Drone Photography Side Hustle Making $3k/Month

My name is Jake, and I run a drone photography side hustle specializing in real estate, events, and landscape shots. By day, I work as a graphic designer, but I’ve always been passionate about photography and technology. A few years ago, I decided to invest in a drone, and after experimenting with it, I realized there was a real demand for aerial photography—especially in real estate and outdoor events.

Now, I work with local realtors, event planners, and even a few travel bloggers to capture stunning aerial shots that give their projects a fresh perspective. It started as a weekend gig, but as word-of-mouth spread, I’ve been able to turn it into a steady stream of income without it interfering with my full-time job.

At first, I bought a drone just for fun, but after taking some test shots and sharing them on social media, I had realtors and event organizers reaching out, asking if I could do paid shoots. That’s when I realized there was a business opportunity here.

Another big inspiration for me was the flexibility of the work. I wanted a side hustle that I could control—something creative that didn’t require me to be tied to a desk all day. Drone photography allows me to be outdoors, work on unique projects, and make money while doing something I genuinely enjoy.

If clients are happy and keep coming back or referring others to me, I know I’m on the right track. I also consider success to be when my work stands out. The drone photography market is growing fast, so staying ahead with high-quality shots, creative angles, and smooth edits is key.

On a more personal level, success means being able to balance this business with my full-time job and personal life. Since it’s a side hustle, I don’t want it to feel like a second job that drains me. The fact that I can make good money while still enjoying the process is a win for me.

I’d invest in a high-quality drone right away. When I first started, I went with a budget-friendly model, but I quickly outgrew it. A more professional drone with better camera quality and stabilization would have saved me a lot of time and helped me land better clients faster.

I also would have focused more on networking earlier. I relied too much on social media at first, but once I started reaching out to local realtors, wedding planners, and tourism boards directly, my business really took off. If I were starting over, I’d prioritize building relationships and getting referrals from day one.

Start with a solid portfolio—even if that means doing a few free shoots at the beginning. Potential clients want to see what you can do, and having high-quality samples can make all the difference when pitching your services. Pick a niche, like real estate or events, and tailor your portfolio toward that.

Also, learn the legal side of things early on. Make sure you understand local drone regulations, get any necessary licenses, and get insurance. It’s easy to overlook these things when you’re just starting, but they can save you from major headaches later. Finally, don’t undersell yourself—once you build confidence in your work, charge what you’re worth.

It varies month to month, but on average, I make between $1,500 and $3,000 per month. Some months, especially during the real estate busy season or wedding season, I can pull in closer to $4,000. The great thing about drone photography is that the profit margins are high—after the initial investment in a drone and software, most of the earnings go straight into my pocket.

I also found that adding extra services, like video editing and social media-ready content, allows me to charge higher rates. If I put in 10-15 hours a month, I can easily make more than some people do with a second part-time job, and I get to do it on my own schedule.