Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Rutledge.
Hi Christopher, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I learned to fly drones for my day job, which is in public safety. I wound up purchasing my own drone and continue to fly frequently, both for enjoyment and work. I have years of experience in heavily regulated physical security of critical infrastructure, which familiarized me with thermal camera systems and high definition, high tech, security cameras. With additional training in photography and drone operations, I come to the market with a solid background in digital imagery.
I am FAA Certified under part 107 and currently use two different brands of Drone; DJI and Autel. I also am certified with Transport Canada, just in case our friends over the border need some aerial photography services (plus it’s only a 45 minute drive to the border)
I also enjoy traditional photography and also have the appropriate equipment to supplement the drone with modern handheld cameras. I’m hoping to inspire my kids by not only exposing them to flying the drones, but editing and producing videos, editing photographs, and being an entrepreneur.
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?
Not really. There are some well established competitors locally, and frankly, the drone pilot market AND real estate photography market, are quite saturated. Finding clients is the most difficult part of this experience. I managed to attract several clients last summer, which allowed me to generate some revenue and purchase some additional equipment.
We’ve been impressed with Frogtown Aerial Media LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I initially started with the intention of capturing images and video with drones. That evolved very quickly and I jumped into the real estate photography market….so I acquired handheld cameras as well. I learned techniques and methodology from good old “Youtube” University!
I have some of my favorite drone photos hanging on my wall in my office area, which is what i’m most proud of at hte moment. This is an ever evolving experience though and i’m hoping to add “architectural” photography to the list of services.
Right now, I offer services for commercial and residential real estate photography, vacant lots and land, events, social media marketing, and other requests. I have taken aerial portraits of buildings for customers as well.
I also designed the logo myself and it represents Toledo, known as “Frogtown”.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife deserves credit for putting up with me and my ideas. It isn’t cheap to start a business, even a super small one like this, and she has supported me. She went to college and minored in “entrepreneurship” – so she had ideas of her own to help me develop my business, including writing up a formal business plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frogtownaerialmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frogtownaerial419/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frogtownaerialmedia
