Start a drone photography and video business

Estate agents, holiday let owners, farms, small builders, hotels, wedding venues and local businesses wanting marketing images.

Fixed price per shoot or package (for example photos plus a short video), with extra for editing, rush delivery or repeat work for agents.

• Confident, careful drone flying
• Basic photo and video editing
• Reliable communication with clients

• Check current CAA rules for your drone's weight class, Operator ID and Flyer ID, and whether you need extra permission for commercial work
• Public liability insurance and drone insurance, which clients often ask to see
• Restricted airspace, flying over or near people, and privacy issues, so check each site before you fly
• Landowner permission for take-off and landing
• Weather limits mean jobs often get rescheduled

Startup costs are typically around £1,200 to £4,000, depending on your drone, spare batteries, insurance, editing software and any training. These are estimates, so compare equipment and cover before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your pricing, how many clients you win and how often weather allows flying. The estimates assume at least about 6 hours a week, so it can start part-time.

Check current CAA rules for your drone's weight class, Operator ID and Flyer ID, and whether commercial work needs extra permission. Also check restricted airspace, flying near people, privacy, landowner permission and insurance for each job.