“Campus of Colors: Plein Air Event” compliments both the current exhibition “Rose…
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum to host plein air event
A Trailblazing Photography Collector Champions Black Artists
As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic is now on view at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts.
In 1997, Dr. Kenneth Montague, a practicing dentist, created a gallery inside the halls of his Toronto home. He dedicated it to showcasing photographs by Black artists. “The first show was set up like a Sunday afternoon salon—really DIY projects,” he recalls in the new book As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic, published by Aperture.
That unique wedge-shaped space soon gave rise to The Wedge Collection. The project grew from there: today, the hugely influential collection includes more than four hundred works, selections of which are now part of an exhibition at the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts.
The book and exhibition, organized by Aperture, include many of the most important artists and images in the history of photography, with selections from Carrie Mae Weems, Deana Lawson, Jamel Shabazz, Seydou Keïta, Malick Sidibé, and dozens more. The one hundred works, featuring Black people and made by Black artists living in Canada, the US, the Caribbean, Great Britain, South America, and the African continent, intersect across three main themes: community, identity, and power.
In an interview with the curator and photo editor Liz Ikiriko, Dr. Montague remembers his mother taking him and his siblings on trips to art museums and historical societies in the 1970s. He recalls seeing one photograph—James Van Der Zee’s Couple in Raccoon Coats, a portrait of a glamorous Black couple at the height of the Harlem Renaissance—and feeling like he recognized something he hadn’t seen before in television and film. He was just ten years old at the time.
That revelatory moment would follow him throughout the decades, inspiring him to seek out photographs by Black artists that accurately reflected Black life with a similar sense of consent and care—across continents and generations. Couple in Raccoon Coats is now part of the Wedge Collection; it was one of the first Dr. Montague bought. You can see the glittering silver gelatin print up close at the Peabody Essex Museum.
The influence of both of Dr. Montague’s parents runs throughout the collection, beginning with those early museum trips organized by his mother. The title “As We Rise” comes from his father, who used the phrase “lifting as we rise” to describe the importance of uplifting others through one’s own triumphs and successes. While many of these artists are now household names, Dr. Montague was one of the first collectors to recognize their work.
The spirit of collaboration and trust is a thread that ties together portraits by photographers who never got a chance to meet, from the very beginning of the Harlem Renaissance to those working during the Black Renaissance of today. In every portrait, Black people show up as they are and as they wish to be seen, and those wishes are honored like promises.
Dr. Montague has spent decades traveling the world and meeting artists, and he shares many of those stories within the book and exhibition. While visiting Malick Sidibé in Mali, he also saw Oumar Ly. He writes, “I reveled in the magnitude of the moment: two of the greatest portrait photographers of their day, meeting for the first time.”
The Wedge Collection draws its name from the literal space where it all started in Dr. Montague’s living room. But it also contains another layer of meaning for the collector. As he explains in conversation with Liz Ikiriko, his goal has always been to create space—that is, to build a “wedge”—for historically underrepresented and unrecognized artists within the canon of art history.
As this exhibition proves, that space need not be confined to the four walls of a living room or even a museum. It’s a living, breathing expanse as vast as the knowledge, experience, and imagination of the artists represented within. Similarly, the stories contained within the 184 pages of this magnificent book stretch far beyond the frame, spanning thousands of miles.
As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic is on view at the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts through December 31st, 2023.
From the series Ke Lefa Laka: Her-story, 2013
Further reading:
• From Boy to Man: Samuel Fosso’s Journey Through Self-Portraits
• Jamel Shabazz Reflects of the Power of Fashion Photography
• Harlem Through the Eyes of James Van Der Zee
Discover More
Capturing the Future: AI Headshots Revolutionize the Face of
I know what you might be thinking. “Will AI replace professional photographers? Are the days of hiring a professional photographer numbered?” As the owner of 415Headshots, a San Francisco-based headshot studio, I’m here to quell those fears.
