Director of Aerial Photography Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of cinematography, the role of a Director of Aerial Photography has never been more significant.

As visual storytelling reaches new heights, the demand for imaginative visionaries who can capture, transform, and safeguard our perspectives from the sky escalates.

So, what exactly does a Director of Aerial Photography do?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A production manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of aerial cinematography,

You’ve landed at the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Director of Aerial Photography job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take flight and explore.

Director of Aerial Photography Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Aerial Photography is responsible for the management and execution of aerial photographic projects.

This role requires a combination of technical knowledge in photography and drone operation, as well as creative skills to achieve the desired photographic outcome.

The duties and responsibilities of a Director of Aerial Photography include:

• Planning and executing aerial photographic projects
• Operating drones and other aerial photographic equipment to capture high-quality images
• Working closely with clients to understand their requirements and visions
• Directing and coordinating the activities of the aerial photography team
• Ensuring that all aerial photography complies with safety regulations and legal requirements
• Editing and processing images to meet client specifications
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest drone technology and photography techniques
• Maintaining equipment and ordering new supplies as necessary
• Collaborating with other departments, such as marketing and design, to create cohesive visual narratives
• Providing training and guidance to junior team members

 

Director of Aerial Photography Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled Director of Aerial Photography to join our dynamic team.

In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of aerial photography, including drone operation, image capturing, editing, and final presentation.

The ideal candidate should have in-depth knowledge of the latest aerial photography technologies and techniques, and a passion for capturing stunning images from unique perspectives.

The ability to manage and coordinate a photography team while ensuring safety protocols and regulatory requirements are met is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aerial photographic assignments
• Coordinate with clients to understand their requirements and expectations
• Operate aerial photography equipment, including drones and high-resolution cameras
• Edit and enhance images using appropriate software
• Ensure adherence to all safety rules and regulations concerning aerial photography
• Train and guide photography team members
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest aerial photography techniques and technologies
• Present final images to clients in a professional manner
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize the integration of aerial photography into broader campaigns

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Director of Aerial Photography or similar role
• Proficiency in drone operation and aerial photography techniques
• Experience with photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a high level of artistic and creative ability
• FAA remote pilot certificate or equivalent certification is preferred
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• BSc degree in Photography, Film, Visual Arts, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Director of Aerial Photography
• Work Environment: The role requires both office work and field assignments. Some travel may be required depending on the nature of the projects.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Creative Director or the Head of Visuals.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Director of Aerial Photography Do?

Directors of Aerial Photography, also known as Aerial Cinematographers, work primarily in the film and television industry, but may also be employed in sectors such as real estate, tourism, and environmental studies.

They are responsible for capturing high-quality aerial images or videos using drones or other aerial equipment.

This involves working closely with the director and other key personnel to determine the shots needed and how to execute them.

The Director of Aerial Photography needs to have an in-depth understanding of the script or concept and be able to interpret this in the final footage.

They also need to be aware of and adhere to any legal and safety regulations regarding the operation of aerial equipment.

In addition, they may be responsible for maintaining the aerial equipment, including drones and their related software.

They may also need to coordinate with other teams to integrate the aerial footage with ground footage or other types of shots.

Much like other roles in film production, they need to be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines, while still maintaining a high standard of work.

They may also need to adapt quickly to changing conditions or requirements.

 

Director of Aerial Photography Qualifications and Skills

A Director of Aerial Photography should have the skills and qualifications that align with this specialized field, including:

• Proficiency in operating different types of aerial photography equipment such as drones and high-resolution cameras.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of photography principles, lighting, and composition to capture high-quality images from various angles and heights.
• Excellent spatial awareness and navigational skills to control drones and other aerial equipment accurately in different environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues with aerial equipment or challenging shooting conditions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team of producers, photographers, and editors using exceptional communication skills.
• Physical fitness and dexterity to handle equipment and maintain stability while working at height or in moving vehicles.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure safety protocols are followed, and all aerial photography laws and regulations are adhered to.
• Experience in using editing software to enhance images and align with project requirements.

 

Director of Aerial Photography Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Director of Aerial Photography usually have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in aerial photography or videography, often gained through working as a drone operator or aerial photographer.

