How I Make $3500 / Month With My Drone | Top 5 SIMPLEST Ways

[@Broker77]

Why is everyone so afraid to say what they charge? I charge $100 for each battery flight for realtors, shooting pictures, not video just pictures. I would charge more for video because of time involved for editing.

[@TheMightyWej]

Interesting and sounds about right given travel time, learning time, risk, and all the other expenses. Appreciate the candidness!

[@TheMightyWej]

@@brunovbc $100 per battery is roughly $300/hour if flown correctly..... So not quite free. Not sure how you came to that conclusion TBH

[@final_animal]

@@TheMightyWej I guess it depends on how many flights they're doing. The per hour thing makes sense as a measurement for salaried employees, less so for independent contractors really as that could be the only gig for the day.

[@iamshredder3587]

Really? And what sort of drones/s do you use? I mean some of my fpv quads you're lucky to get three minutes per lipo battery... that could add up. (Though id cover most properties pretty darn quickly. In video or crashed quad parts. )) But like my mini 4 pro with the plus batteries can (allegedly) go for 45 mins. (Much less taking footage of course) Maviks and such or my big octocopter alot longer. Mini 4 pro would have to be pretty well suited yeah? Especially smaller jobs.

[@TheMightyWej]

@@iamshredder3587 Recently got an Avata 2 and in manual mode it gets about 6-8 minutes, but in "Normal" mode I easy get 20-25 minutes from it. Especially when doing slow fly throughs. Recently did a video shoot on a site where it was a mix of fast and slow flying in normal mode, got around 18 minutes from the battery. I have a Mini 3 Pro and it gets around 20-30 minutes depending on wind, etc. The mini is great for those orbit shots, long approaches from distance etc. But you can't compete with the FPV control and perspective, so both meet different needs :)

[@MomoFilmProduction]

the part about backpacking and shooting hotels is amazing! I did the exact same 2 weeks ago, I even got a hotel group to work with me :))) Thank you !

[@iamshredder3587]

Sounds like an awesome time.

[@middleagedbaldguy6774]

Real estate shoots can put a drone operator out of business. I started that way and after 4 months I caught my first hydrology job. I do everything from asset management to work flow on job sites. Six times the money and a tenth the PITA factor. I also picked up a high voltage cert over the summer a few years ago from a local Community College. I typically inspect electrical generation and transmission in the fall/winter and construction in spring and summer. My advice to every guy out there is you will be paid relative to the value of the data you are providing. A 120k house will pay one amount. A ten million dollar substation and transmission lines will pay another. Flying is great but find an industry that pays well for data and get recognized certs in it.

[@obasekoresamuel412]

Hmmmmm... This is great, I really love your comment. How much do you know about drones? If we can connect.

[@itsjapanic]

Bro this is so inspiring to hear, I can't wait to be pushing into big spaces like you!

[@kylecouture1917]

Ive been working at this for 2 years now. I work with contractors to document their work. Before and After photos of roofing and stuff like that. Ive had 1 guy who gives me 2-3 jobs per month. Finally just got a second guy to work with. Now im reliably getting atleast 1 job per week. Slow and steady growth. Real estate is an area I have not been able to get into yet. Nobody wants to pay 2 different photographers. So unless you do interior photos as well, they will not hire you.

[@JoeBoone82]

That is my experience with real estate as well. Most of the interior photographers just do the aerial photos now as well.

[@RayTieRom]

in the US, no matter what size drone you have, if you're flying for money, the FAA part 107 license is required. violation is a minimum 100K fine! If you fly a drone that is under 0.55lbs (250 grams) recreationally, you don't need the license.

[@derose2026]

If you fly a drone recreationally that is 250 grams or less, you don’t need to register the drone*

[@ArtAtomicStudio]

Most drones are less.

[@operez3]

But you still need a license if you're profiting from your drone use.

[@adam7349]

Yup a lot of people don't know that. If they find footage on youtube without the license you are going to get a huge fine.

[@adam7349]

@@ArtAtomicStudio Most drones that are less are unable to even handle the winds from the outside. The only one is prob the DJI mini 4. Regardless, you need the license if you plan on profiting from a drone which includes uploading to youtube.

