Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our drone aerial photography services.
Yes. Commercial flights are conducted by FAA Part 107-certified remote pilots, and Laughing Gull Aerials carries $2 million in liability insurance coverage
Pricing varies based on the location, flight requirements, time on site, number of photographs or video deliverables, editing, project complexity, and intended usage. We provide a clear quote before every project so you know exactly what is included.
We recommend booking most projects 1-2 weeks in advance. Large events, construction milestones, complex locations, or projects requiring additional flight coordination should be scheduled earlier whenever possible. Need something sooner? Contact us – rush availability may be possible.
Usually we need the project address, intended use of the imagery, desired photographs or video, scheduling requirements, and any relevant site-access information. For commercial or construction locations, we may also coordinate with a site contact before arrival. We will confirm everything needed before the shoot.
Yes. We offer streamlined options for common projects as well as fully customized proposals for larger or specialized assignments. Pricing is based on factors such as location, flight requirements, deliverables, editing, project complexity, and intended usage. Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right approach.
Typical turnaround is 2-3 business days for professionally edited photographs and 5-7 business days for edited video. Larger or more complex projects may require additional time. Rush delivery may be available depending on project scope and scheduling.
You will receive professionally edited, high-resolution photographs and/or finished video files based on the scope of your project, delivered through a private online gallery or download link. RAW or unprocessed files are not included by default and may be available by separate agreement. Usage rights are defined in your proposal or licensing agreement.
Yes. Many projects combine high-resolution aerial photography with cinematic video during the same session. We can recommend the right combination of still images, video clips, and finished edits based on how you plan to use the content.
In many cases, yes. Some locations require FAA airspace authorization or additional planning before a flight can take place. We review the location in advance and determine what approvals or restrictions apply before scheduling the project.
We handle aviation planning and required FAA flight authorizations. The client is typically responsible for providing permission to access or photograph private property and for coordinating access with property owners, site managers, or other responsible parties when necessary. We will identify any special requirements during project planning.
Yes. Night flights can be conducted when FAA requirements, airspace restrictions, and site conditions allow. We closely monitor wind, precipitation, visibility, and other conditions before every flight. If weather, airspace, or safety conditions prevent us from flying, we will work with you to reschedule at no additional charge.
We use professional DJI aerial imaging systems selected for the needs of each project, including the DJI Mavic 4 Pro for high-resolution still photography and cinematic video, along with specialized FPV and 360-degree drones when a project calls for them. Equipment is chosen to match the creative and technical requirements of the assignment.
Yes. Proof of liability insurance and a Certificate of Insurance can be provided when required for commercial properties, construction sites, venues, or other projects. Any special insurance requirements should be discussed during project planning.
Client cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled shoot may be canceled or rescheduled without penalty. Cancellations within 48 hours may be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Weather, airspace, or safety-related rescheduling initiated by Laughing Gull Aerials is handled at no additional charge. Specific terms are included in your project agreement.
Laughing Gull Aerials retains copyright to the imagery unless otherwise agreed in writing. Clients receive usage rights appropriate to the project and intended use, as specified in the project agreement or license. If you need expanded or exclusive usage rights, we can include them in your proposal.
Yes. We can schedule recurring aerial photography and video throughout a construction project to document progress from consistent viewpoints. Scheduling can be arranged weekly, monthly, at key construction milestones, or according to your project’s needs.
The Laughing Gull Aerials Fine Art collection is coming soon. When the store launches, selected aerial photographs will be available as premium fine art prints in a range of sizes and finishes, produced by a professional print partner and shipped directly to you. Join our Preview List to be notified when the collection opens.