They should also have a comprehensive understanding of drone technology and regulations, as well as experience in editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

Candidates are usually expected to have a portfolio that showcases their work and demonstrates their ability to capture high-quality aerial footage.

Experience with complex drone operations, such as those involving racing drones or drones capable of advanced manoeuvres, is also beneficial.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have worked as an Aerial Photography Manager or similar roles, overseeing small teams of photographers or videographers.

They should have a deep understanding of the creative and technical aspects of aerial photography, including drone operation, flight planning, and photo editing.

Those with more than 7 years of experience in the field often have extensive leadership experience, having managed large teams and complex projects.

They may have worked closely with film or television production companies, provided aerial photography for large-scale events, or collaborated with marketing teams to create promotional content.

At this level, candidates should also have a comprehensive understanding of safety regulations and procedures related to drone operation.

In addition to these technical skills and experiences, Directors of Aerial Photography should also possess exceptional leadership and communication skills, the ability to manage budgets, and a keen eye for detail.

A degree in Film Studies, Photography, or a related field is often preferred.

 

Director of Aerial Photography Education and Training Requirements

A Director of Aerial Photography typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field like Photography, Film, Cinematography or Media Studies.

They also need a solid understanding of aerial photographic equipment, including drones and high-definition cameras, which can be attained through specialized workshops or courses.

Specific training in aerial photography and cinematography is highly beneficial and can be acquired through certain certificate programs or in-depth workshops.

In addition to the educational requirements, a comprehensive understanding of flying regulations and drone operation is necessary.

Most countries require drone pilots to hold a specific license or certification, which can be obtained after passing an exam.

Strong skills in image editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom are also critical in this role.

Advanced training or experience in physical geography, mapping, and remote sensing can be advantageous, especially for those focusing on geographical or environmental aerial photography.

Moreover, professional experience in photography or cinematography is highly valuable and often required by employers.

An individual’s artistic vision, creativity, and technical skills often hold as much, if not more, importance as formal education in this field.

Therefore, a strong portfolio showcasing a range of aerial work is crucial.

 

Director of Aerial Photography Salary Expectations

A Director of Aerial Photography can expect an average salary of approximately $79,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can greatly vary depending on factors such as level of experience in the field, the budget of the project or production they are working on, and the location of the job.

Some high-end productions or experienced professionals in high demand may command significantly higher salaries.

 

Director of Aerial Photography Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Director of Aerial Photography need?

A Director of Aerial Photography should have excellent visual and technical skills in photography and videography, particularly in aerial shots.

They should be adept at using drones and high-altitude photography equipment.

Also, they should have an understanding of the latest photographic technology and software for editing.

Strong communication skills, creative vision, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are also necessary.

 

What is the required education for a Director of Aerial Photography?

While there is no specific degree requirement for this role, a bachelor’s degree in film, photography, or a related field can be beneficial.

Courses in aerial photography, drone operation, and cinematography could be advantageous.

Furthermore, certifications and licenses for drone operation may be required, as per the regional aviation authorities’ guidelines.

 

What should you look for in a Director of Aerial Photography’s resume?

The resume should highlight experience in aerial photography or videography, proficiency in using drones, and knowledge of relevant software.

It should also include a portfolio of past work.

Check for certifications and licenses related to drone operations.

Besides technical skills, look for soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.

 

What qualities make a good Director of Aerial Photography?

A good Director of Aerial Photography possesses a combination of creativity and technical prowess.

They should have a keen eye for detail, a strong visual aesthetic, and the ability to visualize and execute a creative vision.

They must be adaptable and capable of making quick decisions under pressure.

Strong leadership and communication skills are also essential as they often lead a team and need to coordinate with other departments.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Director of Aerial Photography?

Finding a Director of Aerial Photography can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique blend of technical skills, creativity, and experience.

Therefore, it might require extensive search and competitive compensation packages to attract top talents.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we took to the skies to really understand what it means to be a Director of Aerial Photography.

And would you believe it?

It’s not just about capturing images from a bird’s eye view.

It’s about creating a unique visual narrative, one shot at a time.

With our definitive Director of Aerial Photography job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take flight.

But why ground yourself there?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every shot contributes to the overall story.

Let’s create that narrative. Together.

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