[@thomaswatts9881]

Great video! I started a real estate media company 3 years ago and we do about 25-30k a month right now. Good stuff with drones!

[@scrapiron6870]

Great job , what do you do exactly, have a website or information available I’d love to see it, thanks

[@Tonellacam]

can you link us your website , Im looking to start one of those in Canada and would be great to see your website as a guide !

[@visibletoanyone922]

BS

[@antigravityarts]

@@visibletoanyone922 AGREED!

[@who2999]

Just a note 8:15ish to be legal over crowds in the use it need to be sub 250 grams with fully enclosed propguards and those count against that 250g. Just having a mavic mini won't get you there, but you can modify it with a lighter battery to offset the propguards and get something legal.

[@jasonc6250]

Or get a waiver. But to your point about the Mini, according to FAA Document AC 107-2A Sections 8.7.3-8.7.6 shows that the Mini would fit into the category of being able to be flown over humans without guards or a waiver.

[@DanielHBuchmann]

What constitutes flying over crowds? Is flying over a cityscape considered flying over crowds since, technically, there are people on the ground, right? Is it illegal to fly over, or hover or both? Thanks!

[@carlosmelendez8317]

I tried this once when the DJI Mavic Air first released and got my 107 license. I wasnt able to get anything going with making money and sold the drone. Now, i may really get back into it and really hustle this time. My main problem was getting work and getting noticed by anyone who needs drone work.

[@michaelfarley9938]

Flying over people with any drone requires propeller guards. Once you've added the propeller guards to a 249 gram, aka mini 3 pro / mini 4 pro etc.., you are now over 250 grams and you will need a waiver. The new DJI NEO would be a good choice if the 4K didn't suck so bad.

[@ggteamawesome6927]

Regarding concerts / events, if you are flying under part 107 you still need a waiver even if you’re drones less than 250 g

[@YoooKay1a]

Where do you get the waiver?

[@jacobtaylor5080]

@@YoooKay1aFAA Drone Zone

[@laurentorres8283]

wow you know what....you just saved me from having to do god only knows what to have to makes end meet in this world and now i have the information sand tools to actually sell videos of these places for poeple who need them. im looking forward to seeing where this takes me thank you so much hun.

[@EdwinvandenAkker]

*_Selling stock footage is very lucrative…_* it might help to see what's going on in the world. Example. A few years ago 5G towers where installed almost everywhere. Also, those towers where set on fire by conspiracy nuts. So, this made the 5G topic quite interesting. I shot some cell-towers. Also, I found places where they where installing those towers. I contacted some of those contractors. I offered them a nice short edit of their work, with logo, music, and what not… but allowing me to post the clips as stock footage. A handful of shots actually made me €8200 so far. And sometimes I still see payments coming in. When the war in the Ukraine started, I went to a local war museum. I offered them the same kind of deal, with a short edit they can use for promotional purposes. I bought a few flags: Ukrainian, Russian and EU. I draped them over some old soviet and newer model tanks. Those shots weren't as successful as the 5G shots. But so far €3200 was payed out. And that war is not going to end soon, I'm afraid. _Side note… I donated 50% of those Ukraine income to Ukraine-charity…_

[@Mcgeee]

That's awesome!

[@pleessi5516]

Wow so you got 8200€ with just one case? My dad just got for him self a dji mini 4 pro and I got immediately interested about making money with it haha. What drone are you using?

[@EdwinvandenAkker]

@@pleessi5516 I have a Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom and a Mavic Mini 2. However, the type of drone is really not that relevant. Remember a common concept: it's *not* the size _(or model)_ that matters 😉 I should upgrade though. But so far, each of my drones are still helping me along the way. What I tried to say is that it helps very much to just know what is going on in the world… and to anticipate on that. So, watch the news. And try to see what's relevant. And keep asking yourself: "What are people _(going to)_ search for?" Also, try to obey the local rules. Google for recent rules in the local area. There are map-apps that can help you with that. I say this to help you avoid any troubles. In many countries there is no drone-license needed if the drone is sub-250 grams. No license means no education. And rules apply to all flying objects. If there is no education, a pilot may not be aware of breaking any laws. Education, in this sense, could be a simple Google search. Trust me, I knew a few people who got in unnecessary problems. And those problems could be less than an fun experience.

