Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it necessary to hire a certified drone pilot for aerial photography and videography? Hiring a certified drone pilot is not only essential for ensuring the highest quality and safety standards but also for compliance with legal regulations. The FAA requires that anyone operating drones for commercial purposes, including aerial photography and videography for real estate or events, must have a Part 107 certification. In addition, state regulations may impose further requirements. For instance, real estate agents and other clients risk significant fines, up to $20,000, for engaging drone pilots who are not certified through the FAA and relevant state authorities. By choosing a certified pilot, like those at Darden Drone Services, you ensure that your project adheres to all regulations, avoiding potential legal and financial penalties, while also benefiting from professional, high-quality aerial imagery.

Q: What services do we offer offer? Darden Drone Services specializes in professional aerial photography and videography for real estate, special events, construction site monitoring, and promotional content for local businesses. We also have the proper permits to work with North Carolina government entities, such as parks and the Chamber of Commerce, providing a broad range of services that cater to various needs.

Q: Are your drone pilots certified? Absolutely. All our drone pilots are military Veterans with FAA Part 107 certifications and the permits required by the State of North Carolina, enabling commercial and government drone operations. Their extensive training ensures the highest level of professionalism and quality in our services.

Q: What is your refund policy? At Darden Drone Services, we are committed to your satisfaction and delivering high-quality aerial photography and videography services. If, after three attempts, you are not satisfied with the results, we will provide a full refund. Our goal is to please our clients by meeting their needs and exceeding expectations. If we cannot achieve this after three dedicated attempts, we believe it's only fair to offer a full refund.

Q: Can I put a deposit down Yes, we accept a 50% deposit for services quoted at $200 or more. This deposit allows us to begin work on your project with the balance due upon completion. Once the final 50% deposit is received, we will send you the final product without a watermark. This policy ensures that we can allocate the necessary resources to your project while also providing you with the flexibility to review the work before making the final payment.

Q: For a real estate listing, do I need to be present for the aerial photoshoot? No, you do not need to be present for the aerial photoshoot. As the drone operator at Darden Drone Services is also a licensed real estate agent, we have the expertise and understanding necessary to capture your property in its best light. Our familiarity with what makes real estate sell allows us to conduct the photoshoot independently, ensuring we highlight the features of your property that are most appealing to potential buyers. This convenience is part of our commitment to providing seamless, hassle-free service to our clients.

Q: Is Darden Drone Services insured? Yes, we carry comprehensive business insurance, protecting our clients and operations to provide peace of mind and reliability.

Q: How does aerial footage enhance real estate listings and events? Aerial footage provides a unique and captivating perspective, showcasing property features and event highlights in ways that ground-level photography cannot. This immersive view helps real estate listings stand out and captures the essence of events in unforgettable ways.

Q: How can Darden Drone Services assist with construction site monitoring? Our drone services offer invaluable aerial insights for construction projects, including progress tracking, safety inspections, and comprehensive site overviews, facilitating better project management and communication.

Q: How can Darden Drone Services help local businesses and government entities? With the necessary permits to operate in collaboration with North Carolina government entities, Darden Drone Services offers aerial photography and videography services that enhance promotional materials, document events, and provide unique views of public spaces. Our services also extend to local businesses seeking to elevate their advertising with striking aerial content that captures attention and distinguishes their brand.

Q: What safety measures does Darden Drone Services take? Adhering to strict FAA regulations, we prioritize safety through thorough pre-flight checks and situational assessments to ensure our flights are safe, respectful of privacy, and compliant with all regulations.

Q: How can I book Darden Drone Services? To book our services, simply visit our contact page, fill out the form with your details, and we'll get back to you promptly to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with our aerial imaging solutions.

Q: Where does Darden Drone Services operate?
A: Based in Raleigh, NC, our services are available to clients in the surrounding areas and for specific projects beyond. Contact us with your location to explore how we can assist you.

Q: How will I receive my aerial photos and videos from Darden Drone Services? After the completion of the editing process to ensure the highest quality of your aerial photos and videos, Darden Drone Services provides a seamless digital delivery experience. You will receive a secure link via email, through which you can easily download all the content directly to your device. This method ensures prompt delivery and allows you to access your high-quality aerial imagery from anywhere, at your convenience. We prioritize a hassle-free process to ensure that receiving and enjoying your aerial content is as straightforward and efficient as possible.

Q: How does Darden Drone Services ensure maximum quality in the photos and videos delivered? We believe in delivering only the highest quality aerial imagery to our clients. To achieve this, every photo and video we capture undergoes a professional editing process. Our skilled team utilizes advanced editing software to enhance color, balance lighting, and ensure clarity, bringing out the best in each image and video. This meticulous editing not only highlights the unique features of your property or event but also ensures that the final product is visually stunning and impactful. Our commitment to excellence in both capture and post-production means you receive ready-to-use, high-quality visuals that exceed expectations.

Q: How does weather affect drone photography scheduling? Weather conditions, including rain, high winds, and other adverse elements, can impact the safety and quality of our drone operations. We check the weather daily and will communicate with clients as early as possible if rescheduling is necessary to ensure optimal outcomes for your project.


For any other questions or to schedule your service, please Contact Us.