Field Notes · 007 · Photography
How much does helicopter photography cost?
Short answer
Helicopter time runs about $1,500 an hour through partners I trust, on top of the photography day rate. Most aerial jobs need one to two hours in the air.
Some stories only make sense from above. When they do, I hire helicopter pilots I trust and shoot from the open door.
When a helicopter makes sense
- Big sites. Developments, plants and anything too big to capture from one spot.
- Boats at speed. A helicopter can keep up with a boat running wide open offshore.
- Remote places. Where you can't get close by road.
How it's priced
Helicopter time is about $1,500 an hour, and the pilot and aircraft come from partners I've flown with before. Your photography day rate covers my time and the editing, and we plan the flight together so you only pay for the time that matters.