[@CD4213]

Thanks for the great video Danny!! There are 1000's of vids that mainly show off the author's sample footage, but this is one of the best I have seen for sharing tips, links, templates, and other useful details. I found myself stopping or replaying just to take notes. Good stuff!!

[@FLO_FPV]

To make money from flying would be a dream for me 💚

[@gabiajando]

You should make a course on how to reach out to these businesses and how you deliver those drone shots for clients would to learn from you and also how to sell stock footage

[@EricSnydereasphotography]

Great advice! Im doing this for a resort inn Kenya in a couple of weeks!!

[@angrybadgerminis3077]

It also all depends if you can get the FAA to not be jerks and approve your commercial license or flying over people.

[@cbaker6138]

It's lovely if you live in a country with sunny weather, but in the UK relying on non windy, non wet days is almost impossible, so drone businesses/careers are harder to achieve here I think... Or is that just me being negative LOL?

[@clearairflying]

I love the US outlook... Real Estate agents paying that kind of money is amazing to us in the UK. Agents here want images and video for less than 50 dollars! I was asked to do "high value" properties for £35. 😂

[@obasekoresamuel412]

Ah ah, what? That's weird lol 😂, since when have you been flying drones? Can we have some conversations?

[@foonus406]

What they "want" and reality are 2 different things. If there were no idiots out there undercutting everyone else in a "race to the bottom" then customers wouldn't be expecting those rock bottom prices from everyone. Hobbyists that are doing this work for fun and next to no profit will drastically affect the revenue of any startups or folks trying to do it professionally.

[@Henry_0209]

Same thing in Germany. Real Estate Agents very often sell their stuff with photos that look like they were taken with a potato. And you know why? Because it works. The housing shortage makes the people buy it anyway. So why invest in a 100€ Drone-video when a 360p digicam photo does the job anyway

[@katchtheview]

Thank you for the template! It’s professional yet calm. Will be trying it out 🤙🏽

[@suryathombre708]

This is the video that I was looking for thanks for shearing these crazy ideas

[@matthewapgar7395]

This new way to see the environment brings much happiness and interest of the world and I agree the more unique one's photography of the world the higher the opportunity. good video sir 👍

[@jelly-qs5fy]

Can you share more information on how to price out what you charge per job, example what's the standard for hotels, real-estate, concerts and events etc. This information would be so helpful. Thank you

[@ontariocbclub]

Everything that you describe on your video, requires you to have a licence. The mini series drone or any drone weighing less than 250 grams, does not require a licence, but when you are flying for commercial purposes, you must have a licence. So for any clueless viewers that they think this is cool... take a look at the theory that you must study, in order to get your licence, It is not just a fee that you have to pay. Correct me if I am wrong

[@Mcgeee]

Like I mentioned in the video yes you do need a license to fly commercially in the US. Luckily its a pretty simple test

[@klvAcosta]

He did mentioned it, I doubt you’ll pass the test 😅

[@ontariocbclub]

@@klvAcosta oh, what do we have here? a buddy? a supporter? It's the way he presented it. It made it look so easy that anyone can do it. That is the difference. Now as to If I can pass the test..why, because I have an accent? Your parents had an accent when they first came to this country.... watch what you say

[@mikemicikas3323]

If you want to make money with a drone the license is a mandatory requirement since forever.

[@IsaacEllison]

@@mikemicikas3323 too bad it isn’t enforced

[@BugRaiser]

The DJI mini 3 is good and so is the Neo I got the Neo myself 😅 he really putting us on game bro I’m bout to start charging and reaching.

[@JimKilgo]

Another avenue that we have had great success with is working with large commercial property management/sales companies and commercial construction companies. We do progress videos and photos for their social media and print ads. It has been the most lucrative and stable source of income for us. As you mentioned several times don't overlook the personal relationship aspect of the sale.

[@jelly-qs5fy]

What is the rate you charge, if you don't mind. Thanks

[@LandYacht]

Extremely informative. Thanks Danny!

