How Much Money Do FPV Pilots Make??

How much should you charge for FPV videography? How much do FPV pilots get paid? I'm not an expert, but here's my experience so far.
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[@MattPochwat]

Whoops. Looks like I have a "missing file" in the middle of the video. It's all good, I'm keeping the video up!

[@matthew1727b]

I literally thought that was part of the video! Don’t loose your files

[@Noah_7s]

It happens

[@Ryet9]

gonna affect your day rate 🤣 ...thought it was deliberate

[@elishahodgson1635]

Hey Matt, You got into FPV from a cinematography and photography background but loads of others like me come from a background of model aircraft and making stuff in general. We never learned how to use the settings of a GoPro. Could you do a fpv centered GoPro tutorial video please? That would be really helpful. Thanks

[@michaelmuir4039]

All good here Super Great Video

[@clifffield1]

The problem with working for free, in my opinion, is two-fold. 1. People will expect you to work for free in future ("but you didn't charge ClientX, why are you wanting to charge us?"). 2. You will likely be over-looked when a company does have a budget. I have done work for organisations for free previously - which they have told me they were very happy with. Then, when they suddenly have some budget for some more work, they go elsewhere to a 'professional' company (because I am not seen as professional because I "work for free"). My life is way better now that I get paid for things I enjoy doing and don't put a lot of effort in for no reward. Photographers, filmakers, artists, musicians all have this issue. None of us should be working for free. My two cents worth. Thanks Matt.

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks for the message Cliff! That's an interesting perspective.

[@joelstolarski2244]

Yeah. Don't do it anymore. I did some work on commercials in Sofla. Lucky breaks, low pay on some. But always got money. No tickee- no washee. Too many a-holes want for free. Free doesn't put gas in your car, or buy food. Free work means you're a chump. Screw portfolio. Doesn't do a thing. Connections, are all that matter. Brutal truth of how things are. ..but I'm an artiste...you might think.

[@mike73miller]

You do a free job to prove you can do something that isn't already on your resume.

[@BossTalkProductions]

To be fair you don't have to tell client Y that you didn't charge client X unless its such a small industry that they all talk to each other. And yeah once you do free work for client X to build your reel or for experience you probably shouldn't expect them to pay you next time so look for different clients

[@luckyfpv323]

Spot on, "do it for free you'll get tons of exposure." Hahahaha.

[@BOTGRINDER]

Fantastic video man!

[@damianomotta1809]

Hello there!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks man!

[@PerfectlyNormalHumans]

One of the things I used to use a lot when I was building a portfolio was that I'd agree to write people an invoice for the "aspirational" or "fair" amount that I want or would expect to be paid (eg what the work is actually worth at a fair market value), then I'd apply a "discount" on the invoice to bring it down to a nominal fee (eg cover my costs) or even completely discount it to free. But that way the client is seeing and agreeing to what I feel I am worth, thus validating it to some extent, while still freeing me to offer them services at a lower cost. This way if I get repeat business from the client I have better leverage to incrementally bump up the actual paid fee, and as I gained additional new clients I would just offer less and less of a discount until I was charging a fair and competitive market rate. In my experience this works well for any freelance work and I have used it in some capacity for the last 25 years to great effect.

[@villadseskesen]

That makes so much sense, I'll try to remember that, thank you One question. Did you create a media company for yourself that you market yourself in and do taxes/invoices in?

[@lnytb]

Love this

[@pikachua6449]

This is so on point. Really needed this info. Thanks for this Matt!

[@ClarkDroneFilms]

Great video :) I remember reaching out to you and asking a similar question a while ago. Everyone always says not to, but I've settled on an hourly rate of £150 for now. Comes out to roughly the same (half)/day rate as others but most of my small business shoots that I've done only end up being 2 hours, and for example I have a gig coming up where a guy wants me to film him cutting down a tree. Which will probably be 1 hour. So, hourly rate for now until + I will maybe develop some packages if I niche down to tours of one industry. Commercial fpv is so exciting to me as there is such a big market for all of us. I implore everyone here to start and make a killing :)

[@esclif3]

the best realistic and honest opinion i found on youtube. you rock mate!!

