All you need to do is find a supplier who sells drones at affordable purchase prices; also check out the drones in popular online stores such as Amazon and eBay.

However, note that to open and maintain a store, you will incur many upfront costs and fees. The same goes for online stores, although the fees are a little bit different.

Regardless, there are many ways to sell drones; the key is finding the best method for you. Also, if you do a proper amount of competitive research and decide on your offering, you may find the drone market to be very profitable.

What Do You Need to Make Money with Your Drone?

Before you start making money from photos or videos taken with your drone, the first thing to do is ensure they have top-notch quality.

Now for this to be in place, you must have a good camera because nobody will want to purchase blurred images that look like they were taken with a cheap drone or by an inexperienced photographer.

So, If you are serious about earning from this, then it’s worth investing in professional equipment.

You can start doing this gradually, but as you take on more contracts and start making money, you can buy more gear and gadgets for your drone like a gimbal and other equipment that will give you the opportunity to take better photos or videos.

What You Need to Do Before You Start Making Money with Your Drone

Even with the right equipment, there are certain actions you need to take as well as things you need to put in place to start earning with your drone.

First and foremost, find out if there are any regulations on operating drones in your country and in the areas you intend to be flying your drone. This is because various laws are being set up regularly as new activity emerges.

For countries like the USA, you now have to register your drone before taking it to the skies.

Secondly, you need to practice and get to know your drone to make it a profitable activity. Just like any business, you have to understand how it works. So, before you start taking on gigs, ensure that you are very comfortable with your drone and also, have enough flying experience to be productive.

In addition, make sure you have adequate knowledge to capture the images that you get hired to take.

Thirdly, if you must make money with your drone, you must treat it as a business. Find out the laws in place in your location with your local business practices bureau to follow them.

This is because some places legally require pilot training for anyone who wants to start making money with their drone photography.

Furthermore, find an insurance plan for your drone. As you may know, flying a drone is considered a high-risk activity as crashes and injuries can happen.

So, ensure you protect yourself and your drone from possible accidents and damages-shop around for insurance that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Drones are becoming more accessible and inexpensive and anyone can afford to do aerial photography today. A device which was once limited to the professionals is now available for photo amateurs, enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs.

So, if you are one of the numerous drone owners, you can as well explore these money-making opportunities that are open to you.

Good Luck And Have Fun!!!

How To Make Money With A Drone | 10 Legit ways

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