The narrative isn’t about AI supplanting photographers. AI is assisting photographers create amazing headshots that were previously impossible, enhancing their skills and producing high-quality results. My journey with AI has been an extraordinary one, filled with intriguing discoveries and valuable lessons. Join me as we explore AI’s impact on headshot photography, transforming the professional industry.
AI and Its Magic in Professional Headshots
Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly risen from a technological advancement to a creative ally in the world of photography. When we hear “AI,” many of us might think of complex algorithms, vast data, or futuristic robotics. AI transforms headshot photography, offering a fresh perspective to redefine artistic expression.
With AI in our toolkit, we now have the capability to generate realistic headshots that truly transform the concept of photography. These aren’t the traditional images we’ve grown accustomed to; they combine the science of artificial intelligence with the art of photography.
My personal journey with AI began with an experiment. Curious about its potential, I decided to work with www.corporateheadshots.ai and introduce my vast collection of professional headshots to an AI model. Essentially, this meant allowing the AI to learn and grasp the essence of what makes a headshot truly “professional.” The intention was to see if a machine could mimic, or even enhance, the nuances and subtleties that a professional photographer like myself brings into each shot.
And the results? Nothing short of awe-inspiring. The AI-generated images, showcased quality work, presented a range of emotions, angles, and moods. Each image was a testament to the potential that AI holds.
Harnessing AI to Create Stunning Headshots
In the past, headshot photography had been constrained by certain limitations. We had to consider several factors such as time, location, lighting, and the subject’s mood.
But AI changes the whole dynamic. It uses professional, high-resolution images to generate stunning headshots that can rival, and sometimes surpass, the works of human photographers.
Envision yourself as a photographer who had scheduled a few outdoor portrait shoots, but, unfortunately, it’s raining outside. Typically, you’d have to accommodate your clients’ schedule(s) and re-schedule for another day. AI can now allow photographers to take professional headshots in the studio and generate outdoor headshots of the same person.
AI-generated headshots don’t simply mimic; they mirror our styles and techniques to create stunning headshots. The mix of technology and art helps photographers and clients by giving them a special, digitally improved view.
Navigating the digital realm requires a photographer to be versatile. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media profiles demand their own flavor of imagery, especially for their profile pictures.
The challenge has always been to adjust and adapt. As a photographer, this meant often needing multiple sessions or exhaustive editing to get the right fit for each platform. But with AI, this landscape changes dramatically.
The true genius of AI lies in its ability to understand and adapt. When it generates headshots, it’s not just churning out images—it’s creating purposeful portraits tailored to resonate with their intended audience. A LinkedIn profile demands authority and professionalism, while Instagram might require a touch more flair and vibrancy. AI, with its vast learning capability, knows these distinctions and crafts images accordingly.
For photographers, this is revolutionary. Imagine the time and effort saved in not having to re-shoot or spend hours editing for each platform. Instead, with a foundational professional shot, AI can produce a spectrum of headshots, each fine-tuned for its intended use. This adaptability isn’t just beneficial—it’s transformative, amplifying a photographer’s efficiency and reach.
Clients, on the other hand, find this adaptability invaluable. In today’s digital-first era, one’s online presence plays a decisive role in personal and professional branding.
Using high-quality headshots guarantees that they will always look their best, regardless of where you display them. You should optimize these headshots for different platforms. This flexibility, driven by AI, enriches their digital identity, giving them a competitive edge.
AI as a Game-Changer for Team and Business Headshots
The image of a company is not just about logos or taglines. It’s built every time someone sees a team photo or reads about the company’s values. Team photos, in particular, give a face to the name, painting a picture of who is behind the products or services on offer. However, ensuring consistency in these photos, especially for large teams, can be a challenge.
Streamlined Photography With AI
Photographers are no stranger to the challenges of traditional team photography. Arranging schedules, finding the perfect lighting for each individual, and ensuring that everyone’s headshots match the desired tone and quality can be a tall order. This is where Artificial Intelligence comes to the rescue. With its advanced algorithms, AI can help generate professional headshots with ease.