[@nickcormode]

Dude. i started watching you shortly after you started fpv with something like 2k subs. watching you grow into fpv and starting paid work is truly amazing. been into FPV for a while and just starting doing paid work, this video helped.

[@bryanmineo7303]

You make many great points in regards to content use/ trade- off in value. Great video!! Thanks very much for your research 👍

[@UghThemBiscuits]

So glad I came across this video. Just recently got into FPV flying within the last year. Still brushing up on my skills. But honestly had no idea where to start to get some kind of following. Thank you so much for all the informative information. New subscriber here. Keep up the amazing work.

[@92Cinema]

Solid advice! Thanks man🤘🏼

[@JaroslavBengl]

Very useful insights, thanks so much for sharing! ⭐️👍🏻

[@seewell8168]

Very pragmatic approach, well done 👍. I do bits of work here in Calgary for $500/ day for raw footage but it’s not my day job so quite sporadic. When I first started I did work for non-profit organizations where my work was considered a donation. It let me get started and the groups I did the work for were extremely appreciative of even my I initial attempts. Plus it helps make your tax return a bit nicer.

[@flipfpv4539]

Great content as always Matt 👍

[@thedroneguytoronto]

Great video Matt, for someone new and trying to come up this is VITAL info 👊🏿

[@ze33ed]

Thanks for sharing Matt..this is useful

[@olegdiagilev-jb3jn]

Thanks a lot!! Great video.👌

[@RyanKao]

Loving the content Matt! Keep it up

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks my dude. Huge fan of your work too!

[@RedCornStudios]

I think your approach is spot on. This is the approach a lot of photographers take to get their start in the photo world.

[@piotrnowak6407]

Very helpful, thanks Matt

[@brandon4681]

Thanks for all the advice you’ve helped me a lot!

[@MattPochwat]

Glad it helped!

[@nozty]

I work in film and got into fpv at the start of the pandemic. Got into racing but now I'm hooked. Still hoping one day use my skills in production projects. ☺Thank you so much fo this type of content.

[@lucasbrams212]

thanks for this video bro learned a lot.

[@whoopsquad]

You’re the man!!!! Thanks for the amazing content!!!

[@MattPochwat]

Glad you like it!

[@glennmowatt2300]

Great video Matt🤘🎬

[@antoinedeschenes4798]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@MattPochwat]

Glad you like it!

[@roystevenson9632]

Thanks Matt. I have done a few free shoots to get the experience and now lean towards a “pay what you think it’s worth” type of deal as I am not sure of what I will come up with for the location and my editing is still a work in progress!

[@nickfishing13]

Awesome video keep it up!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks!

[@Ender_FPV]

Thank you for your honesty

[@nextlevel_fpv]

Such a fulfilling video for me. I have had these questions but never really asked anyone and this video answered them all for me. I have been flying FPV for a year now but I have been doing paid gigs with my DJI Mavic for almost 3 years. I'm just starting to get requests for FPV shots and I really didn't know what to charge in comparison to my DJI Mavic jobs which were mainly photography jobs. Thanks for the info bro! It really helped me!

[@PerceptionFPV]

Hey I just wanted to ask how exactly you get clients like do you message them or do you just have a portfolio and people approach you I’m kinda struggling finding clients I’m confident in my ability and my experience but I’m not sure how to find clients because I never done such jobs before

[@mike73miller]

This is good advice that could be applied to basically any type of creative work.

