Top Shots Aerial Photography

10/05/2022

Another day, another new tool. This image of the new baseball fields at the Midlothian Community Park is actually 133 photos put together for an orthomosaic 2d map. I was also able to use those images to construct a 3d model of the fields.

This can also be used in agriculture to inspect crops for any potential issues

City of Midlothian, Texas - City Hall - Government

09/24/2022

Today I discovered that both of my drones can do bracket photos so I gave it a shot (see what I did there). For those who may not know, auto exposure bracket (aeb) or bracket photos can be an amazing tool to make editing easier to have good exposure values for both the foreground and background of the shot.

This is a bracket shot... It's actually five separate photos with different exposure values merged into one image and then minimal editing done after the fact. It's basically manually creating an hdr image then tweaking it to your liking. I usually like photos with a bit more saturation, but I left it toned down for this one.

09/22/2022

These are the types of drone users that give actual certified operators a bad name.

Even if you're just flying a drone for fun, make sure you aren't breaking the law.

CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati-area men have been charged with federal crimes alleging they illegally flew drones over professional sporting events in Cincinnati.

09/05/2022

Guess we'll do some work while we're here.... 😂😂😂

08/10/2022

It's that time of year again and as usual back to school has had us running around like crazy! Anyone else? Just us?

Haven't had a ton of time for "fun" shoots as it's been busy busy busy, but I had a few minutes Monday night and snapped this fun shot of traffic passing by Te'Jun The Texas Cajun in Red Oak (sorry it wouldn't let me tag the Red Oak location)

08/01/2022

***WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT***

First off, let us thank you so much for all your votes, posts, shares and tags! Second, We wish we could award everyone a gift card because ALL of you deserve it!

🎉🎁With all that being said, here are your winners! 🎉🎁

$50 Teacher Amazon Gift Card: Lauren Perry (Longbranch-Kinder)
$50 Teacher Amazon Gift Card: Mimi Fleischman (Mt. Peak-Kinder)
$25 Nominator Amazon Gift Card (who also happens to be a teacher!): Carolynn Diekhoff (Irvin-CBI)

Winners: We will reach out to you this week to get you your cards!

Again, thank you all for participating!

07/31/2022

LAST day to vote! Make sure to head to the original post and cast your ballot for your favorite teacher! Also remember you must like the page and share the post for it to count!

07/30/2022

We're set-up right in front of the M! Come see us!

07/30/2022

You have one more day to vote for your favorite teacher! Hurry and get those votes in for your chance to win too!

*Make sure you comment on the original post to be eligible*

07/30/2022

Come see us at the Mayor's Bash today! We'll be out flying the drones and handing out candy & prizes! Stop by the booth to get the details on our Mayor's Bash special we're running too!

See you guys this afternoon!

07/27/2022

Wanna see what I see when when flying? Then Top Shots needs your help and we literally can't do it without you.

I want to test out a live stream option with my flight software to hopefully use at upcoming events...but it only works through YouTube and the pesky folks in charge over there say we don't have enough subscribers yet to do a live stream. We're still new to the YouTubes, so we get it.

If you could head on over to the Top Shots YouTube channel and hit that subscribe button that would be just swell. People still say that right? It only takes a second and it won't cost you a thing! As a bonus you get access to watch me fly live and I may even start a weekly live flight-cast if there's enough interest

-D

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07/27/2022

Looking to hire someone to take aerial photos or video with a drone? Make sure they're certified (licensed) by the FAA!

Anyone flying a drone for any type of commercial purpose (even if not for direct compensation) is required to be certified under part 107 by the FAA. This is includes flights for YouTube videos for self promotion or content (regardless of monitization status), real estate listings (yes, agents flying their own drones for their own listings are required to be licensed as well), construction or roof inspections, etc... Basically any drone use that's not 100% recreational at the hobby level requires FAA certification.

Some may think they're okay to hire an unlicensed pilot for a job because they're not actually the one flying but think again. Not only is the unlicensed pilot open to potential litigation, but the person hiring them could be as well.

Don't worry though! Damien is a certified Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) pilot and our drones are registered with the FAA for commercial use. When hiring us for a job you can rest assured that ALL federal regulations regarding flight safety and local laws concerning drones will be strictly adhered to.

  Individuals in the United States wanting to fly for commercial purposes (non-recreational) are required to have an airmen certificate. Most people fly under Part 107 and obtain the remote pilot certificate. This involves paying some money to take a test. Some people choose to just operate illegal...