User-Friendly Tools for Perfect Shots
One of the major advantages of AI is its user-friendly interface. Even if someone isn’t good with technology, they can still use AI tools easily to get the results they want.
Whether it’s adjusting the brightness, contrast, or even the background of a headshot, these tools ensure every picture aligns with the company’s brand.
Amplifying Personal Branding
In today’s interconnected world, personal branding is crucial. An individual’s photo on platforms like LinkedIn or a company website can play a significant role in their professional journey. A great headshot can help them stand out, making a memorable impression.
With AI’s capabilities, photographers can create images that not only fit the brand but also elevate it. This ability to tailor and fine-tune photos ensures that every team member’s headshot enhances their personal branding.
AI’s Role in Modern Photography
It’s clear that AI is revolutionizing the way we approach team and business headshots. Not as a replacement, but as a potent tool that complements a photographer’s skills. It simplifies challenges, ensuring that photographers can focus on what they do best: capturing moments and stories. The resulting images, enriched by AI’s prowess, tell a compelling story of a company and its team.
Seamless Consistency With AI-Driven Team Headshots
One of the primary challenges in team photography is achieving a consistent look. Lighting, angles, and expressions can create many different photos, even if they’re taken on the same day. AI, with its precision and adaptability, can ensure that all headshots maintain a consistent style and quality.
AI can adjust each team member’s picture to match the specific look desired by a company. You can do this regardless of how you originally took the photos. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures a unified brand image for the organization.
Embracing the Future of Professional Photography with AI
AI doesn’t herald the end for professional photographers; instead, it’s an evolutionary step forward. It enables us to offer additional services and generate higher quality output, crucial factors that can spur our businesses’ growth.
The best AI headshots result from a partnership, a unique collaboration between professional photographers and AI. This synergy is the future—a future where AI and photographers work hand-in-hand to revolutionize professional photography.
Images used with permission of www.corporateheadshots.ai.
Brooklinen x Zoe Schlacter Collaborate on Bold Bedding Collection
Bedding brand Brooklinen teams up with interdisciplinary artist Zoe Schlacter to drop their boldest bedding collection so far. This latest Artist Series collaboration aims to inject a dose of artistic style and redefine your bedroom aesthetic with eye-catching graphics. Launching in tandem with Schlacter’s new designs, Brooklinen will also be launching their bedding in complementary colors Cilantro and Lemongrass, along with bringing back two favorites, Toffee and Raindrop Blue. All four solids perfectly pair with Schlacter’s new Contour & Flow, an exclusive pattern to Brooklinen.
Inspired by movement, Schlacter has designed the Contour & Flow pattern, an “approachable maximalist” design available in shades Toffee and Raindrop Blue. The Contour & Flow pattern has a “topographic element that felt cohesive with the seasonal color story we wanted to tell, while also being its own modern entity,” says Brooklinen’s Color Designer Jennifer Ertel.
The collaboration goes beyond just sheets and pillowcases. The Brooklinen x Zoe Schlacter Artist Series collection introduces an exclusive Knitted Throw Blanket in Cielo Blue, another example of Schlacter’s striking graphics.
Above all, the Brooklinen x Zoe Schlacter Artist Series limited edition bedding collection is an embodiment of pure joy and celebration. Schlacter’s intention is to spark joy and create a sense of fun and festivity within your home. “I hope that it makes their home feel more special, more fun, more celebratory – I think we all need a little more fun and celebration in our lives,” Schlacter said.
Schlacter’s signature Dazzle Throw Blanket and Dazzle Throw Pillow, while not exclusive to Brooklinen, weave seamlessly this collection, allowing you to integrate bold artistic statements throughout your living space.
Artist Zoe Schlacter
To learn more or to purchase anything from the Brooklinen x Zoe Schlacter limited edition collaboration, visit brooklinen.com.
