How to Hire a Drone Photographer in West Virginia
To hire a commercial drone photographer in West Virginia, look for a pilot with an FAA remote pilot certificate, relevant portfolio work, and a plan for the location. Discuss airspace, site access, weather, deliverables, and licensing before you book. A certificate alone doesn’t guarantee a flight can happen at every site.
Check the pilot’s credentials
Commercial drone work in the United States commonly operates under the FAA’s Part 107 rules. A remote pilot certificate shows that the pilot has met the FAA’s certification requirements for those operations. Ask to see the pilot’s certificate and discuss whether the proposed work fits their experience.
I’m Kurt Schachner of Wildhare Media, based in Pocahontas County. I hold an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate and offer commercial drone photography and video for properties, destinations, and businesses across West Virginia.
The FAA’s commercial drone operator resources explain the rules and requirements in more detail.
Confirm where the drone can fly
Airspace and land access are separate questions. A pilot may need FAA authorization for a flight in controlled airspace, and the owner or land manager may have separate rules for access or drone operations.
The FAA explains how Part 107 pilots request airspace authorization. Some requests can use LAANC, while others need additional review. Neither a map nor an expected approval is a substitute for an actual authorization when one is required.
Rules also vary by location. For example, the National Park Service restricts launching, landing, and operating drones on lands and waters it administers, with limited exceptions. Ask the relevant land manager about the specific site instead of assuming the same rules apply everywhere.
Match the flight to the job
The right aerial coverage depends on what you need the files to show. A property listing may need a few stills; a destination campaign may need ground photography, aerial views, and video across multiple locations.
Project | Useful questions to ask |
|---|---|
Property listing | Are aerial stills enough, or do you also need interior coverage? |
Destination campaign | Which locations and activities matter most? Are ground photos needed too? |
Business or land project | What site details and progress views need to be documented? |
Video | Do you need short clips, a finished edit, or both? |
Multi-location work | How much travel and flight time does the schedule allow? |
At Wildhare Media, property aerials and larger campaign projects are scoped differently. See the aerial services page and ask for a quote if your project includes multiple sites or ground coverage.
Discuss weather, access, and backup plans
Wind, rain, visibility, and site conditions can affect a flight. Trees, power lines, nearby activity, or temporary restrictions may also change what is safe or permitted on the day.
Share the exact location and any access information early. For a time-sensitive project, discuss whether the schedule allows an alternate flight window and what happens if aerial coverage cannot take place.
Agree on files, licensing, and delivery
Tell your photographer where the images will appear: a property listing, a website, paid ads, a visitor guide, or partner materials. Ask what’s included in the license, whether video will be edited, and when the files will be ready.
Aerial photos, raw video clips, and a finished video are different deliverables. Put the agreed scope and delivery date in the quote or contract.
Frequently asked questions
Does a commercial drone photographer need a Part 107 certificate?
For work conducted under the FAA’s Part 107 rules, the remote pilot must hold the appropriate FAA certificate. Ask your pilot how the proposed operation will be conducted.
Can a Part 107 pilot fly anywhere in West Virginia?
No. Airspace requirements, temporary restrictions, land-manager rules, weather, and site conditions can affect a flight.
Can I book drone photos without a ground photography package?
Yes. Wildhare Media offers standalone property aerial photography. Larger or more complex aerial projects are quoted to match the brief.
Can I add drone coverage to a tourism or commercial shoot?
Yes, when the location, conditions, and project scope allow it. Mention aerials when you request a quote so flight planning can be part of the schedule.
How long does delivery take?
It depends on the scope and whether the project includes stills, video, or both. Share your deadline before booking so we can agree on a delivery timeline.
Explore Wildhare Media’s aerial services or send the location and project details for a quote.