That is a fantastic article, thank you so much!

Great article, thanks!!

Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar

Hi, thanks.

Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.

My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.

I had no issues getting authorizations to fly at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.

Hope this helps!

Alex

Quote from: mike123 on November 24, 2022, 06:54

Great article, thanks!!

Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar

Hi, thanks.

Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.

My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.

I had no issues getting authorizations to close to fly in at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.

Hope this helps!

Alex

Thanks a lot Alex, your answer is immensely helpful!!
Now I know how to approach the authorization process and will definitely try it in future!

Michael

Quote from: Brasilnut on November 24, 2022, 07:16

Quote from: mike123 on November 24, 2022, 06:54

Great article, thanks!!

Any chance you have any tips on how to get a permission to fly in Lisbon (since you've got some drone shots from Lisbon)? I applied for a permission when I was in Lisbon in July 2022 and wanted to grab some sunrise shots over Alfama, but the aviation office (I think it is ANAC) declined mine with the reason being "sensitive installations" or something similar

Hi, thanks.

Indeed ANAC / AAN are often-times overzealous in their approach relating to security - I've had some bizarre rejections.

My tip is try to keep the GPS parameters quite narrow and max altitude quite low at 30/60 metres. If they do reject your submission, try again with an even smaller parameter. Once you have their OK then even if you "break the rules a bit", at least you have the authorization document to protect you if you get stopped by authorities.

I had no issues getting authorizations to close to fly in at Commercial Square and Belem next to the Tower and Patrimonio, as well as close to Palacio da Pena in Sintra.

Hope this helps!

Alex

Thanks a lot Alex, your answer is immensely helpful!!
Now I know how to approach the authorization process and will definitely try it in future!

Michael

Good luck! Otherwise, just go out into the countryside in the middle of nowhere and can risk not involving authorities...as you know, Portugal has a beautiful and extensive coastline.

All the best - Alex

Drone videos don't sell, don't waste time and money

If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business. But most of the time should be devoted to obtaining permission.
Well, models in some angles are also not bad to shoot.
However, if there is no time to get permission, it is better not to buy a drone. Or buy the cheapest one.

Quote from: stoker2014 on December 08, 2022, 10:26

If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business. But most of the time should be devoted to obtaining permission.
Well, models in some angles are also not bad to shoot.
However, if there is no time to get permission, it is better not to buy a drone. Or buy the cheapest one.

This approach is wrong in general. To sell stock, you must pick your subject and it has to be unique, technically and logistically challenging - otherwise you will compete with millions of stock-monkey targeting "apples on white". Doesn't matter if it's aerial or not. If you are in stock for money, of course - I know many people who have different motivations to spend their lives here

Another hand... Drone photography is profitable because of less competition, and personally, I would like it will stay this way

Sent from my LM-V600 using Tapatalk

Indeed, not everybody is willing or crazy enough to risk their drone to capture quite close to the sea top down shots of stormy waves! Fortunately, no close calls. I've uploaded a large batch for book covers.

If you shoot tourist sites in cities, it may be a profitable business.

That would be rather challenging considering that most cities around the world have banned drones. I don't think I would fly mine in a city regardless - the risk is too great with all the people and buildings around.

Dear Colleagues,

I recently upgraded to the DJI Air 3 and below is a link to my blog, where I share why I made this decision and provide some impressions after my first flight in Lisbon.

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2024/07/06/elevate-your-stock-footage-game-five-reasons-to-invest-in-the-dji-air-3-today/

Alex

I have been flying drones for 3-4 years now. Mainly air 2s which I still own and fly it. I love my mini 3 pro and got the avata1 as well. Hard to learn FPV. You need to shoot specific place with your drone to make some sales. I have a port with around 800 drone videos, and sold only 1 on P5. Sold couple of times on Adobe.

Quote from: Pacesetter on July 06, 2024, 17:40

Was intent on upgrading to the Air 3 for the reasons you outlined but have had second thoughts after recent declines in my stock ports earnings + not being able to sell my Air 2 combo.

Wait for dji air 3s. On the corner. I won't upgrade my drones yet. air 2s provide me with great images . If I were to upgrade my drone, will be magic 3 pro. Feel free to check my YT channel.

Read about some rumours regarding the 3s....better battery, full obstacle avoidance sensors.

It's both frustrating and encouraging that there's always new and better on the horizon. Even though I just invested in the Air 3, it probably won't be until the Air 5 that I'll upgrade.

Who knows by then what they will have by then. Some of my predictions:

- Built-in ND filters
- At least average of 60-minute flight times due to more powerful yet lighter batteries
- 6x optical zoom at equivalent of 140mm
- Less noisy

But also who knows that in 2-3 years there will also be more restrictions on where and when we can fly especially with a heavier drone.

Hello Everyone,

How are your drone photography sales going? I have about 100 photos, but my sales haven't been great. What kind of shots are selling well for you? Should I take overhead or from the side? From 400 feet or close to the subject as possible?