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Ilwaco photographer to offer workshop at kite festival
LONG BEACH, Wash. — Photographer J Brunner will offer a camera workshop at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday as part of the Washington State International Kite Festival, held at the red and
Asahi Kasei America, Inc. Expands Operations With a State-of-the-Art Novi Office to Strengthen Automotive Industry Presence
NOVI, MI, 31 July 2023 – Asahi Kasei America, Inc., the regional headquarters of the Asahi Kasei Group for North America, announces the successful relocation of its Novi Office to a newer, larger facility. This strategic move is part of the company’s commitment to strengthen marketing activities centered on the dynamic automotive industry.
The field of mobility has always been a key focus for Asahi Kasei, renowned for its cutting-edge car interior materials, plastic compounds, battery separators, and electronic components. Asahi Kasei’s high-quality products have found widespread adoption in numerous vehicle models by major OEMs. As the industry ventures into the era of electric vehicle propulsion, the automotive materials and components landscape is changing dramatically. Asahi Kasei’s new, larger office will serve as a hub to showcase several materials during this significant surge in demand.
By relocating to Novi, near Detroit, the group aims to foster stronger relationships with major automakers and their extensive network of suppliers in the region. The expanded Novi Office will catalyze and reinforce marketing and sales promotion functions, enabling the adaptation to emerging changes in demand swiftly.
“We are excited to embark on this journey of growth and innovation. As the mobility world continues to accelerate in various areas, Asahi Kasei is committed to building a stronger foundation for the future. The office expansion allows us to strengthen collaborations with our esteemed OEM and Tier One partners while showcasing our latest technologies. It aligns with our growth plan, driving us to continuously offer innovative products to an ever-changing market,” said Iichiro Kitsuda, Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning and Marketing for Asahi Kasei America.
The Novi Office is a functional space where people from Asahi Kasei Group operations throughout North America and beyond, along with partner companies and customers, can come together. The facility has been thoughtfully designed to host exhibits, events, and technical demonstrations, providing a platform to showcase Asahi Kasei’s product characteristics and features while promptly understanding customers’ evolving needs. The Novi Office features a dedicated product showroom showcasing Asahi Kasei’s AKXY® POD vehicle interior concept and a demonstration car presenting cutting-edge future technologies.
Beyond mobility, Asahi Kasei’s other business operations will utilize the Novi Office to explore new opportunities, particularly in decarbonization, in close collaboration with the company’s various business units and R&D functions headquartered in Japan.
The expansion of the Novi Office reaffirms Asahi Kasei’s unwavering commitment to being at the forefront of innovation, consistently delivering world-class products and solutions to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products, from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.
Company Contact North America:
Asahi Kasei America
Christian OKeefe
christian.okeefe@ak-america.com
Throughlines: Connections in the Collection
Throughlines embraces wonder and curiosity, bringing together artworks from across the Museum’s collections to explore the range of artistic innovation. From diverse geographies, cultures, and time periods, artists have consistently created images, objects, and experiences that ask us to consider ourselves and the world around us from different perspectives. Visitors will encounter playful groupings that reveal how artists shape processes, materials, and forms into compelling and meaningful artworks. Organized by themes of portraiture and representation, views of the land and environment, and unexpected uses of imagery, ephemeral materials, and color, the exhibition prompts us to think about the objects in the collection as jumping off points for stories and conversations that foster a greater sense of connection among us.
This exhibition provides a glimpse of the exciting growth ahead as we look forward to the Mark Rothko Pavilion, a multi-year expansion and renovation project that will make the Museum more accessible and inclusive. While the galleries undergo this significant transformation, the Curatorial team, the Learning and Community Partnerships department, and PAM CUT colleagues have come together to present a collaboratively designed exhibition and event series that showcases our art collections and programs in a new light. After construction is complete, visitors will enjoy a fresh take on the collections as the curators reimagine, reassess, and transform the galleries throughout the Museum campus. Throughlines: Connections in the Collection will preview just some of the new approaches and collaborations we are undertaking.
Accompanying the exhibition, programming with artists’ talks and residencies, event-based experiences, multimedia presentations and screenings, and other moments of discovery expand the opportunities for visitors to engage with the joy and wonder of the artistic process.
Throughlines: Connections in the Collection is supported by the Museum’s Exhibition Series Sponsors.
