Aerial Photography in Los Angeles
SkyeCam provides aerial photography in Los Angeles for buildings, neighborhoods, coastlines, events and people. We are a Hollywood-based drone studio founded in 2012, working with marketing managers, architects, developers, hotels, event producers, publications and business owners.
A still-photography flight is different from a video shoot. For stills, we hold the drone in position and focus on light and composition. For video, the drone moves along a planned path. Both can be combined on one booking. Aerial stills are used for sales brochures, project websites, entitlements, press kits, annual reports, social media and print campaigns. The same session can also include aerial video production for a companion piece.
Aerial photography services
Architecture and property
Buildings, corporate campuses, residential developments and mixed-use projects benefit from a clear aerial view. We photograph the structure and the context around it: streets, parking, landscaping, neighbors, freeways, hills and open land. These stills support financing and approvals. For moving footage, the same flight can include commercial real estate drone video.
Events and venues
Festivals, premieres, sports contests, conferences and public gatherings look different when the crowd becomes part of the composition. We photograph an event before it opens, during setup, or while underway. For the moving version, our aerial cinematography team can capture the same scenes on video. Event stills are used for press.
Hospitality and tourism
Hotels, resorts, beaches, hillside estates and coastal restaurants need images that convince people to book a room, a table or a visit. Aerial photography shows the pool, roofline, ocean view, driveway and surrounding neighborhood in one frame. These aerial photographs work for websites, ad campaigns, destination marketing and travel press.
Editorial and stock
Publications, agencies and brands license aerial photographs of Los Angeles landmarks, skylines, neighborhoods and recognizable locations. We can shoot on assignment or provide images from our existing library. For editorial projects, we work with art directors to get the exact light, angle and crop they need for print and digital stories.
Lifestyle and people
Aerial photography is not only for buildings and landscapes. We also photograph people outdoors: couples, families, athletes, film crews and brand campaigns that need a human element in a wide setting. See our drone photography page for examples of lifestyle and portrait work. These images are planned around people and place.
Drone or helicopter for aerial photography?
Drones are the right first choice for most aerial work in Los Angeles. They fly lower and closer to the subject, which means sharper detail at building scale. A drone can hover in a fixed position, work in tight spaces, and operate for a small fraction of the cost of a helicopter. For a one-story house or a five-story mixed-use building, the drone will get the shot without the noise and cost of a full-size aircraft.
There are still cases where a helicopter is the better tool. If the shot needs to be above 400 feet, or in restricted airspace where a drone cannot get authorization, or along a long stretch of coastline with no place to land, a helicopter may be the only way to get the image. SkyeCam flies drones, not helicopters, and we will say plainly when a helicopter is worth considering given the location and the requested shot.
What you receive
After a shoot, you receive full-resolution RAW and edited JPEG files, color-corrected and delivered in an online gallery. Usage rights are spelled out in the quote. Retouching and panoramic stitching are available. Delivery is usually within a few business days.
- Full-resolution RAW and edited JPEG files
- Color-corrected images in an online gallery
- Usage rights defined in the quote
- Retouching and panoramic stitching
- Delivery usually within a few business days
Why SkyeCam
Fourteen years shooting for film and television. SkyeCam was founded in 2012 and has worked with HBO, Netflix, Disney, National Geographic, Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” video and Virgin Galactic. That background informs how we work on a set: continuity, safety and scheduling.
Camera systems built for still and motion. We fly high-resolution drone cameras for still photography and heavy-lift rigs that carry cinema cameras for video, matching the right sensor and lens to the job.
Licensed, insured and airspace-ready. SkyeCam is FAA Part 107 licensed and insured. We handle Film LA permits and FAA airspace authorizations near LAX, Burbank, Van Nuys and Santa Monica airports.
Where we shoot
SkyeCam is based in Hollywood and regularly shoots across the Los Angeles area: Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, the South Bay, Orange County, and Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. We also travel nationally for clients.
Aerial photography FAQ
How much does aerial photography in Los Angeles cost?
No two shoots are exactly the same. Every project is different. Cost depends on locations, flight time, permits, crew, retouching and usage. We provide an itemized quote after a conversation about the shoot. You will know the expected costs before booking.
Can you photograph near the beach or downtown?
Yes. Many LA locations near the beach and downtown are in controlled airspace, but we can fly with the right FAA airspace authorization and local permits. Some restricted zones need lead time, so it helps to call before the date.
Do I own the photos?
Usage rights are set in the quote. Most commercial clients receive broad usage for marketing and internal purposes. Editorial licensing differs and is written for publications or news use. You know your rights up front. The agreement is in writing.
How high can you fly?
Under FAA Part 107 rules, a drone flies up to 400 feet above ground level without a waiver for the altitude limit. That is high enough for nearly all building, event and neighborhood photographs. Higher shots need special approval.
Can you shoot at sunrise or sunset?
Yes. Early morning and late afternoon light is usually the best for aerial photography in Los Angeles, with long shadows and warm color. Night flights are possible with an FAA waiver, and we can discuss that for the right project.
How do I book?
Call (323) 632-1310 or use the contact form. Let us know the address, the type of images you need, and the date or date range. We will confirm the logistics and send a quote with the full project details for your review.
Book an aerial photographer
If you need aerial images for a project in Los Angeles, Call (323) 632-1310 or send the project details through the contact form. Include the location and what you want to show, and we will let you know the best way to get it.