Drone photography business starter

Shoot at least 60 FPS in D-Cinelike (it will look flat but color correct in PP) Shoot 2K (for optical zooming in PP)
Kill the highlights in both video and stills.
Use an ND 4 filter for video to slow your shutter speed for a cinematic effect.
Use AEB Bracketing for stills (3 exposure is sufficient).
Shoot in RAW format (.dng files)
VERY IMPORTANT: In PremierePro, ALWAYS create proxy files first.
Generally speaking, slow-zoom every clip.
If practical, set sharpness to -2; saturation to -2 (correct as needed in PP and LightRoom)
If you're not proficient in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera Raw, do it.
Color Calibration in LR or Camera Raw is an underused secret weapon.
White Balance is more important than you might think. Don't use "Auto" - it may cause flicker going back and forth. Pick one of the presets.
Practice.

You would be surprised at how many people are doing this right now. Just do something that sets yourself apart from everyone else. Quality, Price, something new, innovative... etc.

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You would be surprised at how many people are doing this right now.

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And illegally by not having a Part 107 license. Many companies believe they don't need one because they own the drone and fly it themselves instead of hiring a Photographer/Videographer with a 107 license - which is total baloney. The FAA clearly states the person who is at the controls is required to have a Part 107 license.... including the proverbial "shade-tree" pilots. If you get paid - cash or in-kind - you need a Part 107 license. As a matter of fact, even if the business does the flying with its own employee, that employee is still required to have a Part 107 license since the business benefits from the use of the drone (per the FAA).

Lots of people putting their own spin on the rules - and intentionally fooling themselves so they'll have a "dog ate my homework" excuse when the FAA field agent comes for a visit. And don't forget to turn on your Remote ID (also required) so they can track you.

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Currently flying a Mavic 2 pro. Any ideas or helpful tips you all can give me as I look to start a side gig in Sacramento CA. Not trying to make this my primary gig, but would like to help a handful of people exclusively.

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Ive been flying drones since 2015 and own and operate my own business in my hometown. I also fly for one of the largest oil & gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico.

Do you want to stick to photography or are you looking into mapping or inspections? Need to figure that out.

The first thing you need to start doing is building a portfolio. Start putting together a "town reel". Just some basic video shots from around town with some basic edits to show what you can offer.

Do you have any photography experience? The main issue with most people that want to start down this road is they think just because they have a drone, they can make a few extra bucks. That's not the case. A drone is just a tool. Learning basic photography principle is a must in order to deliver images/ videos that your clients can use and be proud of. Just moving a few sliders in the software until you like what you see can only take you so far. Composition is key.

Sounds like you are taking the steps to start learning if not and that's a good start.

Do you have a website? Business Facebook or Instagram? Need to start working on this to get yourself out there.

Thank you to everyone. I just got finished moving up to Sacramento from San Diego.

Going to take the exam.

No idea what type of photography I want to do. I think I’d like to work on the side for someone to learn more. One of my coworkers husbands flies for the police department here and will try to make friends.