Through Gilded Portraits, Tawny Chatmon Envisions a Dazzling Future
“Iconography/A Hopeful Truth” (2022-2023), 24k gold leaf, 22k moon gold, acrylic paint, semi-precious stones, and other mixed media on archival pigment print, 56 x 42 inches. All images © Tawny Chatmon, shared with permission
“Whenever I think about the future, I think about my children and the fact that I feel that the future does not belong to me; it belongs to them,” says Tawny Chatmon (previously). “The work I’m creating now is what I’m manifesting for their present and future.”
Often centering her portraiture on adolescents, Chatmon is visionary, imagining a time when children are “living in peace, being safe, being protected, being free of stereotypes, living freely and joyously, being treated gently by the world.” This dream is rooted in a long-held desire for young Black people to be recognized as inherently valuable and significant, visualized through the artist’s signature glimmering embellishments.
Reminiscent of Gustav Klimt’s works and pastiglia, or low-relief decorations, of 15th-century Italian artists, Chatmon’s Remnants and Pastoral Scenes series overlay portraits with gold leaf, acrylic paint, semi-precious stones, and other mixed-media. The gilded additions often cloak garments and sometimes the backdrop, while the works retain the original photographic depiction of the sitter’s face and limbs.
Remnants contains cut-and-pasted scraps from the artist’s early paintings, and Pastoral Scenes positions the figures against distant landscapes. Both series, though, honor ancestral ties and emphasize the need to break free from outdated modes of being. “My work is a beautiful resistance simply because it exists,” she says. “Existence, by definition, is the state of being alive or being real, and despite early depictions of Black bodies as background or ‘other’ in Western art, while primarily centering whiteness, we are real. We always have been.”
“Iconography/In honor of the sacred divinity that exists within us” (2023), 24k gold leaf, paper, acrylic on archival pigment print, 47 x 35 inches
Chatmon takes a similar approach in her ongoing Iconography series, which evokes Byzantine-era works that depict religious figures through dense mosaics. “These visual declarations were used to assist the observer in focusing on all things sacred and were viewed more as literal prayers than art. Believed to serve as conduits to the divine, each was meticulously crafted by an iconographer embarking on a journey of prayer and meditation,” she shares.
Her pieces draw on this tradition through swaths of gold tesserae that transcend the earthly. In “A Hopeful Truth,” Chatmon fashions flowing, metallic garments for two young girls, who embrace in front of a tiled backdrop with blue, floral filigree. Another work, “In honor of the sacred divinity that exists within us,” features the artist’s daughter wearing a robe draped over her shoulders and a gown with a portrait of Harriet Tubman near her heart. “Just as Byzantine icons serve as windows to the spiritual realm, may my icons serve as means of sending gratitude to our ancestors and a connection to those who helped shape our lives throughout history,” the artist says.
And the devotional nature of these early Roman works isn’t lost on Chatmon. For each piece, she pre-determines what she’s hoping to communicate and when complete, considers “what I want the work to do once shared with others by saying a prayer over the work and setting intentions.”
Chatmon currently has a limited-edition print available through Art + Culture to support The Last Resort Artist Retreat, a residency for Black creatives. She also has work in several exhibitions opening in the coming weeks, including group shows at Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore, the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, and Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts. You can follow her latest endeavors on Instagram.
“Remnants/I Was Born to Stand in the Light” (2020-2022), 24k gold leaf, paper, acrylic, other mixed media on archival pigment print, 63 x 41 inches
“Pastoral Scenes/Ralisha” (2021-2022), 24k gold leaf, acrylic, semi-precious stones, thermoplastic polymer resin, and other mixed media on archival pigment print, 56 x 36 inches
“Bridgetower Frieze” (2021), 24k gold leaf and acrylic on archival pigment print, 40 x 30 inches
“Remnants/Aunt Mattie’s Beloved Frock” (2021), 24k gold leaf, paper, acrylic on archival pigment print, 30 x 24 inches
“Iconography/And All Generations Shall Call Us Blessed (before completion)” (2022), 24k gold leaf, paper, abalone shell, and acrylic on archival pigment print, 44 x 36 inches
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Through Gilded Portraits, Tawny Chatmon Envisions a Dazzling Future appeared first on Colossal.
