A little more than a decade ago, finding and affording aerial photography companies felt nearly impossible. If you were able to locate one, services were often limited to helicopters or airplanes, which made aerial photography expensive and difficult to scale.

Thanks to years of advancements in drone technology, aerial photography services are now more accessible and affordable than ever. Aerial photography using drones is also used across more industries than before. Drones allow photographers to capture angles and perspectives that are simply not possible with traditional camera setups or manned aircraft.

Aerial panoramic views are visually striking and leave strong impressions on consumers, helping support marketing efforts and facilitate sales. With so many aerial photography companies available today, knowing what to look for can help you avoid poor quality, compliance issues and unnecessary costs. In this article, we will walk through five key factors to consider when choosing an aerial photography company for your project.

Top 5 Checklist for Comparing Aerial Photography Companies

Before choosing an aerial photography company, make sure you can confidently answer yes to the following:

  1. Do they specialize in your type of project or industry?
  2. Can they demonstrate proven experience and portfolio quality?
  3. Will you have access to responsive, knowledgeable customer support?
  4. Do they have positive reviews or relevant case studies?
  5. Are their pilots FAA-certified and fully insured?

If any of these boxes are unclear or unchecked, it may be a sign to keep looking. With so many aerial photography companies available today, knowing what to look for can help you avoid poor quality, compliance issues and unnecessary costs.

1. What Type of Aerial Photography Project Do You Need?

Not all aerial photography companies specialize in the same types of projects, so the first step is determining whether a provider is the right fit for your specific needs. It is important to understand that aerial photography companies can offer a wide range of specialties depending on their experience and focus.

Some companies concentrate on a single industry, such as events, while others support multiple industries and provide a broader set of services. Common types of aerial photography services include:

  • Property management
  • Promotional materials
  • Construction progress
  • Campus mapping
  • Insurance claims
  • Venues & landscapes

2. How Much Experience Should an Aerial Photography Company Have?

When choosing an aerial photography company, experience directly impacts image quality, efficiency, and overall results. The company you select should have a proven track record that aligns with your project goals. When reviewing a portfolio of past work, consider how it compares to the level of photo quality you expect for your own project.

If the quality does not meet your expectations, it may indicate that the company lacks the experience needed to execute your vision effectively.

It is also important to consider a company’s experience shooting in the specific location you plan to have photographed. Photographers who are familiar with the area are more likely to understand optimal angles, lighting conditions and flight considerations that result in stronger images.

For this reason, it is often best to avoid companies that require flying a photographer in from a single central location. Instead, look for an aerial photography company with photographers local to your region. With CS3 Photography, for example, customers can access coverage across all 50 states and Canada.

High-quality visuals play a critical role across all marketing materials, from websites to digital campaigns. Make sure the aerial photography company you choose has the experience needed to capture and edit high-resolution images that accurately showcase your business from above.

Aerial Photography Companies

3. What Level of Customer Service Should You Expect?

Strong customer service is essential when working with aerial photography companies. While many businesses rely heavily on chatbots and automated forms, this approach often falls short for aerial photography projects. These projects can become complex, so it is important to work with a company that provides access to a real person who can answer questions and respond promptly.

The aerial photography company you choose should be well organized and clearly communicate what is required to prepare for your shoot. Organization, customer service and effective communication are key factors to consider when comparing companies.

Another important consideration is how much flight time is included to capture the best possible images. For example, CS3 Photography includes up to one hour of flight time and can quickly schedule shoots to help meet deadlines. Efficient scheduling, adequate flight time and timely post-production are all core components of high-quality customer service.

4. What Do Their Reviews and Case Studies Look Like?

Customer reviews and case studies offer valuable insight into how an aerial photography company performs in real-world projects. A strong volume of positive reviews and testimonials is often a reliable indicator of service quality and consistency.

When evaluating companies, ask whether they can provide case studies that are directly relevant to your project. Reviewing examples from similar industries or use cases helps you better understand how effectively the company delivers results for customers with comparable needs.

5. Why Are FAA Certification and Insurance Non-Negotiable?

When comparing aerial photography companies, it is critical to choose one that understands and follows all regulations related to safe drone operation. Any business using drones for commercial purposes must be certified
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and each pilot operating a drone must hold a valid remote pilot certificate. Without proper certification, both the photography company and the customer could be held liable and face potential fines.

Even with advanced drone technology and experienced pilots, there is always some level of risk involved. Proper insurance coverage helps protect you in the event of equipment damage, property damage or personal injury. Be sure to ask your aerial photography company to add you as an additional insured, so you remain covered if an unexpected issue occurs.

Aerial Photography Companies

Make Your Choice

Choosing between aerial photography companies comes down to finding a provider that aligns with your project requirements, quality standards and operational needs. While there are several factors to weigh, the considerations outlined above are designed to help you evaluate options more clearly and avoid common pitfalls.

Once you have a clear understanding of what to look for, the next step is working with a company that can consistently deliver on those expectations. Whether you need aerial photography for property marketing, promotional materials or venue coverage, CS3 Photography offers a nationwide network of experienced, FAA-certified photographers equipped to support a wide range of projects.

To learn more about CS3’s aerial photography services or to discuss your specific project needs, you can learn more
or contact CS3 Photography to request a quote or consultation.