PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?

We think it’s great when clients give us a one week notice prior to a shoot; however, we often aren’t afforded that much time and are happy to help you more quickly if you need it. We can deliver edited still photos within 24 hours following the time of the shoot.

HOW WILL GET MY FILES/MEDIA?

Our Clients have access to their own Portal, where they can view and download their media files.

New Photos and Videos will be available on the portal within 24 hours following the completion of the shoot.

If your project requires additional post-processing work including mapping, video editing, or image stitching, delivery time can take longer. 

When your media is ready, you will receive an email that includes a link to your Portal login.

DO I NEED TO BE ONSITE DURING THE SHOOT?

It is typically not necessary for you to be on-site for the shoot; however, you are welcome to join us if you feel it will be beneficial. Our pilots are trained professionals and can capture high-quality imagery in just about any setting. Please note that if you do opt to join us on the shoot, scheduling times might be delayed as this will have to be coordinated with multiple parties. We will share our project intake form with you prior to scheduling the project. This form allows you to describe your preferences, goals, and objectives in full detail. Most of our clients choose to communicate online or over the phone.

WHAT KIND OF WEATHER IS BEST FOR SHOOT?

This depends on what you are trying to accomplish and your personal preferences. For marketing photos, many professionals prefer partly cloudy weather because of the abundant sunlight along with just enough clouds in the sky to display texture in the photos.

I USE TOLD THAT THE LOCATION IS TOO CLOSE TO AN AIRPORT, CAN YOU STILL FLY?

It depends. Although it is true there are some locations and areas that are either off-limits or have additional height restrictions, we can fly near, or even at, most airports if we can obtain the necessary legal permission. Please see our post on   airspace classifications for more information.

If you are unsure of the viability of a particular location, shoot us an email or give us a call. We’re happy to help take a look!


MEDIA & DRONE (UAV) QUESTIONS

CAN YOU CAPTURE THE ENTIRE PROPERTY IN ONE IMAGE?

This largely depends on the nature of your project and the size of the property. Our pilots can legally fly at heights of up to 400 feet in most locations. A good rule of thumb is to assume the drone can capture about 20 acres in a single, nadir (camera pointing directly down), shot from 400 feet.

If you are not looking for nadir shots, and would instead prefer oblique shots (captured at an angle), the imagery can include a much wider territory as the camera will be pointing out into the horizon.

Image Stitching and Orthomosaics

If you require nadir (camera pointing directly down) shots of a site that is larger than 20 acres, we can still help! We capture these photos with a similar approach to that we would take when shooting   panoramas. Our pilot would capture multiple high-resolution shots with a particular overlap. We would then use image stitching software to combine the images into a single large and high-quality image that covers properties of all shapes and sizes.

Learn more by checking out the post and video we created to help give you a better idea of what your imagery will look like from various   heights of up to 400 feet.


WHAT KIND OF DRONES DO YOU FLY?

PhotoRotor pilots almost exclusively fly drones manufactured by DJI.

DJI is the industry leader and currently owns approximately 70% market share. The specific model of drone that will be used on your project can vary; however, all are minimally equipped with cameras capable of shooting video in 4K resolution. In almost all cases, the pilot assigned to your project will be using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro or Inspire 2 model drone.

As technology advantages, PhotoRotor will update their fleet of aircraft accordingly.


WHAT FILE FORMATS DO YOU USE?

PhotoRotor is committed to delivering the highest quality imagery possible; therefore, unless otherwise specified by the client, we shoot photos in RAW (DNG) format and film in either MP4 or MOV format. The RAW (DNG) images are converted to JPG when edited.

WHAT ARE RAW AND DNG FILES?

A RAW photo is the image produced by all of the raw data from the camera sensor. The image is large and minimally processed and is ideal for professional editing within applications like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo. DJI drones save RAW images as .DNG files.

WHAT PHOTO RESOLUTION CAN I ASPECT?

We deliver only high-resolution imagery to our clients. For specific details, please see the DJI Camera Specs section below.  Special needs can also be catered.

BILLING & PAYMENT

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

Yes. You will receive an invoice when the shoot is complete. You can pay either by check or any major credit card.

DO I GET JUST ONE PHOTO/VIDEO?

We can certainly share a single photo with you; however, for most projects, image quantity does not affect price. We typically advise clients to look at all of the photos we capture and choose for themselves which ones they personally think are best. It can be challenging to verbally communicate the precise heights, angles, distances of preferred shots, so we always like to capture as many shots as is reasonable to ensure enough variety to provide the photos you have in mind.

DO YOU CHARGE FOR TRAVEL?

No Travel charge for any client in the South Florida area.

The quote we provide will be simple and straightforward and there won’t be any hidden or unexpected expenses.


WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE?

We offer different packages and price breaks depending on the mission/project.  We’ve found that most of our clients are more interested in us getting the job done than they are about how much time it takes us to complete.

Many other independent drone operators will include travel time, breaks, and more when determining a final price. We eliminate that uncertainty and unnecessary stress by billing only the amount you are originally quoted.