Drones and Your Photography Business

So this past week PPA (Professional Photographers of America) sent out an email that the FAA has released it's new rules on drones for business. According to the new FAA rules, the estimated out-of-pocket cost for an individual to become certified as a remote pilot with a small UAS rating is $150. This will cover the testing fee.

My Phantom 3 Professional hovering in my front yard.

The required aeronautical knowledge test will cover the following subject areas:

- Regulations applicable to small UAS operations

Airspace classification and operating requirements, maintenance and inspection procedures, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
Official sources of weather and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
Small UAS loading and performance
Emergency procedures
Crew resource management
Radio communication procedures
Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
Airport operations.

You'll be able to take the test at more than 700 FAA-approved testing centers. Get more information from the FAA on certification here!

A shot of my cul-de-sac from my Phantom 3 Professional

 There are also some new changes in the rules that will becoming out in August 2016, so you may want to wait a few more weeks to actually start the licensing process. Remember, you are ultimately responsible to make sure you are legal to fly your drone for your business and getting caught without a proper pilot's license will result in hefty fines and possible jail time!

Comments/Questions

Covering Your Bases: Equipment Insurance

Source: Terry White's Tech Blog.

A few weeks ago I wrote about safety when it comes to setting up a shot in public places, but there's another, equally important aspect about safety that deserves its own post. Your gear is what allows you to capture the best images for your clients, so insuring that equipment may just save you from a major financial setback if something should happen. You may find that your homeowner's insurance won't cover equipment that you use to make a living. Talk to your agent to find out, and if you need to add more coverage for your photography gear, check out the options below!

• Start with basic coverage through an association membership. Groups like PPA offer coverage up to a certain dollar amount once you join (in this case, up to $15,000). More coverage can be added up to $100,000.00 with their PhotoCare Plus plan.
• Package Choice through Hill & Usher is a popular plan in the photographic community. The site allows you to easily add or delete items from your insured equipment schedule.
• Another provider is TCP & Co., which offers options that look great for studio owners. 

While you're at investigating equipment insurance options, take a look at this article by The Modern Tog about other types of insurance you should think about purchasing if you plan on starting your own business. Protect yourself, your family, and your business for peace of mind while you do what you love!

-Friday Ambassador

Works Cited:

Brenke, Rachel. "Photography Business Insurance Coverages Every Photographer Needs." The Modern Tog. TheModernTog.com, 2014. Web. 24 July 2014.

Hill & Usher, LLC. "Package Choice™ Insurance for Professional Photographers from Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety, LLC." Package Choice™ Insurance for Professional Photographers from Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety, LLC. Hill & Usher, LLC, 2014. Web. 24 July 2014.

PPA. "PPA Insurance Solutions | PPA." PPA Insurance Solutions | PPA. Professional Photographers of America, 2014. Web. 24 July 2014.
TCP & Co. Inc. "Photography Insurance." Studio Photography Insurance. TCP & Co. Inc., 2014. Web. 24 July 2014.

White, Terry. "How I Broke My D700 By Tethering - Terry White's Tech Blog." Terry White's Tech Blog. Terry White, 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 24 July 2014.

Take Risks, but Always Play it Safe!

When it comes to improving your photography, you're going to need to take risks. Sometimes that will mean climbing to a higher vantage point, and other times simply stepping out of your comfort zone. It is imperative, though, that you always keep the safety of yourself and your clients in mind when planning each shot. Follow a photography news blog or two and you will hear of photo shoots gone terribly wrong because the parties involved did not take proper precautions. Following are examples of times that necessitate extra caution, and I would love to hear your additional safety tips in the comments!

Location Photography
When on location, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. For my very first wedding I was second shooter, which allowed me to learn quite a bit and observe how the lead handled each location differently. To capture the below image, we had everyone who wasn't a member of the bridal party help us monitor and control traffic. We first planned out the scene, explained where each person would stand, and then waited for a break in traffic. It was not a very busy area, but we still had plenty of people to line up and briefly stop any cars while we quickly got our shots. It took only a minute to get what we needed since each person knew his or her position. Advance planning for each location will help you get the shot faster and keep those around you safe. Railroad tracks are a whole other ballgame - see this article for more information.

Newborn Photography
There are so many safety considerations to keep in mind if newborn photography interests you. If you see a sweet pose of a baby with his head in his hands and want to recreate it, know that those images are composites. A spotter (Mom or Dad are your best bets) should be gently holding baby's head upright so that it does not tip to one side. The image of baby Carmella, below, was taken with her on a couch with Mom just off camera ready to step in if Carmella shifted in the slightest. Before you take the leap into newborn photography, do tons of research to ensure you're ready to capture beautiful images safely. There are plenty of resources out there like this one to get you started.

Street Photography
The genre of street photography is especially intriguing to me because I love to observe people. However, it can seem out of my comfort zone because I am terrified of confrontation and dislike the idea of annoying others by photographing them when they are unaware. Esteemed photographer Bruce Davidson has discussed this topic at length, and Eric Kim has collected some of Davidson's best advice on his blog. Being aware of your surroundings and anyone who is eyeing your gear will help keep you safe, and asking for permission to take a photo or to use it after you've already taken it will keep you in people's goodwill. I loved seeing the below scene unfolded with the pigeons following the woman who fed them daily while the businessman continued chatting on his phone as if there were no birds flapping in his face. I spoke with the woman after capturing a set of images and sent her a link to the final product so she could see it through my eyes. This kind of photography can result in all kinds of new connections!

Happy Friday, and Happy Independence Day (be sure to stay safe around fireworks and sparklers)!

-Friday Ambassador

Works Cited:

Darcy - Life with My 3 Boybarians. "Recognize Composites & Safety First. "Life with My 3 Boybarians. Darcy - Life with My 3 Boybarians, 2012. Web. 3 July 2014.

Kim, Eric. "15 Lessons Bruce Davidson Can Teach You About Street Photography." Eric Kim Street Photography Blog. Eric Kim Street Photography, 9 Oct. 2012. Web. 03 July 2014.

Peterson, Lori. "Railroad Safety for Photographers - Digital Photography School." Digital Photography School. Digital Photography School, 2014. Web. 03 July 2014.