Drone photography is becoming more popular as it offers a unique perspective that can’t be achieved with other photography techniques. Drone photography is perfect for capturing construction sites, real estate, and other large-scale weddings.
But How Much Does Drone Photography Cost in The UK?
Drone photography prices in the UK vary depending on the shoot, but on average, drone photography costs £150 – £190 per hour. Or £1,000 – £1,300 for a full-day drone shoot.
When hiring a drone photographer, it’s important to look for someone who is experienced and has a good portfolio of work.
In this blog, we will be discussing:
- How much does it cost to hire a drone photographer?
- How do I choose the right drone photographer for my project?
- How do I book a drone photographer?
- How do I know if a drone photographer is reputable?
If you’re interested in hiring a drone photographer, be sure to shop around to find the best deal. Prices can vary depending on the photographer’s experience and equipment.
UK drone photographers usually go for 2 methods of pricing:
- Per-hour
- Per-picture
When pricing per-hour, the photographer charges a set amount for the entire duration of the shoot. When pricing per picture, the photographer charges a set amount for each photo taken.
Which pricing method is better for you depends on your budget and how many photos you want to be taken.
If you have a tight budget, it might be better to go with per-picture pricing. However, if you have a large budget and want a lot of photos taken, it would be better to go with per-hour pricing.
Either way, make sure to discuss your budget and expectations with the drone photographer before booking a shoot. They will be able to give you more information on their rates and what’s included in the price.
How much do UK drone pilots charge per-hour?
Drone photography prices in the UK vary depending on the shoot, but on average, drone photography costs £150-£190 per hour. Or £1,000 – £1,300 for a full-day drone shoot.
We recommend paying per hour, as this means you get the full amount of images taken within that time frame.
If you’re looking for a great deal on drone photography, we recommend contacting Leslie Drones. Leslie Drones is the UK’s leading drone photography company and offer their services at an hourly rate of £150. Plus you can get a discount for a full day at £1,000.
How much do UK drone pilots charge per-picture?
In the UK, drone photographers typically charge anywhere from £20 to £45 per picture, depending on their experience and the quality of the photo.
When pricing per picture, it can often become confusing about what is actually going to be delivered. Some photographers will include a certain number of edited photos in their per-picture pricing, while others will charge an extra fee for each edited photo.
Make sure to clarify this with the photographer before booking a shoot. Otherwise, you may be surprised by the final bill on per-image pricing.
Factors that Affect Drone Photography Pricing
However, the cost of drone photography can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time taken for the shoot, the photographer’s experience, and the type of images or videos you want to be produced.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a quote:
Photography or Video
If you’re only interested in still drone photography, the cost will be less than if you want video. Drone photography video requires more intricate flying for extended periods, which increases the overall cost of the shoot. This is because it takes more time and skill to capture high-quality video footage than still images.
Travel Distance
Drone photographers typically charge an additional fee for traveling long distances. So, if you’re located a long way from the drone photographer, be prepared to pay extra for transport costs. Additionally, if you require the drone photographer to travel to multiple locations for your shoot, you will likely be charged an additional fee for each location.
Nationwide drone providers such as Leslie Drones typically offer more competitive rates, as they have more drone operators located near major UK cities. This means you can get the best drone photography services at an affordable price.
Shoot Duration
The longer the shoot, the higher the cost of photography. Drone photographers often charge by the hour, and as the hour’s increase, so does the cost. This is because more time is needed to capture quality images and videos.
However, most drone providers will provide a full-day discount or a multi-day discount. So, if you’re looking to book a longer shoot, be sure to ask the photographer about any discounts they may offer.
Drone Camera Quality
Drone photography prices can also vary depending on the quality of the camera being used. The most common drone cameras used in photography are the DJI Mavic 3 Cine and the DJI Mini 3.
The DJI Mavic Cine 3 is an ultra-high-quality 4.5k camera that offers stunning images and videos. It’s perfect for capturing beautiful aerial footage. As a result, professional drone photographers who use this camera typically charge more for their services.
The cheaper DJI Mini 3 is a Lower-quality camera. it doesn’t offer the same image quality as the DJI Mavic Cine. As a result, hobbyist drone photographers who use this camera typically charge less for their services.
So, if image quality is important to you, be sure to ask the drone photographer what type of drone they’re using before booking a shoot.
