Yup, you read that right...I am the new owner of a shiny drone - a DJI Phantom 4Pro+ to be specific.  Will this be a new service Scrappy Doodles Photography provides?  Not just yet.  

As you can see below, drone operations is also a family affair!

Family Selfie at the controls of a 4 year old

What you may not know is that in order to have your drone be part of your business, you have to be licensed by the FAA and vetted through TSA.  After I feel more proficient I will definitely consider adding it as a paid service.   Until then, I will be enjoying the thrills of learning about this new way of flying and taking photos.   The picture quality is amazing!

Just another day where Katherine is flying with her hands while I fly the drone

Drone v. Plane:  It is a MUCH different experience to be at the controls of a drone versus a plane.  To keep line of sight of your sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) you have to look at it - sometimes that means fighting the sun.  In a plane you are changing the settings of the throttle, adjusting the mixture and propellers and managing the aircraft as a whole.  With the drone, you are using a remote with joysticks.  My model of drone has a screen built into it so I don't have to use an old iPhone or iPad to see what I'm looking at from the drone's point of view, so that is nice.   Now...the drone is going to be a passenger in the plane when we go on trips.  That will be a fun addition to our adventures.  

My home from about 200 feet up.

Are you thinking about getting a drone?  Or do you already have one? Be sure to check out the FAA's website on sUAS so you are getting started the right way.  There is a great app called "B4U Fly" that you should also utilize before flying.  For example, if you are within 5 miles of an airport by law you must notify the airport operator and air traffic control (if there is one present) of your flight.   At Laughlin AFB, drone use is not authorized.  Additionally, you want to make sure you get your hands on the city ordinances on drone operations for your community, to include community standards for gated and private communities.  

https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/

I will be offering a complimentary drone image to select sessions, interested in being one of them?  The calendar is open for booking!  

Click here to start booking your Scrappy Doodles Photography Session