Some of the Most Important Photography Advice You’ll Ever Hear |
As photographers, we are bombarded by information from all directions on a daily basis, and it can be tricky to know how to cut through it all to the advice that really matters. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, if you want some important lessons that will put you on the right track to finding success and satisfaction in the craft of photography, check out this fantastic video essay that discusses such ideas.
Coming to you from Steve Carty, this great video essay provides a range of advice and insights about how to find success as a photographer. Two bits of advice that I found particularly important were having confidence in yourself and pushing yourself to keep exploring and mining your creativity. When you take the shot you want and get that rush of satisfaction, it is a great (and deserved) feeling, but now that you have what you need, why not experiment a bit? Getting comfortable can often lead to stagnation as an artist and a lack of long-term satisfaction. Of course, if you are a professional, you need to ensure you’re delivering what your clients want, but be sure to set aside time for yourself to explore as well. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Carty.
Starting a Successful Drone Photography Business
Have you ever gazed up at the sky and imagined capturing the world from a bird’s-eye view? Welcome to the enthralling realm of drone photography – a sector buzzing with potential. From real estate vistas to breathtaking event shots, aerial drone photography businesses are revolutionizing how we perceive our surroundings. And operating a drone can be one of the most unique business ideas of 2023. In this article, we’ll navigate the ins and outs of launching a drone photography business, guiding you from the basics to pro tips.
Understanding Commercial Drone Photography
Drone photography is rapidly becoming a mainstay in numerous industries. There are many ways to use drones as you learn how to make money with photography. Real estate is just one of them, where drone-captured aerial views have transformed property showcasing. There’s also the events sector, where drones have revolutionized the way we capture and memorialize special moments, from weddings to large-scale festivals. The tourism industry is another arena where drone photography is making waves, enabling stunning perspectives of travel destinations.
A 2023 study revealed that the global drone services market size was valued at USD 13.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 18.9 billion in 2023 to USD 189.4 billion by 2030.
The Benefits of Starting an Aerial Photography Business
Learning how to start a business surrounding aerial drone photography comes with a host of benefits:
- Flexibility: Drone photography offers flexible work hours. You have the freedom to choose your projects and set your schedule.
- Demand: As we discussed earlier, the demand for drone photography is skyrocketing in several sectors. You’re stepping into a growth market.
- Earning Potential: With the right skills and equipment, drone photography can offer high earnings. A single project can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Are Drone Photography Businesses Profitable?
The potential profitability of a drone photography business is as vast as the skies your drone can reach. As per Skylogic Research, experienced drone photographers can earn over $100,000 per year. However, profitability depends on factors like your skills, the market demand, the type of clients you cater to, and how effectively you market your services.
Challenges in the Drone Photography Business
Even with blue skies and clear horizons, the drone photography business is not without its turbulence. Here are some challenges you might encounter:
- Regulatory Issues: Navigating the ever-changing landscape of drone laws and regulations can be daunting. Every country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding drone flight and photography.
- Technical Skills: Operating a drone and capturing high-quality photos and videos require specialized skills and training.
- Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance of drones can be expensive.
- Competition: With the increasing popularity of drone photography, the market is becoming competitive. Standing out will require creativity and a keen understanding of the market’s needs.
Key Steps to Start a Drone Photography Business
You’ve fastened your seatbelt, studied the skies, and are now ready to pilot your journey in the drone photography business. But before we take off, here’s a business startup checklist for launching your own drone photography business.
Acquire the Necessary Skills for Flying Drones and Certification for Aerial Photography
Before you can capture stunning aerial shots, you first need to master the art of drone piloting. Here’s how to start:
- Learn Drone Piloting: Drone piloting involves understanding flight mechanics and safety measures. There are many online and offline training programs available.
