Why are aerial photographs more expensive than land photographs?

The photographs themselves cost the same to produce as any other photo. The difference is the cost of transportation to the location of the shoot.  A typical flight in Maryland area will usually require a minimum of one hour to complete (that includes  take-off, cruising to the site, photographing the subject from several angles and altitudes, waiting for clouds to clear, returning to the departure point).


As enjoyable as aerial photography is -- it is a business! And like any business, before we even begin to talk profit, there are many (too many) expenses that need to be covered. Office space, utilities, telephone, advertising, accounting and insurance all take a piece of the pie. Unfortunately, when it comes to custom aerial photographs, the pie is single-serving size.

A custom aerial photograph is taken for, and sold to, only one customer -- you! Unlike stock photos, there is no opportunity to spread the cost among repeat sales. That is why stock photographs can be sold for a fraction of the cost of a custom photograph. It is also why the cost per flight can be greatly reduced if you have the need for multiple sites photographed.

How long does it take to get a custom photograph?

It all depends on the weather. "Good" weather is a relative term. What may be great weather for going to the beach or having a cookout, isn't necessarily great weather for aerial photography. Those puffy, white clouds that offer a brief respite from the blazing sun as they drift by, also cast ugly shadows upon the earth when viewed from above. Haze is also a warm weather pest. Did you ever notice that the sky is usually a milky light-blue when the mercury rises? Dark-blue skies mean good visibility and that translates into crisp, clear photographs.

If you are in a rush to get your photo, we will take what Mother Nature offers and make the best of it, but for the best results, patience may be required. Besides, this is the mid  Atlantic where it's the humidity, not the heat, and aerial photos HATE humidity!

Normally, the time between placing an order and receiving the completed photograph, is one to two weeks, but could be as fast as 24 hours!