Who Uses Aerial Imaging / Photography?

Just about anyone can have a need for aerial photography. Many different types of professionals use this type of product for many different reasons. Aerial photography can provide unique perspectives on various types of properties, locations, situations, events, etc. Real estate firms, attorneys, engineers, developers, property management firms, farmers - you name it. The list is practically endless, as are the applications. Also, residential property owners have a desire to have an aerial perspective of their personal residence, property, vacation home, personal watercraft- again, the list of applications seems to be endless.

What geographical areas do we cover?

We routinely fly in the areas of Richmond, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and the Tidewater areas of Virginia. We typically will cover the entire areas of Virginia, the Carolinas, the Maryland / Washington D.C . areas, West Virginia, PA. and generally most areas within a roughly 250 mile radius of Central Virginia. However, through our affiliations with various professional aerial photography associations such as Photography Pros and The Professional Aerial Photographers Association, we have the ability to connect with other affiliated members throughout the network. Through these associations, we can provide aerial images practically anywhere a client may request.

How much do these types of services cost?

As you can imagine, there are many variables which determine the final cost of a project. The location of the site, the type and number of finished products desired, the type of aircraft and equipment to be used for the project are just some of the variables. There can be many more. That being said, on a typical project, let’s say within 50 nautical miles of the Hanover County Municipal Airport (KOFP), a client’s cost for a 13”x 9” or smaller glossy, color photo of a property may be in the range of $225-$350. This price would most likely include multiple views (up to 4), as well as an electronic file copy. Various types of photo papers, foam-core printing, etc. in many frame-ready sizes are available. The choices seem endless. We can help with all of those decisions!

What type of equipment do we use?

We utilize the most advanced, digital equipment utilizing various types of lenses and filters. We also use various types of image stabilizing equipment such as gyrostabilizers, gyro-sensors, and image stabilized telephoto lenses, etc. Some cameras are permanently mounted in the aircraft while some equipment is handheld. We also utilize a variety of different types of aircraft. Fixed-wing aircraft such as the Cessna 182 and Cessna 172, as well as Robinson R-22 and Bell JetRanger helicopters can be used, depending upon the project type, location, etc. The type of camera(s) or aircraft we use can change within a single project numerous times, depending on the final results requested by a client.

How are aerial imaging / photography sessions scheduled?

We typically fly two to three times per week. We prefer to shoot on “crystal clear” days although that’s not always possible. Some photos are taken at night, some at dusk or dawn – just depends on a client’s needs. When possible, we schedule multiple “shoots” on a single flight to minimize operating costs. Spring, summer, fall and winter – we provide amazing photographs for all seasons, occasions and perspectives throughout the year.

What is the difference between “Oblique” and Vertical” aerial imaging?

Oblique aerial images provide the “side view” or “nearly directly overhead” perspective of a subject or project. Vertical aerial images provide an image directly over the subject or project; nearly straight down from the aircraft, typically for engineering / design applications. Depending on a client’s needs, together we determine which view is right, which in turn determines which type of aircraft and camera equipment is utilized.

Do we ever allow passengers to ride along?

Our insurance carrier will not allow ride-alongs. For safety reasons and as you can imagine, all aerial photo shoots require a pilot and a photographer or payload operator. Some of the aircraft that we use may have the rear seats removed to make room for the camera equipment and payloads mounted in the aircraft camera “belly” port leaving no room for passengers. Also, some of the flight maneuvers and sharp turns required to get the desired effect may be uncomfortable to new fliers.

Are all of your finished products copyrighted and what does this mean?

All images created by our company are protected under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. Images may not be copied, reproduced, altered or converted to any electronic or machine readable form, in whole or in part, without the expressed, written permission of our company. These copyright laws also provide the copyright holder with exclusive rights to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies and publicly display any images created by the company. Once images are provided to a client, we provide them with a license to use the images they have purchased as desired, although we remain the copyright holder. We would love to provide our clients with copies of images produced by our company and will gladly do so upon request.

Please give us a call at (804) 730-7262 or mobile (804) 241-3268 for answers to any other questions you may have.