[@Mcgeee]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GomJabbarXIV]

@Steve-tk6xv The title of the video says 5 SIMPLEST ways to make money with your drone, not DIFFERENT ways

[@djmorales3535]

This is actually the first video I've seen where I have said to myself "It's worth getting the part 107 license." You wouldn't believe me but I had purchased a mini 4 pro and returned it because I found out about there being a test and how much it cost and how difficult it was. I said to myself "This is too much, I don't want to go through all that just to upload a few videos on youtube." But some of the things you mentioned I didn't even think about. I might actually go back and repurchase the damn thing! Lol

[@echo.zulu.echo.]

Thank you, Im learning so much whit your videos !

[@JordanMendez-y4u]

friend, thank you very much for this content, can you please help me how do you set your prices for hotels? by rooms? approximate prices? I have subscribed to motion array, what genre are you looking for music for real estate? greetings from Spain

[@andonisr]

Pretty cool stuff - covered most things one can use to make money with drones - thank you !!

[@obasekoresamuel412]

Hey, how much do you know about drones? Can we connect?

[@andonisr]

@@obasekoresamuel412 Hey, getting it this week, so not on the practical side of things .only from the dozens of videos I have watched so far.. 😉

[@strudwickdroneservice]

This why there is an over supply of drone pilots. Don't believe everything folks say on social media, you might just get disappointed.

[@Mr1970827]

Hello Danny I would like to say first that I really appreciate your videos and I look forward to learning more and more from them. I'm interested in getting your reach out template. Again, thank you

[@TheRealDjBlake]

Awesome video Danny!! Question - any tips for learning the DJI Avata?? I have a Mavic Air 2 but this Avata seems very intimidating. Any help would be great. Thanks man.

[@jimothy4272]

Ok so, I watched the video and I love it. I appreciate all of the advice and tips you gave us. Ive taken it all in, but, Im having trouble even getting started. What should I do right now like at this very moment? What’s the first step? I don’t even know where to begin… P.S. Also, you’ve earned yourself a new sub (:

[@derek2593]

"Unless you wanna stick around and get lit with the wedding.....". Man, that's the best part.

[@Lift33d]

Great video ! I try to do all of these and I have my 107 .... Im trying to start better pitches and find venues. I live in Sarasota Florida and there are some of the most expensive homes hotels and weddings here... I need to get on it... Yeah I charge 250$ to 500 for Real estate agents and they get some raw photos and 45sec to 1 min edited video.

[@CycloneGunworks]

"Beating around the bush" In medieval times, hunters would hire people to beat the bushes with sticks to scare game birds out of hiding. The beaters would circle the bushes to make a commotion and flush out the birds.

[@richardcarlisle6692]

Mini 4 with prop guards is over 249g. Prop guards are required when flying over people. I haven’t been able to find a sub 249g drone that will produce quality photo/video.

[@Frequency47]

Getting my DJI mini 2SE tomorrow. I’m a comic that makes funny videos and was already planning on making some “out there” comedy videos… Then I thought…there are other ways to make money with drones and was thinking maybe weddings?🤔 Alas-I see ur video and BINGO!! Best video I’ve seen ever because it will make me money. Ur info here was priceless and thank u in advance. I had to sub ✌🏾

[@itsjapanic]

Learn the basics of composition and you'll progress much quicker!

[@DirtyDayUTV]

Great video. I have some off-roading 4K videos. Can you recommend some curators? Or point me in direction where to find them?

[@rumenstoynev3888]

If one is to go in this business, what drone should i go for. Avata 2 or mini pro 4 ?

[@obasekoresamuel412]

I think Avata is good, have you later gotten one now? Can we have some conversations?

[@Aiproductions713]

This was full of gems 🔥🔥🔥

[@Jack-Hillinger]

Hey Danny. Any type of framework and/or examples of the methodology you used when creating deliverables for hostels while traveling? I really like the idea, but am just curious what their expectations were and how you met or exceeded them. Thanks!

[@MageeAerialMedia]

Love the info. All great ideas! What's you go to drone that you use. I have the Mavic 2 pro and mini 3 pro. Both DJI. does anyone use anything else? Love the last name.

[@FAWK_YT_Democrats_Liberals]

The phrase "Without beating around the bush" refers to the amount of time it would take to go around something, rather than going through it. To beat around the bush would take more time than to beat straight through it. I don't actually know what tf I'm talking about, I'm just really baked.............