- Understand Photography: Learning the principles of good photography is essential. It’s not just about shooting from the sky; you also need to know how to compose a shot.
- Get Certified: Depending on your location, you might need a certification or license for aerial drone photography services. For instance, in the U.S., commercial drone pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Choosing the Best Drone for a Photography Business
Choosing the right drone is critical. Here are some top models to consider:
- DJI Phantom 4 Pro: Known for its superior image quality, it offers up to 30 minutes of flight time.
- Autel Evo II Pro: This drone boasts a 6K camera and 40 minutes of flight time.
- DJI Inspire 2: A higher-end model with cinematic image quality, it is excellent for commercial shoots.
- Parrot Anafi: A more budget-friendly option, this model offers 4K video and a decent 25-minute flight time.
| Drone Model | Camera Quality | Battery Life | Stability Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Phantom 4 Pro | High (20MP) | 30 minutes | Gimbal stabilization | Premium |
| Autel Evo II Pro | Ultra (6K) | 40 minutes | Omnidirectional obstacle detection | High-end |
| DJI Inspire 2 | Cinematic (5.2K) | 27 minutes | Advanced obstacle sensing | Premium |
| Parrot Anafi | Good (21MP) | 25 minutes | Digital stabilization | Budget-friendly |
Setting Up Your Business – Legal Considerations and Drone Insurance
Setting up your business involves more than just purchasing a drone. It’s about doing things by the book:
- Business Entity: Establish a legal business entity, like an LLC, to protect your assets.
- Comply with Regulations: Adhere to FAA regulations or the governing body in your country. Register your drone and always stay updated with the latest rules.
- Insurance: Drones are valuable pieces of equipment, and accidents can happen. Insurance protects your investment and gives your clients confidence in your professionalism.
Building a Drone Photography Portfolio and Finding Clients
Now, you’re ready to showcase your skills and attract clients:
- Build a Portfolio: Start by capturing diverse shots and showcasing them on your website or platforms like Instagram. Find a niche that appeals to your style, whether you want to use a drone as you learn how to become a wedding photographer or prefer shooting real estate photos. Quality should be your main focus, both in shooting and editing photos.
- Find Clients: Networking plays a huge role in finding clients. Attend industry events, reach out to potential clients, and make use of online marketing.
Scaling and Growing Your Drone Photography Business
Expanding your drone photography business? Excellent! But as the sky has no limits, neither should your aspirations. Let’s look into strategies to elevate your venture to the next tier.
Investing in Advanced Equipment
Top-tier results require top-tier tools. Investing in superior equipment can enhance your output and make a statement about your commitment to quality.
- Upgraded Drones: Consider drones with longer flight times and advanced camera tech.
- Gimbal Stabilizers: Ensure smoother video capture, reducing post-shoot editing time.
- Advanced Camera Lenses: A varied collection can help achieve different photographic effects and styles.
Diversifying Your Services
Broaden your horizons by offering a diverse set of services:
- Videography: Capture moments in motion, which is especially popular for events.
- 360-Degree Panorama Shots: Offer a holistic view, making locations and properties more immersive.
Building Partnerships and Collaborations
Strengthening your network can lead to steady work:
- Event Management Companies: Weddings, corporate events, and festivals can all benefit from drone photography.
- Real Estate Firms: Aerial shots can add a unique dimension to property listings.
Marketing and Digital Presence
An online presence is paramount in today’s digital age.
- Social Media Marketing: Engage with a wider audience, showcasing your portfolio on platforms like Instagram.
- SEO: Boost your website’s ranking on search engines.
- Paid Advertising: Target specific demographics with Google Ads or social media promotions.
- Email Marketing: Stay in touch with past clients and reach out to potential ones.
Getting a Great Drone Photography Business Website
In the drone photography domain, a picture is worth a thousand clicks. An attractive, user-friendly website serves as a portfolio, a client touchpoint, and a branding tool. Ensure it’s mobile-responsive, easy to navigate, and showcases your work elegantly.
Drone Photography Tips
Diving into the technicalities, here are some game-changer techniques and pointers:
Mastering the Art of Composition in Aerial Photography
Composition is the backbone of captivating visuals.