[@dannynguyen123]

The fact you talked about the niches is so true I started doing fly throughs and one take of real estate and business but its not as fun as I thought it be Actions sports is the way I like to head and really explore that as I am a adrenaline thrill seeker myself so being able to capture those moments in FPV is just words I can't describe Free work to create some sort of proof of concept to build your portfolio makes sense for me but I like the idea of also getting paid for your service and if money cant be part of the deal offering stuff in compensate make sense for equal value There certain companies I worked with before that didn't pay and wouldn't even offer something worth while but being able to shoot that would be a big win in the books in terms of boosting your career but I wish I got paid for it instead What do you think about working and being tagged in bigger companies in post and be given credit instead of payment or other forms of payments? This is something I think about a lot too but, I think we can all agree being paid is the best option lol

[@holymangoes1011]

How do you only have 32k subs like I've been following for a year now and love every video!

[@damianomotta1809]

Woha, intresting topic 👍

[@hotchihuahua1546]

You have to start somewhere . For me in its infancy it was a web page someone created for me . I had already established a reputation for quality work and needed to expand my business . This opens up a whole new world to sell your skills . It’s your business and I wish you the best .

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Great video. I like your filming style. That hotel video is cool. It makes me want to go there. Glad you're getting paid, even in steaks :-)

[@MattPochwat]

Lots of steaks.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@MattPochwat and such a high quality business, great to have it in your portfolio. You'll go far.

[@h2o-fpv623]

wow my broher his is a great video very interesting thank u .

[@rickmagnell]

Thanks for the video! I was hoping to have my FPV kit together last year but I ended up buying a bunch of other gear for client projects. Just ordered the drone today, got the controller last year.... now to get the goggles. Looking forward to adding this to my services.... once I get good.

[@MattPochwat]

It takes a bit of time to get the hang of it. Definitely not a smooth transition from photography drones. Worth it though!

[@jkljkl6]

Spend a LOT of time on the FPV sims. They're worth their weight in gold (gold = replacement drone parts)

[@rickmagnell]

@@jkljkl6 haha! I bet, I ordered some spare parts but I’m sure there will be more.

[@wakingdreamfpv]

This was so helpful! Thanks! WhAt about doing a rouge video shoot and giving it the client after the fact😏

[@starlinater10]

Thanks Matt for this video. Very helpful and lots of insight on how far one can take this incredible hobby. Keep up the great work. You're a good dude.

[@RealEstateTorontoPhotography]

08:28 - "Missing File" ;) - You killing me Anyway, great video, as usual, thank you for your honest opinion!

[@kylepenner]

Great video. I've watched a couple videos from you and they were really helpful. (yes I did subscribe) I'm hoping to buy an fpv drone in the future but right now I just don't have the money to spend on all the equipment.

[@MattPochwat]

Starting with a good controller and practicing in a sim is a great way to get started with the least investment up front!

[@T1Ledlie]

What Matt said. If you already have Minecraft Java and an Xbox/Playstation controller, you can just download a mod and get a feel for it without having to spend any money.

[@thfpv4974]

Great video 📹 I always wondered how much people made flying quadcopters ..🙏

[@BossTalkProductions]

Another thing to consider is doing work for cheap vs doing it for free. While some people would thing charging something is better than nothing I personally would rather do a job for free than for low budget or cheap because you have full creative control and no financial obligation to the client

[@DodgyDaveGTX]

I'm an illustrator/designer first and foremost and this was genuinely good advice in general

[@AnotherCameraChannel]

That missing file clip almost seemed intentional 😂

[@Flyby_Magee]

Someone recently told me to ask a company what their budget is for a project. I can see that helping to still gain the experience while getting paid.

[@thoughtprovokingmedia9290]

It’s true that you are devaluing the industry but yet you do have a point on the newbie pilot side. Where I do business there are so many part time photographers that are good but not great doing things for free I feel the devaluing market first hand! Makes it thought for all the professionals in the market especially since it hard for client to quantify the value gap!

