The Concrete Advantages of Drone Photography in Construction

More and more companies are using drone photography in construction. Aerial photography is an efficient and cost-effective way to create visuals for marketing. Not only do drones take crystal-clear 4k videos, but they also provide stunning aerial views of construction sites or completed buildings.

Whether a business needs promo shots for their website, videos of equipment working, or to put a face to the company, drones can be a vital part of a marketing plan. Discover all the advantages of aerial drone photography and learn how it can help a construction business market more effectively.

Using drone photography in construction to boost your profile.

The Affordability of Drone Photography in Construction

Rather than buying a commercial drone, it often makes more sense to hire an aerial drone service. First off, in many cases, it can be a more cost-effective option.

Many drone photographers that offer industrial and construction photography services work with their clients to provide budget specific pricing. In general, drone photography is much cheaper than images shot from a helicopter or airplane. Drones can also get closer and take images and videos not possible with large air vehicles.

A professional drone photography service should work with their clients to determine their needs. They can discuss their intended purpose of the images / video and reasons for needing an aerial photographer. For example, a company may wish to hire a photographer to take photos that can be used in advertising and marketing materials to boost sales.

Drone Photography in Construction Produces Effective Marketing Tools

Stunning, aerial high-resolution photography is useful for producing quality marketing materials. Many construction companies need photographs for a company website or a portfolio.

Different views of a building or project are useful for different reasons. For example, overhead views are invaluable for proposals. Different views improve a portfolio by showcasing a building and the work put into it.

Aerial images add a level of scale that can be heard to achieve with other styles of photography. The photographer can get further away from the subject. They can also get unobstructed views not possible previously.

Drone Photography in Construction: Videos of a Job Site

What are some uses of drone photography in construction? For one, it’s easier to capture an ongoing project from various angles. This not only provides data and progress shots, but it’s also useful if a company wants to show the many moving parts that go into a build.

Drones can capture high-resolution pictures and 4k-quality videos. This means that a company can provide an audience with the clearest picture possible of the work they do. It’s almost as effective as bringing someone on-site to view the work in person.

What is 4k video and how does it make a difference?

In short, 4k means having roughly 4,000 pixels of width of any footage. The quality is much higher than 1080p (1920 pixels) footage since it features about twice as many pixels. Short time lapse videos are also an option.

That level of clarity makes it much easier to show off buildings, workers, the work process, and equipment. Companies can showcase their passion in stunning clarity on their websites and produce marketing materials that wow potential business partners.

Construction photography is the perfect way to capture the equipment used and the workers involved in the process of building. High-resolution images and video can capture the important parts of the business during day-to-day operations.

Pictures of Buildings, Equipment, Workers, and More

Aerial pictures of a construction project or the equipment a company uses are effective for marketing. For example, drones can in certain instances provide a better picture of a building. This is achieved by capturing different views from a certain height or angle.

In the construction industry, having aerial construction photography shots are beneficial for many reasons. Using drone photography in construction is a cost-effective way to get awe-inspiring pictures.

Construction businesses can show off their work from different perspectives, including angles that would have been too difficult or too expensive to reach without a drone. Instead of relying on people in the ground, it’s now possible to take pictures from all angles including having a bird’s eye view.

In fact, drone photography in construction, or the use of drones to take videos and pictures from the sky is now becoming so common that the phrase “bird’s eye view” is sometimes replaced by “a drone’s eye view”.

Modern drone technology has become less invasive than it was before. The drone data collected will very rarely impede on the daily operations of a work site. Many industrial drone programs will have experience working in complex work scenarios.

High-Resolution Images for Websites and Marketing Materials

High-resolution photographs of a completed project, industrial equipment, or of a job site make fantastic and detailed visuals.

The addition of aerial views can improve an online portfolio. By showcasing completed buildings, companies can show off their work from different and unique angles.

Other than just posting images online, companies should use aerial imaging in advertising materials. Some examples include printed brochures or pamphlets. Adding images and videos to social media is also a great way to build awareness which can help boost business.

There are many uses of photography that tell a story including planning shots and architectural images to name a few. Construction site photography can paint a visual picture for potential investors.

Do Drone Operators Need a License?

To carry out drone photography in construction, drone photographers must have the correct license to operate a drone legally. They must also follow all safety and compliance laws. In Canada, that means following direction from Nav Canada and the Transport Canada. Certain areas such as national parks also have their own restricted airspace where permission must be obtained.

There are two types of operations under Canadian Law: Basic Operations and Advanced Operations. Weight of the drone, distance from bystanders, and other airspace rules are determined by the category.

Basic Operations

To operate a drone in Canada for basic operations, pilots must meet the following qualifications:

• Fly in uncontrolled airspace

• Drones must be more than 30 meters away from bystanders (horizontally)

• Cannot fly over bystanders

There are also certain rules that pilots must follow even when conducting basic operations. To comply with the law, those pilots must:

• Take a drone pilot Small Basic Exam online

• Ensure the registration number is visible on the drone

• Register the drone with Transport Canada (before flying it the first time)

• Provide both a pilot certificate of basic operations and registration information when operating the drone

Once a pilot passes their online exam, they get a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations. It’s encouraged that people take a drone flight course before attempting an exam.

Due to the fact you cannot operate a drone over bystanders, most aerial photographers for construction sites will have a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

Advanced Operations

Pilots that want to operate drones around bystanders must apply for advanced certification. Advanced certification means they can:

• Fly in controlled airspace

• Fly near bystanders (within 30 meters horizontally)

• Operate a drone that flies over bystanders

To conduct advanced operations, people must abide by the regulations put forth by the Canadian government.

• Take and pass the Advanced Exam

• Register with Transport Canada (before flying it for the first time)

• Ensure the registration number is visible on the drone

• Take and pass a flight review

• Get permission from air traffic control (NAV Canada) to fly in controlled airspace

• Request RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft) Flight Authorization

• Follow all operational limits of the drone

Pilots must also make sure to check and follow all safety requirements of their drones. That means following the RPAS Safety Assurance limits.

Once someone obtains a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations, they do not need to obtain a basic operations certificate.

Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Drone Photography in Toronto: Everything You Need to Know

A Note About Liability Insurance

Before hiring a drone photography service, it benefits a business to inquire about their liability insurance. Having drone insurance isn’t only for protecting the equipment against damage. It also protects all parties involved if a drone falls or causes damage to people or property.

Finding Aerial Drone Photography Services

There are many benefits to investing in aerial imagery. Specifically construction companies can benefit by using both aerial photos and videos to show off their best work. But it’s important to find the right photographer.

Photographers that are experts in drone construction site photography should have a solid portfolio on their website.

At Robert Lowdon Photography, we have an RPAS Advanced Operations license. That means we can operate in any location.

We provide crystal clear, high quality photography for industrial and construction companies. Learn more about construction photography and get a free estimate today that outlines our construction drone services cost.