[@DanielCosta-zp6jl]

Thanks for this video, i really need the courage to start earn some money doing drone footage, it seems the most difficult part is making that 1 contact and what to charge etc.

[@skycam509]

Thanks for the great advice! I'm at the point where I want to delve into building my drone hobby into a side-hustle and eventually a retirement gig. I'm also a McGee. Maybe we're related, LOL!

[@gior12_]

If i dont have a portfolio u suggest to do the first for free and use them as portfolio right?

[@Mcgeee]

Yep exactly!

[@final_animal]

All of these sound very viable, including perhaps stock footage of specific areas like a known city. But my first thought hearing the "nobody has shots like that" comment about the wildfires was that those days are almost behind us due to AI, as it is now very straightforward to simply generate "stock footage" of that nature. For subject matter that is generic in any way, AI is a cheap method that people will unfortunately start squeezing out stock footage videopgraphers and photographers.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Rad work! You've got my sub. Thanks for the video.

[@Mcgeee]

Thanks for the sub!

[@95lovi]

How do you get your batteries on a plane ✈️ in a larger amount since you travel with a case full of different types of batteries/drones

[@88LoneWolf01]

Great video. Do you know how the releases would work for a city shot? As an example you get a shot of a skyline inna city and you see the name of a bank.

[@RollinWithBearman]

Great production quality broski 💪

[@seanfrench1029]

Danny the 'Motion blur' you mentioned at around 04:46, is it the same as speed ramping - accelerating footage for a brief moment to reduce time between two notable features for dramatic effect and to also shorten video clip time a bit? I'm a newbie at editing but I always thought that you had to do this speed-ramping manually during editing.

[@mindsightent]

Great video. But, isn't flying over people illegal, like at concerts or parades. Unless the drone is under a certain weight, like maybe the dji neo?

[@MrJBA79]

If you're making money from flying drones then that is a commercial application, and therefore you'll require a commercial drone license. For commercial missions you need to announce your intentions to other aircraft so you need radio operators license, a code 4 medical exam and your aircraft needs to be registered with the civil aviation authority. Everything else you suggest has to come after those hurdles are mentioned and if not, best advice is moot.

[@MrJBA79]

Consult a LLM before you present your opinion. @silverfox74

[@avianorobc8847]

thanks for posting this tutorial. Great advice.

[@teimelv]

One of the most helpful video i’ve seen. Good tips, thank you 🙏🙏

[@SHANECAIRN]

Hello, Love your work.. With concerts and events how are you aloud to film over crowds?

[@Mcgeee]

If you have a drone that's sub 250g and has prop guards and approval by the venue you can do it

[@MagargeeFilms]

What do you charge for a hotel FPV fly through?

[@Mcgeee]

It really depends on the client / pilot - but I usually just charge a day rate.

[@MagargeeFilms]

@@Mcgeee which would be. . . .? and how long is the video? do you offer different version / resizes?

[@Standwell_sd]

Do you have any legitimate stores to purchase some used drones since the brand-new ones are of higher price for beginners

[@GabeHerringten]

How many hours per month do you have to dedicate to finding clients and doing the work to make that 3,500?

[@carlhenricprestor975]

Hey! Nice video. How do you achive that effect with the motion blur on the drone footage? I guess you're using speed ramp, but I can't find any similar way with the blur in the motion array library.

[@miguel312000]

Thanks for sharing so much info with us. Its not every day that someone willingly makes them selfe some competition cacause thay want the industrie to grow and share there passion.

[@Mcgeee]

The industry is huge and there’s room for everyone 🤘🏽

[@triadmotion8113]

But what about the regulations? Do you have a A2 permet? For example it is forbidden to fly where alot of people are like events

[@marvinhamm]

would love to get the template.. thanks!

[@negueba235689]

In my country you need a drone licence and a lot of approved fligth checks before your allowed to fly at all. It all cost, so no simple in my country,

[@ATRLetsTalkAboutIt]

may I ask what the search name of that motion blur template is that you used for the hotel shot

[@allenmcgeemovies7084]

Amazing video Mcgee. Mcgee's must like drones and making videos 😅

[@tommygraham1990]

If you’re flying a mini 4 over people under part 107, do you legally have to have propeller guards?

