Just subscribed! A very excellent video, I have been saying this on my TH-cam channel for a while now, there are far too many ads out there telling people that they could make money with drones. The reality issomething totally different.
This video should be mandatory for anyone buying a drone. Superb 'reality check in a can'. As with many things, making a fun hobby into a lucrative business is a huge step and needs alot of work.
Honest review Stephen thanks, its a tough game for sure, I got told when originally sucked into training you can make thousands, luckily I had a full time job so dipped in and out until reality kicked in when I was made redundant ,but 5 years on, I can honestly say just having a qualification and a drone, making yourself a Managing Director of a Drone company with a big name is not enough! There is marketing, social media, administration, people and management skills and more, the flying is a very small part of it all , "content is king" showcasing what you can offer differentiating yourself and brand from the competition is key, Google rankings, reviews etc etc, the facebook and weekend warriors who do it so cheap, with not necessarily the same effort or quality put into it, well that's up to the end client, you get what you pay for, lots of effort to go the extra mile and a passion is a must when its your only source of income. TH-cam & Linkedin are the best free marketing tools, its just a matter of time to put your brand content out there, keep them coming Stephen 👋
Hi Stephen. Thanks for the tips. Good video. Short and to the point 👉 Just bought the AIR 3S. Enjoying the new features and the extra abilities I can now offer to clients. See you around. Best regards. Dennis 😉
I agree, as a drone photographer, I could make more money by shooting portraits on the beach with a mirrorless camera and a decent lens than I could taking aerials photos around my town. Great information Steven, thanks for sharing.
Stefan, it’s a good and honest video, but you shouldn't let minor setbacks get you down. I agree that the market is still immature, and the laws are too strict for the industry's growth. But let me tell you, an experienced pilot or cinematographer truly has a chance. :)
It all comes down to how much you’re willing to commit. If you pour everything you have into what you love, it will eventually take shape in ways you never imagined. The hardest part isn’t just the grind; it’s staying consistent, especially when progress feels out of reach. This is when most people quit, but it’s also the point where true growth happens. Embrace every challenge, learn from every setback, and let the small victories fuel you. Trust the journey, stay relentless, and remember that every step-no matter how small-brings you closer to your vision. Dedication, patience, and resilience will turn your passion into something unstoppable. People notice that, and eventually, you'll get lucky or better said: you've earned it.
Well certainly in the UK I feel its a race to the bottom. I've been into photography for over fifty years and for me a drone is a flying camera. I have held a PFCO and now a OA for seven years but now I think I may as well not bother. Since the CAA allowed anyone to fly commercially work has dropped significantly with people with a sub 250gm drone working for peanuts. Roofers, estate agents etc now all have drone or have a mate who will do it for next to nothing so as you say Steven unless you have a speciality and are trained to deliver the goods its pretty much a non starter..
Good advice and video Stephen
Just subscribed! A very excellent video, I have been saying this on my TH-cam channel for a while now, there are far too many ads out there telling people that they could make money with drones. The reality issomething totally different.
This video should be mandatory for anyone buying a drone. Superb 'reality check in a can'.
As with many things, making a fun hobby into a lucrative business is a huge step and needs alot of work.
Honest review Stephen thanks, its a tough game for sure, I got told when originally sucked into training you can make thousands, luckily I had a full time job so dipped in and out until reality kicked in when I was made redundant ,but 5 years on, I can honestly say just having a qualification and a drone, making yourself a Managing Director of a Drone company with a big name is not enough! There is marketing, social media, administration, people and management skills and more, the flying is a very small part of it all , "content is king" showcasing what you can offer differentiating yourself and brand from the competition is key, Google rankings, reviews etc etc, the facebook and weekend warriors who do it so cheap, with not necessarily the same effort or quality put into it, well that's up to the end client, you get what you pay for, lots of effort to go the extra mile and a passion is a must when its your only source of income. TH-cam & Linkedin are the best free marketing tools, its just a matter of time to put your brand content out there, keep them coming Stephen 👋
Hi Stephen. Thanks for the tips. Good video. Short and to the point 👉 Just bought the AIR 3S. Enjoying the new features and the extra abilities I can now offer to clients. See you around. Best regards. Dennis 😉
I agree, as a drone photographer, I could make more money by shooting portraits on the beach with a mirrorless camera and a decent lens than I could taking aerials photos around my town. Great information Steven, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ron
Nice work stephen do you think the "drone gold rush " is nearly over?
Stefan, it’s a good and honest video, but you shouldn't let minor setbacks get you down. I agree that the market is still immature, and the laws are too strict for the industry's growth. But let me tell you, an experienced pilot or cinematographer truly has a chance. :)
It all comes down to how much you’re willing to commit. If you pour everything you have into what you love, it will eventually take shape in ways you never imagined. The hardest part isn’t just the grind; it’s staying consistent, especially when progress feels out of reach. This is when most people quit, but it’s also the point where true growth happens. Embrace every challenge, learn from every setback, and let the small victories fuel you. Trust the journey, stay relentless, and remember that every step-no matter how small-brings you closer to your vision. Dedication, patience, and resilience will turn your passion into something unstoppable. People notice that, and eventually, you'll get lucky or better said: you've earned it.
I just invested in the DJI M3E with ground station. 😅
Well certainly in the UK I feel its a race to the bottom. I've been into photography for over fifty years and for me a drone is a flying camera. I have held a PFCO and now a OA for seven years but now I think I may as well not bother. Since the CAA allowed anyone to fly commercially work has dropped significantly with people with a sub 250gm drone working for peanuts. Roofers, estate agents etc now all have drone or have a mate who will do it for next to nothing so as you say Steven unless you have a speciality and are trained to deliver the goods its pretty much a non starter..