[@stevefines1887]

Thanks for posting that. Very thoughtful, and your South Korea situation was unique. Seems as though you could have just written the contract so you weren’t paid until back in Canada? I see working for free as so negative for the artistic community. I’m 20+ years into a photo business and am not really affected as much by having regular clients, but for people trying to get into the industry and earn a living I imagine “free” work done for “exposure” by others would be pretty crushing. I always try and charge a little (or a fair bit) more than my competitors. It is a basic human cognitive bias that people associate higher prices with better quality, whether clothing, wine or photos. And, of course, I try to deliver better photos.

[@shadowsan87]

Interessting topic and great video as always. It's like you read my mind because I'm playing with that exact ideas recently... am I good enough... should i try 2-3 gigs for free... should I just do it to live my dream or throw it away... a lot of questions. Thanks for your work here man. It will help me with decisions like your videos helped me to get into FPV 1 year ago.

[@MattPochwat]

The bottom line is... you just gotta try. You'll be disappointed if you don't.

[@elishahodgson1635]

Hey Matt, You got into FPV from a cinematography and photography background but loads of others like me come from a background of model aircraft and making stuff in general. We never learned how to use the settings of a GoPro. Could you do a fpv centered GoPro tutorial video please? That would be really helpful. Thanks

[@velkrofpv6654]

Yes please! That would be very helpful

[@SantaKask]

Fortunately for you, GoPro is on the low end of camera complexity. I started out in videography with gopros too and man, those were good simpler times. Every little thing I learned about videography in relation to gopros was FUN and exciting, digestible small info pieces. But now in the full frame camera league, things can be tedious. And expensive. It is not fun and games anymore.

[@SV-ei6sc]

Loam ranger has a great video on this!

[@AIRWOLF]

Pretty spot on.

[@jandre.]

I just got Corona so i will watch your videos a lot haha🤣

[@its_Savian]

great video man!.. this is what i need. i had my first client a school wanna pay me but i Don't know how much. instead i did it for free haha. and enjoyed it! free snacks! 😆

[@RGMGFitness]

Good topic. I know “ummagawd” just booked a gig with Discovery Channel for Deadliest Catch. 😳. Don’t know how he’s going to pull that one off. Winds, 🥶 cold, seas. Yikes!

[@sheapyfpv8224]

Top man 👍

[@Marc-io6pv]

I get it, like early on as you need content. Not just content, but access which is important for flying drones. For eg I've flown round my local racetrack. Didn't get too close and there were no cars. It was more a landmark video. So I didn't/couldn't get the best of shots and I also never published it anyway as the track owners might have got pissy with me. Now would they pay a random guy money for a video they didn't even think about... But for free they might & you get more from it than just cash imho.

[@setterfpv]

I’m in this same boat of wondering what people would charge. I haven’t done any gigs yet but building a reel of cinematic videos on my socials. Ive been wanting to go offer a free gig or two for my personal reel that would look good for potential paid jobs in the future.

[@BrianWoodwardFPV]

What type of Facebook groups did you post about being able to do videography. I want to copy and past what you said (especially about action shots/sports) but I’m not sure what type of groups have that customer base?

[@dcwagstaff9002]

Could you advise me on what goggles would be best suited for the hero 11 mini please.

[@MrMidouCa]

I agree with you, found a group of people playing games proposed to film for free, they liked my job and each time they want to do events they hire me, m way below the 800dollars but m building a content and learning a lot. Greetings from montreal,Canada

[@areldcookie5581]

I feel like any experienced hobbyist of any RC is qualified to get paid since they know more than ppl who learn just to get a job with it. Youre 100% qualified dude !!

[@cristinsherlock346]

Would you prefer to show clients DJI recordings than Analog recordings?

[@AndyTeraFPV]

It is easy to work for free in FPV because it is fun. From one side it is advantage because you have more patient and desire to create interesting content, from other side it is disadvantage - because pilots agree to work for low payment - just give them the opportunity to fly and capture interesting things. In regular drones the prices much higher (especially with enterprises) - I think because it deals with more technical issues and licensing (Drone operators see themselves as unique specialists). My opinion and a little bit of own experience.