[@autumnesc]

How much was it to get your 107 tho? And where does one even practice for that, that won't charge $300 plus to study

[@dylanferrara]

Awesome video! I was just wondering how much you would charge for an FPV fly through if you were local/ not staying abroad? Thank-you in advance :)

[@TikiManHD]

What is the Motionblur pullback effect called that you are using?

[@dustinbjohnson]

Great video man. Can you recommend good fpv goggles for the mini 4 pro?

[@Jaximillion1]

This was incredibly valuable to me, thank you.

[@HasmulaBToxic]

20000 the past few years yet the banner said $3500 a month, click bait titles SMH

[@ki_cobain7028]

You’re not that bright I see

[@dondraperbeats]

Do you need help with the math, or the business side?

[@ChaseDaPlaya]

You can’t be serious. He probably has made up to 3500 a month but doesn’t go above and beyond and made 20k hence why he said passively

[@HasmulaBToxic]

@@ki_cobain7028 your mom thinks I’m bright in the night

[@HasmulaBToxic]

@@dondraperbeats sure, maybe your mom can tutor me

[@bonkoo5978]

Which drone is best for 1st time drone user?

[@tradeyep]

you fly without license ? In Europe, license and flight autorization is needed everytime.

[@meotyda]

Cool dude, love what you are making

[@TheAreny23]

Quick question: Flying in cities, doesn´t that require permissions of some sorts as well for insurance?

[@dronetheworld4k67]

How do u fitch hotels ? I mean what dept do u reach ? If u walk into the reception they will tell u ok plz give me ur card and u will never hear back from them ?

[@Klaudden]

Beyond merely flying, filming, and photography, there is a considerable amount of preparation involved. Securing a flight window requires extensive planning. Particularly in urban environments, obtaining various approvals well in advance is essential. Additionally, the drone must be insured.

[@extremeboatdockingmedia]

Dji mini is not legal for flights over people in the US. I don’t know anywhere those dji drones are legal for OOP.

[@JFKHSLibrary]

Recommendations on where to list stock video?

[@tcheid]

Do you experience instability with the avata with the GoPro? I can not get my avata to not shake like crazy with a GoPro mounted. I have the mount that is supposed to stop that by mounting to the frame, I’ve also tried an adhesive mount further back, but nothing stops the wobble

[@Mcgeee]

@@tcheid what GoPro settings are you using? And are you using Reelsteady?

[@tcheid]

@@Mcgeee I’m not even talking in the footage. The drone itself is all over the place. I turned on rocksteady and most of the wobble was taken away in the avata video, but was just curious if you were experiencing the same thing physically with your avata

[@YOKokob]

Is black bocks legit if so I might fly over seas and get so rare footage

[@docnash_]

Can you use a drone as a regular camera so I don't have to have two cameras?

[@hitmakerzmedia]

Great video brother! Always enjoy your content! 🥳

[@Mcgeee]

I appreciate that!

[@brugii]

Dude this video is great thanks for the helpful tips!

[@Marco-xr2yy]

Question! Which drone is the best to start making money with? I'm affraid to spend so much money :/

[@pcaffeldt]

Thanks for this video ! Great info

[@FrederiQQ]

Where could one start selling stock footage?

[@DanielMelendez-uf9wl]

How does someone find work doing this? I got my UAS license a little while back but don’t know where to locate jobs.

[@Brandnewflix]

can you drop a script for sending out cold call emails if we already have experience in real estate with a drone so we can start getting paid

[@RapidoRafi-MTB]

Would Instagram be a great place to run a portfolio?

[@Mcgeee]

Yep!

[@dsmembereddreams]

The origin of the idiom 'beating around the bush' is associated with hunting. In medieval times, hunters hired men to beat the area around bushes with sticks in order to flush out game taking cover underneath.

[@Mcgeee]

You’re amazing

[@dsmembereddreams]

​@Mcgeee no, you are. You've given people some amazing information that could potentially be life changing if they find the right clientele. Personally, I'm going to be looking in to getting my Part 107 so I can give this a shot!

[@gplank2003]

Beating around the bush: means someone that can’t get to the point when trying to tell you something.

[@DavidGonzalez-jj9lh]

Great content anything like black box global but for photos?

[@qamacito]

can fpv work with real estate ?