Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nick Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
Primarily, my photography consists of drone photography and videography for commercial items, marketing, real estate, and believe it or not, portrait photography. But there is an emerging subset of drone work as a photographer/videographer that is taking the industry by storm: First Person View (FPV) drone video!
FPV is exploding right now. You see this in almost every commercial, tv drama or action show, movie, as well as in industrial items for construction and demolition because you can fit in really tight places. As someone in this industry, I noticed the usefulness of this sub-niche a few years ago. It is energizing, engaging for your audience, and to be honest, a blast to fly! It is immersive and makes people feel like you are right there flying over or under something as small as a car window or as big as a mountain or volcano.
FPV is also very challenging to pull off. It takes a lot of practice, like years, and the right equipment to be able to pull off smooth, cockpit feels, while still getting that adrenaline pumping speed and movement. This challenge is what drew me to wanting to do this more and provide something other people can’t for my clients.
Nick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got into the photography industry by chance. I always loved taking photos of my family at random times but then I found drones after watching a story on Good Morning America about drone photography and videography. I decided I needed one of those and fell in love with drone photography. From there I obtained my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot and started a photography business. It started off as fine art photography and some small real estate. It has grown to working with others for large events like with the PGA Tour and others.
My services now include many items to be a one stop shop for any client. These include personal photography like portraits and senior photos, residential and commercial real estate photography and video, marketing, industrial/construction monitoring via drone, drone mapping, cinematic, sports/events, and the newest service: FPV video. I also provide editing with all these services. Other services I do when asked are instructional services for drones and photo/video editing.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and being a one stop shop for photography and videography services. My clients appreciate my willingness to go that extra step to make sure I get everything they want.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Having 2 very active kids have made me look at things in life and business in a variety of ways and made me shift what I was doing for my photography business. Over the past few years, I have shifted to doing more photography with the groups they are involved in with dance and soccer. It has also shown me a love I didn’t know I had in event and sport photography. I love capturing the emotion and feel of people as they are performing and playing. This has led me to being involved in some college and professional sports events with others taking photos and video for them.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Social media and just getting the word out are the most effective ways. You have to go after clients and not wait for them. Take a chance and go after them. And most of all, if a client tells you that you are too expensive, tell them what they are getting and why. Sell yourself on why they need to go with you and not someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beelinemultimedia.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/beelineaerial
- Facebook: Facebook.com/beelinemultimedia
- Twitter: Twitter.com/beelineaerial
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nickbeedroning