Drones are a way to document the landscape from a perspective most people never get to see.
• You can’ t just fly wherever you want. Places like airports, stadiums, national parks, and crowds all have restrictions.
• Insurance isn’ t required for drone pilots, but in the real world, my clients expect it, so I carry it.
A Warning: The DJI Situation
I’ d be doing a disservice if I didn’ t mention that the drones manufactured by Chinese tech company DJI, which
DRONE SHOT are the majority of the drones you see online, may soon be restricted or banned from sale in the U. S. As of late 2025, DJI was facing possible federal restrictions tied to FCC policy and national security legislation. That’ s why you may already notice DJI drones going out of stock, delayed, or marked“ not available in the U. S.” If these rules go into effect, it may affect new drone availability, firmware updates, and long-term parts and repair support. So, if you plan to buy a drone, buy intentionally, and know that the landscape is changing. I still fly DJI drones for my professional work, but I’ m also preparing backup options and watching the market closely.
Final Advice
Buy a drone based on what you actually plan to do with it, not based on which one some influencer says they think is“ the best.” Start small if you’ re unsure and get licensed if you plan to make money. And if you need aerial footage but don’ t want the learning curve? That’ s why people hire professional drone pilots like me.
Jonathan Cunningham – City Cog LLC
Instagram portfolio: @ thefreeagent Email: jonred233 @ gmail. com Phone:( 419) 261-3256
Jonathan Cunningham is a licensed FAA Part 107 drone pilot and the founder of City Cog LLC, a dronebased visual media company based in Atlanta. He creates cinematic aerial content for commercial clients, real estate marketing, events, and documentary-style storytelling projects across Georgia.
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