Aerial photography has numerous commercial applications, from building inspections to the creation of promotional materials. When your business needs assistance, you'll choose between helicopter and drone photography, both of which offer many unique benefits. This guide explains the differences between the two processes to help you make an informed decision. 

Helicopter Photography

Range and height are two major considerations when researching aerial photography options. Helicopters are the preferred method when you want footage spanning a longer range. Helicopters can remain in the air for several hours before they need refueling, which means they could potentially cover hundreds of miles. In addition, many helicopters can reach between 8,000 and 30,000 feet, which is ideal for high-altitude shots. 

The type of camera equipment the crew is using is another factor to consider. Helicopter load capacity usually ranges between 3,000 and 5,500 pounds, which means they can haul numerous cameras and other types of equipment regardless of their weight. As a result, helicopter photography might be best for producing tourism videos or for civil engineering purposes when it's necessary to cover more ground at a higher altitude. 

Drone Photography

Some areas are too small to be navigated by helicopter. In this case, a drone is ideal thanks to its compact size and maneuverability. Drones can fly under bridges, between trees, and around buildings, and they can also get extremely low to take a more detailed view of structures. They're typically used in projects at elevations of 400 feet or lower. Despite their compact nature, drones are capable of taking high-quality pictures thanks to advances in camera equipment. 

Drone photography is also more affordable, which makes it an attractive option for smaller projects. For example, they can provide a detailed view of a building's roof without the need for ladder work. They're also beneficial for taking dynamic marketing images, such as capturing an entire fleet of commercial vehicles used by a business. 

If you can't decide whether helicopter or drone photography is right for you, let the team at Kentucky Drone Solutions help you make a decision. Based in Georgetown, KY, they offer a wide range of aerial photography services to best suit their customers. They also have experience with diverse projects, including building inspections, media marketing, videography, and more. Visit the website to see a gallery of their work, and call (859) 321-3915 to schedule an appointment.