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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Photography Discussion => Topic started by: ribtoks on November 24, 2022, 02:13

Title: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: ribtoks on November 24, 2022, 02:13
Hi folks

Alex and me just published a new blogpost about how to start with drone video for microstocks. The blogposts discusses everything from selecting a drone and passing exam to post-processing workflow and sales statistics.

https://xpiksapp.com/blog/drone-video-for-microstocks/ (https://xpiksapp.com/blog/drone-video-for-microstocks/)

What do you think about drone footage in general? Did you try it or wanted to try? Really curious of your experience!
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: cobalt on November 24, 2022, 03:23
That is a fantastic article, thank you so much!
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: 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 :)
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Brasilnut on November 24, 2022, 07:16
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
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Elijah on November 24, 2022, 07:25
Good article! I'm sitting on the fence with the drone  purchase for now.
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: mike123 on November 24, 2022, 07:31
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
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: SpaceStockFootage on November 24, 2022, 11:19
Drone footage does not sell. Nobody has ever sold a drone shot so there's no point in buying one.

Sorry, couldn't resist doing a Stroker2014 impression.
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Brasilnut on November 25, 2022, 05:21
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
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Visualab on November 25, 2022, 07:56
i've been shooting drone since 7 years and i can say that it was worth it...nowdays with low commission and subscription to make up the expenses you need to focus on what to shot because nature drone shot is an oversaturated niche...
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: ADH on November 25, 2022, 18:36
Drone videos don't sell, don't waste time and money
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Krakozawr on December 08, 2022, 09:32
Drone photography and videography selling great. My Inspire 2 became my bread and butter. If your aerials are not selling, think about what you are doing wrong.

Sent from my LM-V600 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Krakozawr on December 08, 2022, 10:46
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

Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Brasilnut on December 13, 2022, 19:32
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.

Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: StudioLOWERLOOPs on December 13, 2022, 23:50
it's too risky, but amazing.
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: dragonblade on March 20, 2023, 19:54
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.
Title: Re: Getting started with drone video for microstocks
Post by: Brasilnut on March 24, 2023, 08:11
Celebrating my one-year anniversary since my first drone flight (with no crashes yet) and put together this free short guide on on my experiences with some tips.

PDF available to download via the following blog post:

https://brutallyhonestmicrostock.com/2023/03/24/free-guide-five-brutally-honest-tips-to-achieve-drone-photography-photography-success-one-year-anniversary-edition/

I don't have a background in design but quite enjoying putting these together via Canva.

Alex