How to Build a Drone Photography Portfolio That Gets You Hired
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
So, you’ve got your drone license, and you’re eager to start making money by capturing stunning aerial shots. But here’s the thing: In the world of drone photography, your portfolio is your calling card. It’s what gets you hired, what shows off your skills, and what convinces clients that you’re the professional they need. But how do you actually go about building one that stands out?
Well, let me break it down for you. As a drone business owner who’s been in the game for a while, I’ve seen plenty of portfolios come and go, and I’ve learned exactly what works. Here’s your guide to creating a drone photography portfolio that gets you hired, fast.
1. Showcase Your Best Work (Quality Over Quantity)
I know, I know—you probably have hundreds (if not thousands) of photos that you’ve snapped with your drone. But here’s the key: don’t overload your portfolio with everything you’ve ever taken. Instead, choose only the best—those photos that truly showcase your skill. Think about it: If you were hiring a drone photographer, you’d want to see the photos that shine, not everything in your camera roll.
Tip: Stick to a handful of high-quality images that highlight your strengths, whether that’s sweeping landscapes, event photography, or detailed architectural shots.
2. Organize Your Portfolio by Niche
Drone photography covers a lot of ground. Are you into wedding photography? Real estate? Agriculture? Events? Or maybe you’re focused on something unique like aerial cinematography for films or construction inspections.
The best way to showcase your versatility is to break your portfolio into specific sections based on the types of drone photography you do. Let’s say you want to focus on weddings and real estate:
Section 1: Wedding Drone Photography – Show off those breathtaking aerial shots of the bride and groom or sweeping views of the venue.
Section 2: Real Estate Aerials – Offer potential clients a look at your ability to make properties look as impressive from above as they do on the ground.
Clients love to see that you specialize, and organizing your portfolio by niche helps them immediately understand your expertise.
3. Use Your Portfolio to Tell a Story
Great photos capture more than just an image—they tell a story. And in your portfolio, each shot should do just that. Whether you’re photographing a wedding or an urban skyline, let your photos communicate the mood and feeling of the moment.
For example, if you’re showing wedding photos, your portfolio could have images that tell the story of the couple’s big day from the sky: the ceremony, the reception, the newlyweds in a romantic shot, and guests having a great time. Each photo should be part of a cohesive narrative that paints a picture for potential clients.
Pro Tip: Add captions or descriptions to your photos. This gives context to what you were trying to capture—perfect for people unfamiliar with drone photography who might need a little extra explanation.
4. Highlight Different Angles and Techniques
As a drone photographer, one of your biggest advantages is your ability to capture unique perspectives that regular photographers can’t. Don’t be afraid to showcase aerial shots at different angles, heights, and times of the day. The more variety you have in your portfolio, the better.
Consider showing:
A low, sweeping shot of a scenic landscape.
A high, panoramic shot of a cityscape.
Close-up, detailed shots for real estate.
Shots taken during different lighting conditions (sunset, sunrise, golden hour, etc.).
Clients love seeing what you can do with lighting, angles, and composition. Show that you can think creatively and capture a wide range of shots.
5. Keep It Professional and Easy to Navigate
Okay, so your drone photography is on point, but let’s talk about presentation. You don’t want potential clients to be searching through an unorganized mess to find your best shots. Make sure your website or portfolio platform is:
Clean and simple: Don’t clutter it with too many bells and whistles. Let your photos speak for themselves.
Mobile-friendly: A lot of clients will check your portfolio on their phones, so make sure it looks good on mobile.
Easy to contact: Always have a “Contact” section that’s easy to find.
Pro Tip: Platforms like Behance or Adobe Portfolio make it simple to build a professional portfolio. You can even add a personal touch to your website with a custom domain name, like www.YourNameDronePhotography.com.
6. Include Testimonials and Client Work
One of the best ways to stand out in the competitive drone photography world is to let your clients sing your praises. If you’ve done a shoot for a client, ask them for a testimonial. Positive reviews from satisfied clients go a long way in building trust with future clients.
Tip: If you're just starting out and don’t have many testimonials yet, consider offering a discounted or free shoot in exchange for a review. It’s a win-win.
7. Add Some Behind-the-Scenes Shots
Drone photography isn’t just about the photos you take—it’s also about the process. Adding behind-the-scenes shots can give clients a glimpse into your work process and show that you’re a pro who knows what they’re doing.
Photos of you flying your drone in action.
A picture of you setting up for a shot.
Even a funny blooper or two (people love seeing a human side to a business).
These little personal touches show that you’re not just about the shot—you’re about the experience as well.
8. Keep It Fresh and Updated
The drone industry evolves fast, and your portfolio should too. As you gain new clients, work on more exciting projects, or refine your style, make sure your portfolio reflects those changes. Regularly updating it with new, higher-quality work keeps things fresh and helps you stay relevant.
Final Thoughts
Building a drone photography portfolio is all about showcasing your best work, your unique perspective, and your professionalism. Take the time to curate a portfolio that speaks volumes about your skill and experience, and you’ll start attracting clients who appreciate your craft.
And remember, the sky’s the limit! Whether you’re capturing beautiful weddings or stunning real estate shots, your drone photography portfolio is your chance to show the world just how incredible your work can be.
Ready to take your drone photography career to new heights? Visit us at Raising Drones for tips, tools, and training to help you build a winning portfolio—and start booking clients today!
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