How to Start a Balloon Aerial Photography Business
Balloon aerial photography is an excellent way to capture low-level photographs from the ground up to 1,000 feet above the ground. Starting a balloon aerial photography business requires developing a business plan that identifies who your clients will be, determining what your coverage area will be, learning what type of equipment you will need, and deciding how you will market your services and how you will finance your new business.
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Instructions
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Identify your clients. They might include real estate agents, construction general contractors and property managers. Limit the types of clients to those you are most familiar with. For instance if you have worked in construction, seek out your contacts and network with them to identify those individuals who use aerial photographs in their work.
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Select your coverage area. Balloon aerial photography requires you to transport your equipment to the site where you will do your photography. To improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of your operations, you should pick a manageable radius from your home or office to offer your services.
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Select the equipment you will use. You'll need a camera system that has a good balance between quality and weight. Your camera will need to be suspended by a balloon, so the heavier the camera is, the larger your balloon will need to be. See the link below to compare several options of balloon camera systems.
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Create a website. Web-based marketing is one of the lowest cost ways to spread the word about your new business. You will want to be sure to include sample photos taken from your balloon aerial photography platform.
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Market your business through networking. After identifying your target clients, spread the word to people you know about your new business, and have them visit your website. Phone calls along with follow up emails with your contact info and web address are the most effective ways to stay at the top of your clients' minds and increase the chance they will call you for their aerial photography needs.
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Select other marketing strategies. Pay-per-click advertising, print ads in publications targeted to your clients and exhibiting at trade shows relevant to your clients are other effective ways to spread the word about your balloon aerial photography business.
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Secure financing. Options include financing the business yourself with money saved or through credit provided by a home equity loan, business credit cards or a business loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers assistance in finding financing options. See the SBA Financial Assistance link below for more information.
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Tips & Warnings
Seek out the assistance of other experienced balloon aerial photographers. Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) International is a large trade group that has members around the world.
Check airspace restrictions that could affect your ability to deploy a balloon for aerial photography in your proposed coverage area.
References
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Great Idea
