Drone Aerial Photography Prices
Location photo of Edinburgh city I took for a commercial project on Leith Street
Drone aerial photography prices in the UK can vary significantly depending on the type of project, the complexity of the shoot, and the experience of the drone operator. Whether you are commissioning a simple roof survey or a full promotional video for a construction project, it’s important to understand how pricing works so you can budget effectively.
Drone aerial photography offers a unique perspective that ground-based photography simply cannot achieve. From sweeping property shots to precise inspection imagery, it is used across industries such as real estate, construction, tourism, and marketing. Knowing what you can expect to pay - and what you’ll get for your money - is essential for ensuring value and quality.
Why Drone Aerial Photography Prices Vary
The cost of drone aerial photography is not simply a matter of charging per hour or per flight. Instead, it reflects the time taken to plan the shoot, travel, conduct risk assessments, and complete post-production. Equipment quality, operator skill, and the necessary licensing also contribute to the price.
In the UK, professional drone pilots are required to hold the correct Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certification for commercial work. This ensures safety, legal compliance, and insurance coverage. Operators who invest in top-tier drones and high-end cameras, along with editing software and experience, inevitably deliver higher-quality results.
Cheaper options may be tempting, but low-cost operators often lack the training, licensing, and equipment to deliver consistently professional results. This can lead to poor image quality or even legal issues if flights are carried out without permission in restricted areas.
What’s Included in the Price
When you hire a professional drone photographer, you’re paying for more than just time in the air. Many providers include:
Pre-site survey – to assess the location, airspace, and any permission requirements.
Risk assessments – ensuring compliance with CAA regulations and safety protocols.
High-quality capture – using professional drones capable of 4K+ video and high-resolution stills.
Post-production editing – colour grading, correction, cropping, and exporting in required formats.
Licensing – a clear commercial usage licence so you can use the images and footage for marketing, websites, and print.
Delivery – final files sent via download link in your chosen resolution.
Factors That Affect Drone Aerial Photography Prices
1. Complexity of the Project
A simple shoot for a single location is quicker and less costly than multi-site filming requiring several batteries, hours of footage, or complex flight paths.
2. Time on Site
Many drone operators price work based on air time or the number of flights required. A quick aerial image of a property might take 30 minutes, whereas a promotional video could require several hours of filming.
3. Editing Requirements
Basic photography may only require light adjustments, but a fully edited video with titles, logo animation, music, and colour grading will take considerably longer and cost more.
4. Travel and Location
Travel time and costs may be included or charged separately depending on the operator. Difficult locations, such as restricted airspace or remote sites, may require special permissions or additional equipment.
5. Licensing and Insurance
CAA-approved drone pilots must carry commercial insurance. These legal requirements, while essential for safety, add to the operator’s costs and therefore influence pricing.
Typical Drone Aerial Photography Prices in the UK
Below is a guide to typical UK pricing for professional drone aerial photography services. These figures reflect industry averages for high-quality, insured, CAA-approved work.
| Service | Description | Typical Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Drone Aerial Photography | High-resolution still images from multiple angles | From £350 |
| Edited Aerial Video Production | 2–3 minute fully edited promotional film | From £595 |
| Construction Project Photography | Progress tracking and marketing imagery | From £299 |
| Drone Roof Surveys | Inspection imagery for roofs, gutters, and structures | £350–£499 |
Example Use Cases
Real Estate Marketing
Estate agents increasingly use drone imagery to showcase properties. Aerial views can highlight gardens, land boundaries, and surrounding scenery in a way that ground photography cannot. This can be decisive in attracting buyer interest.
Construction Progress Documentation
Construction firms or architecture firms use drone photography to record site progress for stakeholders. Regular flights can provide both still images and videos that help with project planning, health and safety compliance, and marketing at completion.
Roof and Structural Inspections
Drone inspections are a safe, efficient way to examine roofs, chimneys, and hard-to-reach structures without scaffolding or ladders. High-resolution images can reveal damage, wear, and maintenance needs.
Drone Aerial Photography Prices – FAQs
What affects drone aerial photography prices?
Prices can vary based on factors like project location, the amount of flying time required, editing needs, and whether video is included alongside still images.
Do prices include editing and grading?
Yes. Most professional services include editing, colour grading, and file delivery in the quoted cost, but always confirm this before booking.
Are travel costs included?
Many photographers include travel within a certain distance, but additional charges may apply for longer journeys. This should be specified in your quote.
Do I need permission to fly a drone for commercial use?
Yes. In the UK, a drone pilot must hold valid CAA permissions and insurance for any commercial work. This is essential for safety and legal compliance.
How much does a typical project cost?
For still images, expect around £350 for a standard shoot. Video packages are often £595 or more, depending on length and complexity.
Can I get both photos and video in one booking?
Yes. Many services offer combined packages for both aerial photos and video, often at a better rate than booking them separately.
Do drone aerial photography prices cover licensing?
Professional photographers typically include a usage licence for your intended purpose. Make sure the terms are clearly stated in writing.
How do I get an accurate quote?
Provide details such as the shoot location, number of images or length of video needed, and any special requirements. A fixed price can usually be given within hours.
Conclusion
Drone aerial photography prices in the UK vary based on project scope, editing needs, and location, but the investment delivers unique and impactful visuals that can elevate your marketing, inspections, or documentation. By working with an experienced, fully insured CAA-approved pilot, you ensure safety, legal compliance, and the highest quality imagery.
If you are looking for professional drone aerial photography in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or anywhere in the UK, get in touch today for a tailored quote. We’ll provide everything from planning and permissions to stunning final imagery and video that’s ready to use.
