What are the photography methods that you use?
We can use two different methods to photograph your location depending on your requirements, and the environment at the site.
1) A Telescoping Mast which will lift our camera and remote controlled system from about 10 feet up to 50 feet.
2) A 15 foot tethered Helium Blimp with a remotely controlled camera mount and wireless video down link which can be elevated to over 350 feet
3) A Radio Controlled 6ft long T-Rex 600E Helecopter with custom camera mount and landing gear flown at all times by a licensed, experienced and qualified pilot.
How high can the Blimp or Helicopter go?
Our Blimp and Helicopter are limited by the FAA to no more than 400 feet or about 40 story's high. Of course safety is another area of concern for the pilot in charge. any overhanging items such as trees, buildings, or wires may limit the working height.
How do you know when to take the picture?
We use a wireless, remote control live video transmitter that sends the picture down to a monitor on the ground allowing us to see just what the camera sees in real time.
What kind of camera equipment do you use to take the aerial photos?
We use the Canon 40D 10.1 MegaPixel digital camera on our Blimp and on our Mast as well.
Our Helicopter uses the Canon Rebel XTI and a Sony HD video camera
How long can the Blimp or Helicopter stay aloft?
The only limiting factor is the strength of the different batteries used to power the camera and radio electronics.
The Helicopter has about 10 minutes of flight time per full battery charge and we carry multiple sets of batteries to every job.
Can you control what the camera does while it's in the air?
Yes, we have full control of the different camera functions, i.e. pan, tilt, focus, zoom, shutter, and on/off via a fully wireless, military grade system.
How will I receive my pictures?
We first download them onto a computer for simple digital enhancing, within 24 to 48 hours we will transfer them to a photo CD or our gallery on the internet for downloading.
Image formats supported - JPG, PNG, TIF, PSD, DNG, PDF, etc
Delivery - Web gallery, Email, FTP, CD or DVD
How do photos taken from a mast or blimp differ from those taken from actual aircraft?
Aircraft have to maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet or more to comply with FAA rules, and our photos are taken from 400 feet or less. We are also able to shoot from a much better angle at the site resulting in a much more usable photo. Since our Blimp and Mast are photographing from lower altitudes there is not the normal haze affect that aircraft incur when filming at the higher altitudes and you receive a much more detailed image of your subject
Why not just use satellite images?
1) Satellite images can be 2 to 5 years old.
2) Satellite images are low resolution that are not suitable for highly detailed images and quality printed materials.
3) Major parts of the country still have not been covered by satellite.
4) Satellite images are vertical, taken directly overhead at a 90 degree angle. Our oblique Photos are filmed at a 30-60 degree angel that provide a true 3D appearance that makes structures and terrain stand out.
