Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Bottles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into drone photography commenced with my wife’s suggestion that I acquire a hobby. I had a close friend and mentor who was already proficient in drone operations and consistently expressed the exhilaration of flying them.
Determined to explore this newfound interest, I purchased a drone and embarked on a self-taught learning journey. My lifelong fascination with photography had been nurtured since childhood, manifesting in my early encounters with disposable cameras. I would wander, capturing fleeting moments with these cameras, including some memorable instances of laughing out loud while photographing garage cans.
The acquisition of a drone and the opportunity to perceive photography from an aerial perspective reignited my passion for the craft. As I gained proficiency in operating the drone, I diligently prepared for and successfully passed the FAA Part 107 test, securing my professional remote pilot license. This license enabled me to engage in communication-related drone operations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With the drone market oversaturated in my area, I knew I had to stand out. To compete, I focused on offering fair pricing and delivering top-tier content that exceeded expectations.
In the beginning, I did a lot of free work just to get my name out there and build a solid portfolio. That groundwork paid off—soon, I started landing commercial clients across Northeast Ohio.
As you know, we’re big fans of Northeast Ohio Drone. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We go above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs, no matter the project. While we’re open to all kinds of work, the bulk of what we do focuses on new construction—providing weekly or biweekly progress photo updates—and commercial real estate projects. We’ve also partnered with a well-known local videographer, handling all the drone footage for his wedding films.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m a police officer by trade, with 23 years of experience in law enforcement. Over the years, I’ve attended a variety of specialized schools, including training as a firearms instructor, SWAT operator, and certified drone operator for first responders.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as a guest instructor at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, where I was invited to teach first responders how to safely and effectively operate drones in the field.
My experience also extends to education. For the past three years, I’ve been teaching drone camp at Gilmour Academy, where I help students learn how to fly drones safely while understanding the basic rules and laws of drone operation.
In addition, I’ve had the unique opportunity to be part of the drone demonstration team at the Cleveland National Air Show for several consecutive years.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on the scope and specifics of your project—please don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom quote.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northeastohiodrone.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeast_ohio_drone/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/northeastohiodrone/