- Rule of Thirds: Break your image into nine equal segments and align the subject with these lines or intersections.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines to lead the eye into the image.
- Balance Elements: Balance out your subjects for a harmonious shot.
Understanding the Drone’s Camera Settings
Perfect photos require a blend of skill and tech know-how.
- ISO: Adjust according to lighting. Lower ISO for daylight and higher for darker scenes.
- Shutter Speed: Faster shutter speeds for moving subjects; slower for static or low light scenes.
- Aperture: Controls the depth of field. Smaller apertures (bigger f-number) keep more in focus.
Embracing Different Perspectives and Angles
Stunning images often come from unconventional views.
- Top-Down Shots: Offers a bird’s-eye view, revealing unique patterns.
- Low Angle Flights: Skim close to your subjects for dramatic shots.
- Side Profiles: Showcase landscapes or cityscapes in their sprawling glory.
The Importance of Planning and Safety Precautions
Well-laid plans lead to well-executed shoots.
- Weather Checks: Avoid wind or rain, which might damage equipment or disrupt shoots.
- Battery Life: Always ensure a full charge before take-off.
- Safety Protocols: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and no-fly zones.
Scaling your drone photography business is a learning, innovation, and dedication journey.
FAQs: Drone Photography Business
Do I need a license to start my own drone photography business?
Yes, in many countries, operating drones for commercial purposes requires a license. For example, in the U.S., commercial drone pilots need to have a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. You may also need to find drone photography business names that aren’t taken and register the name with your state.
What is a Remote Pilot Certificate?
A Remote Pilot Certificate is a certification issued by the FAA that permits individuals to operate drones for commercial use. It ensures that the operator understands the regulations, operating requirements, and safety procedures for drones. To obtain one, candidates must be at least 16 years old, pass an initial aeronautical knowledge exam, and undergo security vetting by the TSA.
What type of drone is best for a drone photography business?
The best drones for your business depend on your specific needs and budget. Popular choices include the DJI Phantom 4 Pro for its superior image quality, the Autel Evo II Pro for its 6K camera, and the DJI Inspire 2 for cinematic shoots. For those on a budget, the Parrot Anafi is a worthy consideration.
How much can I earn from a drone photography business?
Earnings can vary widely based on factors like location, skill level, equipment, and specialization. On average, drone photographers can charge between $100 to $500 per hour. Specialized shoots, like real estate or weddings, can garner higher rates.
How can I attract clients to my drone photography business?
Build a robust portfolio showcasing diverse shots, network within the industry, leverage online marketing, maintain an active presence on social media platforms, and consider email marketing campaigns to stay in touch with past clients.
What role does the Federal Aviation Administration play in drone photography?
The FAA oversees and regulates drone use in the U.S., ensuring safe skies for all. This includes setting rules for drone operations, defining no-fly zones, issuing licenses like the Remote Pilot Certificate, and updating safety regulations.
What type of insurance do I need for a drone photography business?
It’s advisable to get liability insurance for your drone photography business. This protects against potential damages your drone might cause during operation. Some clients may also require proof of insurance before hiring your services.
How much should I charge as a drone photographer?
Pricing depends on factors like location, experience, equipment, and the type of shoot. Research local drone photographer rates, consider your overheads, and adjust accordingly. As a reference, rates can range from $100 to $500 per hour or more for specialized shoots.
Does Drone Photography sell?
Absolutely! The unique perspective provided by drone photography has made it increasingly popular in various sectors like real estate, tourism, events, and more. Its ability to showcase landscapes, properties, and events from a unique vantage point makes it a sought-after service.
How are drones used in real estate photography?
Drones offer an unparalleled view of properties, allowing potential buyers to see the full scope of a property, its landscape, and its proximity to other landmarks. Aerial shots can showcase the beauty of a property, highlight its size, and even show off the surrounding neighborhood, giving buyers a comprehensive view and potentially impacting their purchasing decision.
Image: Envato Elements
