At Ron Shuller's Cincinnati Drone Services, our mission is to provide high-quality aerial drone photography and video services to our clients in Cincinnati and beyond. We are committed to utilizing the latest technology and techniques to capture stunning and unique perspectives that showcase our clients' projects, properties, and events in the most compelling way possible.

We strive to exceed our clients' expectations with personalized attention, creative solutions, and unparalleled customer service. We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients, and we are dedicated to helping them achieve their goals through our expertise and passion for aerial photography and videography.

We are committed to safety and responsible drone operation, and we follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other governing bodies. Our team of experienced pilots and photographers are fully insured and licensed to provide our clients with peace of mind and confidence in our services.

At Ron Shuller's Cincinnati Drone Services, we are passionate about capturing stunning aerial imagery that tells a story and creates a lasting impression. We look forward to working with you to capture your vision from a unique perspective.

We’ve been in the photography and video business for 50 years.

We are located in the Kenwood section of Cincinnati and service projects throughout the Tri-State and beyond.

If you've never used aerial photography before, it's important to understand the process and how it can benefit you. We will ask you about your specific needs and goals for the footage you want captured. From there, we will determine the best approach to get the footage you need.

We will review with you the benefits of using aerial photography and video, such as providing a unique perspective and capturing footage that cannot be captured from the ground. Additionally, there are safety and regulatory considerations that need to be taken into account when capturing aerial footage, so we'll discuss those as well to ensure everything is done safely and legally.

Once we have a clear understanding of your needs and goals, we can provide you with a quote that includes the time required for filming and post-production, and any other expenses. We're happy to answer any additional questions you may have about the process, the benefits, or the pricing to help you feel confident in your decision to work with us and our aerial drone photography and video business.

We make the entire experience easy and fun while capturing exceptional aerial footage with impact that’ll make your brand soar.

The process for booking us for your aerial photo or video project is very easy:

Complete our Aerial Project Inquiry form by clicking on CONTACT ME or by clicking here -> COMPLETE AERIAL PROJECT INQUIRY.

We will contact you immediately to discuss your project and give you a price quote.

A downpayment of one half of the project price is required to schedule your project on our calendar.

We will schedule your flight based on your needs, project specifications, and the weather forecast.

Depending on the size and scope of your project, edited proofs will be posted online approximately 1 to 2 days after the flight for your approval.

Upon acceptance of the proofs, the remaining balance on the project price is due.

Upon receipt of payment, the full-size edited digital files will be available for client download.

A strong background in photography and video is very important for these reasons:

Composition: A good understanding of composition is important when it comes to capturing visually compelling footage. A drone pilot with a photography background can better understand how to frame shots, use lines and shapes to create dynamic images, and create visual interest through creative use of depth of field.

Lighting: Photography knowledge also helps when it comes to understanding lighting and how to use it to create visually appealing footage. A drone pilot with a background in photography can understand how to use natural light to their advantage, as well as how to use artificial lighting equipment to create the desired effects.

Technical aspects: Photography involves understanding various technical aspects such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. These same technical aspects are also important when it comes to drone photography and videography. A pilot with a strong photography background can more easily adjust camera settings to capture the best possible footage.

Post-production: A drone pilot with a background in photography may also have experience with post-production techniques such as color grading and retouching. This can be useful when it comes to editing drone footage to ensure the final product meets the desired look and feel.

With 50 years experience in photography and video, we bring to the table strong experience in all of these areas.

We can can price a project in several ways, depending on the specific project and goals of the client. Here are some common pricing models:

Hourly rate: We can charge an hourly rate for our time, including the time spent preparing for the shoot, drive time to and front the property, setting up equipment, onducting the actual shoot and post production.

Day rate: This model is similar to the hourly rate model, but we would charge a flat fee for a full day of shooting. This can be a more cost-effective option for larger projects that require extensive time and resources.

Per project: The photographer quotes a flat fee for the entire project, based on factors such as the complexity of the shoot, the amount of footage needed, and the editing and post-production work required. This is the method we use most often for smaller projects.

Package pricing: We do offer pre-defined packages with different levels of service, such as basic, standard, and premium packages. Each package includes a specific set of services and deliverables, with a corresponding price point.

Licensing fees: In some cases, we may charge a licensing fee for the use of the footage we capture, in addition to the actual cost of the shoot itself. This is common in commercial or marketing projects where the footage will be used for specific purposes, such as in an advertisement or promotional video.

We evaluate the airspace over property to be photographed and any airspace restrictions or temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that may be in effect by using several resources:

1. FAA's online mapping tool: The FAA provides an online mapping tool that shows the airspace restrictions and TFRs in effect for a particular location. The pilot can use this tool to identify any restrictions that may apply to the area.

2. Airspace apps: There are several apps available that provide information on airspace restrictions. These help me to quickly assess the airspace and identify any restrictions or TFRs.