[@DaeDexShadowHeart]

Be teal careful in the States if you are not licensed you can not accept any kind of payment, not even food or lodging or any kind of exchange of goods.

[@SKYZOANE1004]

Well, I am one of those pilots in South Korea, let me know when you have another chance to revisit here South Korea :)

[@Abulho]

Do video on which computer to get mac or windows?

[@LZRFPV]

Hey dude! Awesome video. I need to step up my story telling and videography game. Trying to get on your level! Whats your filming set up?

[@MattPochwat]

I recently upgraded to the A7S3. Godox sl60w light and rode videomic pro

[@LZRFPV]

@@MattPochwat thanks man. Keep up the great work!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks man, I'll check out your channel too!

[@KLNYC]

Good video bro.. Just like Umagawd did with Discovery Channel Deadliest Catch. I wonder how he gets paid?

[@chantryholdman3720]

Agreed to do some free, but getting paid is the goal. There are very few projects i will fly for free, mostly due to personal passion. If working for production companies about 250/hr if only handing off footage. Full video production much much more.

[@thisisfromage]

As a professional photographer, I would not work for free as it devalues your work. If there's a discount provided, it's because the scope of the work has changed or there is some internal extra that you're heading (Which you mentioned, Matt - i.e. free meals, a stay, etc.). The only other cases where I may potentially do a free thing is if they've been consistently strong booking clients year to year and have a track record and you want to reward them for being your loyal customer... then some consideration could be given (I may discount, but not free). OR it's for a worthy humanitarian cause.

[@michaelm9962]

Im hoping do do this when I get better.

[@MattPochwat]

You should!

[@h-dawg969]

When you’re doing indoor shots do you fly in angle mode?

[@MrSabram07]

I have an offer to make a social media video for a car dealership near me and was looking for some content I'm making the videos. Can you make a video or link me to one that kind of shows behind the scenes of how these fly through videos are made? Thanks and great videos

[@DigitalArtisan77]

Its an artist role not an expert role, that means anyone can do it and you need only build a portfolio to prove your skills.

[@Booster388]

i wrok for free for the monster truck team im with it cool and it help me big time

[@RosserNFT]

I just order my DJI FPV, Really looking forward to making $$$ from this hobby after I get my FAA cert, i would do it for free as well just for the exp and build a portfolio.

[@Phuong.Nguyen-]

Absolutely amazing video with very good contents of introduction, thanks for sharing, i got another newly uploaded video too, hope u enjoy :)

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dah_J]

What drone do you use for indoor flying?

[@chriz95.9z3]

do an in depth mobula 6

[@RyanStonedonCanadianGaming]

In some countries (like Canada) you can't legally fly for someone for money unless your a licensed pilot. So in a way I can see a loophole of getting around this by doing it for free and with the owners of the properties permission. As long as its not commercial work.

[@SchmityFPV]

Donations only 😅

[@LKVisualsCalgary]

You can't fly a drone over 250g in Canada without a pilot's certificate period. Whether it's a commercial flight or not is irrelevant

[@pornzi]

Depending on event and post work $100-150 NZD Per hour. work out cheaper deal on a day rate.

[@ravinespeak3796]

Dude your vid’s are (almost) as high quality as Peter mickinnon!

[@MattPochwat]

bro stop... I wish.

[@ravinespeak3796]

No I’m serious the lighting and editing is amazing!

[@krum81]

I did Sales for a company and started doing Free video and social for that company for 1 year. Now they pay me $2000 a month consistently on top of my sales income , I’ve since started a side business and it earned me 3 other companies that now pay me also . All while working full time .

[@user-nt3dn4lk9y]

which country bro ? can i see ur portfolio ?

[@TRITONFPV]

Question please. If there is no monetary exchange between the two clients, does one still have to have a Part 107?

[@joelstolarski2244]

Yeah, that's a good question.

