How much does drone photography cost?
In our digital age, visual marketing has taken on considerable importance. Drone images offer a unique angle of vision, which is why companies are increasingly interested in this type of service. It is therefore essential to understand the different types of service on offer and the factors that influence their cost. This article is designed to give you a clearer understanding of the subject, comparing the rates charged by professionals and offering sound advice on how to make the best choice. Let’s embark on this journey above the clouds.
Introduction
The era of drone photography needs no introduction. These high-tech gadgets, once reserved for military use, have made a dramatic entrance into the field of digital marketing, radically transforming the quality of visual performance. Today, more and more companies are using these devices to enhance their professional shoots. But a crucial question emerges: how much does it really cost to shoot with drones?
To answer this question, we drew on a study published by Forbes in 2019. The American business magazine reveals that the average cost of this service is between 400 and 600 euros per hour. This variation is mainly due to the complexity of the mission and the equipment used.
It’s important to stress that such a high variation in cost has a significant impact on the quality/price ratio of the service offered. In fact, according to Forbes :
- A complex mission requires high-tech UAVs and advanced skills, thus increasing its cost.
- The use of specialized drones equipped with professional cameras also adds to the price.
- The length of the shoot also influences the final cost of the service.
- Last but not least, the operator’s expertise and his ability to meet specific customer expectations are of vital importance to the overall cost.
Obviously, customer satisfaction is closely linked to the quality of the service. Despite their high cost, drone photography has become a must in the world of digital marketing.
The different types of drone photography services
Aerial shots for film and television
Have you ever stopped to think about the way certain film scenes are shot? The use of drones is now indispensable in the film and television industry. Indeed, this type of service offers a unique and unusual aerial perspective, making it possible to produce films of unrivalled quality. Filmmakers are increasingly using this equipment for their communication projects.
Shots for real estate and tourism
In the real estate and tourism sectors, drone photography services are also of vital importance. They showcase properties and tourist sites from a different angle. Thanks to these aerial shots, real estate agencies can attract more potential customers. It also enables travel agencies and tourist offices to promote tourist destinations in an effective and original way.
Shooting for events and weddings
When it comes to events and weddings, drone photography has become an unavoidable trend. As well as providing complete coverage of the event, they offer real added value to wedding videos, making this special day an unforgettable memory. For companies, drones can be used at professional events to promote their activities in an innovative and remarkable way.
Factors influencing the cost of drone photography services
Duration of service
It’s a fact that the duration of the service plays a crucial role in the pricing of a drone shooting session. This duration accurately illustrates the time invested in carrying out the mission. This includes the time needed to prepare the equipment, such as the drone itself and the camera, the flight time and the time spent analyzing the regulatory constraints to be met. A full-day session will naturally be more expensive than an assignment lasting a few hours.
The complexity of the mission
In addition to duration, the complexity of the mission greatly influences the cost of a drone shooting service. This complexity can be due to a number of factors, such as the presence of natural obstacles, the nature of the area to be overflown or adverse weather conditions. Similarly, regulations concerning the use of drones in certain areas can make the mission more complex and, consequently, more expensive. In fact, it is sometimes necessary to apply for specific authorizations or comply with strict constraints, which means extra work for the professional.
Rates charged by industry professionals
How much does a drone service cost per hour?
The first point is the hourly rate. In general, the service provider must include several factors in his calculation, such as equipment depreciation, insurance and, of course, his expertise. Despite this, however, rates can fluctuate, depending on the nature and complexity of the job. Generally speaking, the hourly rate for drone photography can vary between 100 and 400 euros.
What about packages?
To make the offer more economical and attractive, some professionals offer flat rates. These packages include several services and can be adapted to suit your needs. These packages usually include shooting, video editing and image retouching. Speaking of flat rates, here are a few examples:
- Starter package from 400 euros for a simple, short-term service
- Intermediate package around 800 euros, for a more elaborate mission
- Premium package exceeding 1,200 euros, for more complex projects requiring advanced equipment
The impact of drone size and characteristics on pricing
Another important point is that the price of the service can also vary according to the size and characteristics of the drone used. In fact, using a larger, more sophisticated drone can mean higher costs. This is particularly the case for projects requiring high-quality images, or for missions in hard-to-reach areas.
Does the location of the service affect the price?
Yes, without a doubt. The location of the drone photography service influences the price. Professionals may include in their quotes additional costs for transport, location scouting or obtaining flight clearance in certain areas. It’s also for this reason that it’s advisable to use a local service provider to benefit from a more competitive rate.
Do the options and equipment used have an impact on the budget?
Finally, the options and equipment used can also influence the price. For example, the use of high-tech 4K cameras or stabilizers, necessary for certain specific projects, may entail an additional cost. Similarly, certain post-production tasks, such as video editing or image retouching, can also influence the final price. So, before finalizing the budget, it’s best to discuss these potential extra costs with the service provider to obtain a more precise and reasonable quote.
Sample service provider rates
Here are two examples of the rates charged by a drone service provider in Marseille, and the reference price list grid of the HOsiHO French Drone Pilots Network. These are just examples, but they are quite detailed, depending on the type of drone (Inspire 2 or 3, Mavic 3), the codec (Prores, Raw, H264/265), and the duration of the service. Below is an average of the rates generally observed around the world.
Most popular price list
| Average hourly rate | 150 – 200€ |
| Day package | 1000 – 1500€ |
| Half-day package | 500 – 900€ |
| Minimum service package | 300 – 500€ |
| Additional price per kilometer | 1 – 2€ |
| Video editing (hourly rate) | 50 – 100€ |
| Aerial photos (per image) | 15 – 30€ |
Conclusion and tips for choosing a drone photography service
The decline in the average cost of a drone-shooting service, to the tune of 20% over the last five years, is a reality verified by a Techcrunch study released in 2018. This is due to lower equipment prices and increased competition in the sector.
When choosing a drone photography service, it’s important to be discerning, to ensure the best possible quality. A race to the bottom in terms of costs could in fact lead to a deterioration in the quality of service or images produced. There are a number of key factors to bear in mind, beyond cost alone. The service provider‘s professionalism, proven expertise in the field, the reliability of its equipment, and the clarity and precision of its sales proposal are important criteria to consider.
Opting for an expert in drone photography with solid experience and a diversified customer portfolio is often a guarantee of safety. It’s relatively easy to select a pilot through pilot directories or networks like the Dronestag Directory, which feature only professional, experienced and talented pilots.
Finally, remember that when it comes to drone photography, as with any service, the cheapest is not always the best. Choosing a qualitative service, while potentially more expensive, can represent a better return on investment in the long term, especially when it comes to digital marketing. A drone piloted by an expert, providing high-quality images, is indeed a powerful communication tool capable of perfectly enhancing the brand or product presented.
In the drone world, finding the right balance between quality and cost remains a crucial quest for any company seeking to capitalize on this technology. And don’t forget that regulations and insurance also need to be taken into account.