3. NOTAMs: The FAA issues Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for temporary changes to the airspace, including TFRs. I can check for NOTAMs related to the location they will be flying over to determine if any temporary restrictions are in place.

4. Local airport or air traffic control: If needed, I contact the local airport or air traffic control to obtain information on any airspace restrictions or TFRs that may be in effect for the area.

By using these resources, I become aware of any local rules or regulations that may apply to drone operations in the area.

A flight’s risk assessment process involves several steps, including:

1. Conducting a pre-flight assessment of the location: This involves researching the location to identify any potential hazards, such as power lines, tall buildings, trees, or other obstacles that could pose a risk to the drone.

2. Evaluating the airspace: The pilot should check the airspace around the location to identify any airspace restrictions or temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that may be in effect.

3. Assessing the weather conditions: The pilot should assess the weather conditions at the location to ensure that it is safe to fly the drone. This includes checking the wind speed, temperature, and precipitation.

4. Evaluating the equipment: The pilot should inspect the drone and all of its equipment, including batteries, propellers, and other components, to ensure that they are in good working condition.

5. Developing a flight plan: The pilot should develop a flight plan that takes into account all of the above factors, including the location, airspace restrictions, weather conditions, and equipment.

6. Continuously monitoring the flight: The pilot should continuously monitor the drone and the surrounding airspace during the flight to ensure that it remains safe and that no hazards or other issues arise.

By following this risk assessment process, the Part 107 drone pilot can identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with the aerial photography of a specific property location, ensuring that the operation is safe and compliant with FAA regulations.

Weather conditions play a crucial role when planning an aerial drone photography assignment for several reasons:

Safety: The safety of the drone and the surrounding environment is paramount. Adverse weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and lightning can pose a significant risk to the drone and operator. Therefore, it is important to monitor the weather conditions to ensure that they are suitable for safe drone operation.

Visibility: Good visibility is essential for capturing high-quality aerial photographs. Poor weather conditions such as fog, mist, or heavy rain can reduce visibility and make it challenging to capture clear and sharp images.

Lighting: The lighting conditions can have a significant impact on the quality of the images captured. Bright and sunny conditions can produce harsh shadows, while cloudy and overcast conditions can produce softer, more even lighting.

Composition: Weather conditions can affect the overall composition of the photographs. For example, dramatic cloud formations or sunsets can add visual interest and depth to the images, while a clear blue sky may appear bland and uninteresting.

Post-processing: The weather conditions can also affect the post-processing of the images. For example, images captured in bright sunlight may require additional processing to correct exposure and color balance.

Therefore, it is essential to monitor weather conditions and plan drone photography assignments accordingly to ensure the best possible results.

Ensuring the quality of photo and footage while complying with FAA regulations and airspace restrictions involves several steps, including:

1. Obtaining proper FAA certification: The first step in becoming a Part 107 drone pilot is to obtain proper certification from the FAA. This certification ensures that the pilot has the necessary knowledge and skills to fly drones safely and comply with all FAA regulations. We have Part 107 status.

2. Planning the flight: Before flying the drone, we plan the flight and ensure that the drone is operating in a safe and legal manner. This includes checking the weather conditions, ensuring that the drone is properly maintained, and checking for any airspace restrictions in the area.

3. Obtaining necessary permissions: If the flight will take place in controlled airspace or near an airport, we will obtain necessary permissions from the FAA or airport authorities.

4. Following FAA regulations: We ensure that we following all FAA regulations, including height and speed restrictions, and flying only during daylight hours.

5. Capturing high-quality footage: To ensure high-quality footage, we use a high-quality cameras and ensure that they are properly calibrated and focused before the flight. We are also trained to fly the drone smoothly and avoid sudden movements that could result in shaky footage.

6. Reviewing the footage: After the flight, we review the footage to ensure that it meets our high standards for quality and clarity. We also edit the footage to remove any unwanted elements or to enhance the final product.

In the days prior to your flight, we will be monitoring the weather to make sure it is still forcast to be suitable for flight.

As licensed Part 107 pilots, we are obligated to fly only when weather conditions permit and will reschedule any flight that cannot comply with FAA and industry standards.

We will not fly in temperatires colder than 32 degrees and in wind conditions with gusts beyond 20mph.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets a maximum altitude limit of 400 feet above ground level for drones, unless special permission has been granted or if a specific location has altitude restrictions set by the FAA.

We can quickly determine flight restrictions or your location.

The FAA regulations for flying drones over people require drone operators to conduct a risk assessment, obtain a waiver from the FAA if necessary, and follow specific rules and categories for drone weight and design.

For most situations in regard to projects brough to us by clients, we will not accept projects that require sustained flight over people.

Absolutely! Most commecial reat estate projects do require both photography from ground level and from aerial views. Being established photographers with 50 years experience, we are well qualified for whatever is needed for any job including ground level and interiors.