[@fastpenguin]

I doubt it because at that point it's no different than just flying with a friend and giving them the footage

[@meechcreativellc]

Yes, they do. The ruling is "in furtherance of a business". No exchanging of fees, money, trade, etc. exempts one from this. As long as the recipient is benefiting...it is considered commercial.

[@romkovalevsky]

were my questions about pilot profile promotion deleted? why?

[@IdleWorker]

As a filmworker hearing the question "is it ok to do free work" Im thinking: Is there an option not to do it in the beginning lol?

[@MadDragon75]

I'll have to check the rules but I recall us recreational pilots can't do a specific flight and get paid, but if you already flown a flight and someone asks to buy it after the fact it's legal. Don't quote me on that but you may want to see for yourself because I personally haven't tried it. (For anyone who fits this discussion).

[@MattPochwat]

Yes! You will need a certain level of drone licence in the US and in Canada to do commercial work!

[@MadDragon75]

@@MattPochwat it makes sense since the FAA will consider you commercial once you do a commercial flight whether you took the test or not. I always wondered if it was true but never needed to look it up. Thank you for the correct answer.

[@TheRocco587]

The one issue that I’m battling with in my head is: if I specialize in doing FPV videos, won’t the customer want the same company to do the still photos as well? Just so that the photos and video have the same feel/look to them? How do I coordinate with those companies?

[@leftcritical7352]

if you can fly an fpv drone and take and edit, stabilize footage... you probably can take photos as well.. get a used DSLR and go from there.

[@TheRocco587]

@@leftcritical7352 good point, thanks! 👍

[@MrJasonodonnell]

I was a gigging Musician over a 25 year period, Always set the bar super high, don't dress like a fkn Juggalo, shave, Listen, don't swear, pack your gear to look presentable, wash your car, Be ready and seriously learn to relax. And if your going to do anything skilled for free make damn well sure you have an fair excuse to do it, both for yourself and your customer.

[@cinialvespow1054]

Guess I'm building/ buying a cinelifter 😌😅

[@colinmetzger6755]

When asking "How much is this going to cost me?" It's very important to value your time. If you're going to be putting in 40 hours of work for free, but you could instead be doing different work for 25 dollars an hour, you're really spending 1000 dollars of your time on the free gig.

[@FlyingBuzzard]

I have spent a lot of money on FPV...have not made any while doing it.... I fly for FUN, not profit

[@miquelmarti6537]

Free services attract low quality clients. Also the good clients expecting pro results are willing to pay, because if you are not doing it for a living it's probably not that good. Also the more money you ask for, given that you fulfill clients expectations, the more prone they will be to recommend you to others. It's psicology 101. If you have to do it, it's better if you give a bill with 100% discount. At least they will know what you are worth. Otherwise it's just playing the bad marketing on yourself.

[@mew92595]

Wowowowow

[@janezhitori6203]

My personal thoughts on free or no free: I would rather do free video then almost for free. These almost for free filmmakers actually destroying industry and not freebies.

[@qvalfilmstudio1048]

damn 14 min just to know 1 unswer on 1 quation :DDDDDD

[@brettschuller1863]

If you want to make money doing something, never work for free. Always get some form of compensation. Internships are a scam and cash is king.

[@madladdan]

Do you need a commercial drone license in Canada?

[@MattPochwat]

Yes there are two levels of drone licenses in Canada. Basic operations which is slightly limiting and Advanced which allows you to fly a bit closer to people and in controlled airspace with pre-approved permission

[@madladdan]

@@MattPochwat Ah cool. Is it quite expensive there because here in SA its quite a lot

[@antonlianpascua5099]

What cinewhoop are you currently using?

[@MattPochwat]

I'm using the Cinelog 25 and Cinelog 35

[@zacktalal8702]

@@MattPochwat so have u rid of protekt35?

[@MattPochwat]

@@zacktalal8702 Nope, it's in my thumbnail image! I still have it as a backup but I use the cinelog as my primary.