Drone Spotter
Drone photographers typically include an additional person in their shoot who is responsible for spotting. A drone spotter is a person who assists the drone photographer by monitoring the airspace and ensuring that no obstacles get in the way of the drone. This person is usually an assistant or another Drone pilot who can help ensure the safety of the shoot.
Many times a drone spotter is a legal requirement, particularly if the shoot is taking place in a busy area or near an airport. So, be sure to ask the drone photographer if they have a spotter included in their price.
You should expect to pay an additional £150 for the services of a spotter for a full day shoot.
Professional Drone License
The main legal requirement for drone photography is that the drone pilot has permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly their drone. This permission is known as a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate.
To obtain a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate, the pilot must complete an approved training course and pass a test. Once they have obtained their GVC, they must adhere to the strict safety guidelines set out by the CAA.
If you’re hiring a professional drone photographer, be sure to ask them if they have a GVC. If they don’t, they may not be legally allowed to fly their drone.
Flight Permissions
Most drone shoots will require pre-flight permissions. This usually involves logging it with the CAA, and notifying the local air traffic control and police. If you’re planning on booking a drone shoot, be sure to ask the photographer what procedures they have in place for obtaining permission.
Failure to obtain the necessary permissions can result in fines and penalties. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re working with a photographer who knows how to get the required permissions.
Instances, where flight permissions are needed include:
- Near airports.
- Congested areas.
- Crowds of people.
- Public buildings.
- Railway lines or tracks.
- Roads
- Night time or in low-light conditions
This means that if you’re planning on booking a drone shoot, be sure to budget for an additional £100 to cover the cost of getting permissions.
Whether or not post-editing is required
Most drone photographers offer post-editing services as part of their package. This includes basic editing such as colour correction and image sharpening.
Some photographers also offer more extensive post-editing services, such as video editing and motion graphics. If you require these services, be sure to ask the photographer if they offer them and what the cost is.
Generally, photo post-editing will add an additional £100 to £200 to the cost of the shoot.
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Drone Photographer?
When looking to hire a drone photographer, there are a few things you should ask before making your decision.
Here are the key questions to ask:
- What type of drones do you use?
- How many people are included in the shoot (i.e. pilots, spotter, assistant)?
- What is the quality of your camera?
- How long have you been flying drones?
- Do they have a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- How many images or videos can I expect from a one hour shoot?
- Will you provide post-editing services?
- What is the cost for post-production editing services?
- What are the terms of payment, i.e. deposit, final payment, etc.?
- How far in advance do I need to book to ensure availability?
- Can I see some examples of your work?
Full Drone Photography Quotation Breakdown
Generally speaking, the total cost for a 2-hour drone photography shoot will be:
- Drone Photography Time: 2 hours
- Drone Photographer Fee: £300 (£150 per hour)
- Drone Spotter Fee: £50
- Flight Permissions: £100
- Post-Production Editing: £100
Total Drone Photography Cost: £550*
*Excluding VAT
Professional Drone photographer VS Hobbyist Drone Photography?
When it comes to professional and hobbyist drone photography, there is a big difference in quality. Professional drone photographers use high-end drones with cameras that offer superior image quality. This allows them to capture stunning aerial footage and photos.
Hobbyist drone photographers, on the other hand, typically use lower-quality drones with cameras that don’t offer the same level of detail. As a result, their images often lack the clarity and sharpness of professional shots.
A lot of hobby drone photographers don’t follow the legal requirements, which can pose a risk to both the pilot and the people around them.
When choosing a drone photographer, be sure to ask if they have a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate and liability insurance. This will help ensure that you’re hiring a professional who is aware of the safety regulations and has taken the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them.
If they don’t, there is a chance their drone could be grounded, which could cause problems for your shoot.
What is the Best Drone Photography Company to hire in the UK?
When looking for a professional drone photographer, Leslie Drones drone services is the best company to hire in the UK. Leslie Drones is the best company to hire in the UK because they are professional and have a wealth of experience in aerial photography.
Receive a Drone Photography Quotation Today
We offer high-quality drone photography and video services that will help capture stunning aerial footage and photos. We have years of experience flying drones and our team includes pilots, spotters, and assistants to help ensure that your shoot goes smoothly. We also offer post-editing services to help improve the quality of your images and videos.
For £1000, you’ll get a full day of shooting with one of our experienced pilots. We’ll capture stunning aerial footage and photos of your property or event that you’ll be able to cherish for years to come.
