We recently connected with GILBERT RODRIGUEZ and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, GILBERT thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Any chance I get–any free time or time that I would devote to doing as little as possible, I am working on the craft either by flying the drone, editing videos or photos, or I am working on tutorials. I have a difficult time relaxing without completing specific projects or honing the craft, so I try to stay busy–and if I’m spending time doing anything, it is better served to learn. I am thrilled at the fact that for the rest of my life, I will be a student of videography and photography. There may be plateaus where I feel I am at a specific point–but I will never feel as though I’ve reached the top of any mountain. It is not just humility or anything like that–it’s the belief that I will always have more to learn, so I am excited to continue pursuing that wisdom and education.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started taking photos over a couple decades ago, and then I eventually began to shoot videos. Once the digital age had completely arrived, I began shooting digitally, both videos and photos. After shooting a couple weddings and doing portrait work, I found myself drawn more to videography and editing. Eventually, I picked up my first drone a few years ago and began honing the skillset required to fly as a hobbyist. Before long and as flying become more of a passion as opposed to a hobbyist endeavor, I realized that I should obtain the Part 107 License, which allows me to fly drones for commercial use. By January of this year, I completely revamped my social media platforms and showcased drone videography and photography that I have taken of local popular locations in the city. At this time, I am taking the drone every where I go, and as long as I am able to fly, I am flying it as often as possible.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I feel that there is a fraternity-like vibe with other drone pilots, and honestly, I did not know how generous or communicative they would be. I have discussed flights with various pilots both in the city (Tampa) and in other areas, and quite honestly, I have made an effort to be responsive and communicative, especially with hobbyists because I feel an obligation to educate when needed. That is part of the responsibility I have assumed with obtaining my Part 107 License. Still, I did not expect the support, generosity, and just friendliness that I have received from other drone pilots. I have even befriended a few, and that has turned out to be one of the nicest surprises thus far.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I am by no means a social media enthusiast, and I have almost never felt as though I fully understand the algorithms associated with each platform. That said, I think the consensus is that everyone should engage and be consistent, so I have tried to carry that on whenever possible. I will have brand new drone pilots contact me with questions or input, and I am making every effort to respond and engage, and I try posting daily. When I revamped my page on Instagram in January of this year and niched down, I found a bigger audience overall.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thedronetravelers
• Facebook: @thedronetravelers
• Youtube: @thedronetravelers

Image Credits
Gilbert Rodriguez/The Drone Travelers