New Website Emerges

As our focus shifts to aerial photography, we have developed several models that look at many aspects of the viability of aerial photography as business. In these pages, we hope to bring the latest news of opportunities, technologies and aspects of aerial photography that may be interest to both professional and amateur photographers. In our research, we have found that there are many different approaches to aerial photography as a business or a hobby. Of course, the first consideration must be the ability to pilot an aircraft while simultaneously taking photographs. And, that implies possession of a pilot's license.

Some of the distinguishing aspects of the type of photography that will be investigated revolve around the purpose of the photography: professional or hobby.  As determined by the FAA, photography for professional purposes requires a commercial pilot's license, where hobbyist photography can be undertaken with a private pilot's license.

Then there's the IRS.  What constitutes a professional enterprise? What is regarded as a hobby for business purposes? While these may seem intuitive, there are many fine lines that must be considered when starting out as, or graduating to, a professional level.

Finally, there is the Department of Homeland Security, TSA and FAA, who have taken very positive control of the airspace used for aerial photography. Open range, free space photography is one thing.  Flight over, around or near large metropolitan areas is completely another.

Return often for more information as we find the answers.

Light Sport Aircraft

Of great interest to professional aerial photographers is the use of light sport aircraft (LSA) in pursuit of the perfect photo. Dr. John Latta, President, 4th Wave, Inc., has done extensive research on the subject. He presented is findings at two different meetings of the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA).

At the PAPA International Symposium, September 24, 2005, Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Latta discussed the recent introduction of Light Sport Aircraft into the American aviation scene.  He viewed it as providing opportunities never before considered feasible due to the smaller expense of acquiring and operating an LSA in a business environment. He addressed the feasibility of using Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) for professional aerial photography. In his Power Point presentation, He investigated FAA regulations, ASTM Standards for LSA modification, aircraft characteristics and an aerial photography business model predicated on an LSA photographic platform.

The presentation also included photographs taken at the Air Venture Show in Oshkosh, WI, in June 2005. It can be found at Light Sport Aircraft. It is a nominal pdf file that will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

PAPA International Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida, February 23 -25, 2006, Dr. Latta presented a topical update at the PAPA International Symposium on recent findings in studying the use of light sport aircraft for automated professional aerial photography. It can be found at LSA and More. This is a large pdf file that will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. A broadband connection is recommended for a timely download.