Drone photographers usually send a quote before booking, especially for commercial, construction, or multi-location jobs. Clients often compare several pilots on price, deliverables, insurance, and turnaround, so the quote needs to make what is included obvious.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
A single site, several parcels, or repeat visits change travel, battery, and time needs and should be priced accordingly.
State the number of photos, video length, and file types so the client knows exactly what they are buying.
Clarifies whether the price covers web use only or also print, ads, or broadcast, and avoids disputes after delivery.
Identify who handles landowner permission, LAANC or waivers, and any park or event fees, and whether those are extra.
Flights get delayed by wind, rain, or low cloud. A clear policy sets expectations and protects your schedule.
Limits unlimited changes and specifies what happens if the client wants a different cut or additional edits.
Lets clients choose standard or rush delivery and gives you a basis to charge for faster work.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate aerial photo package (10-20 photos) | flat fee per property | $100-300 |
| Real estate aerial photo and video package | flat fee per property | $250-600 |
| Commercial photo/video shoot | per half day (up to 4 hours) | $500-1,200 |
| Commercial photo/video shoot | per full day | $1,000-2,500 |
| Video editing and color grading | per hour | $50-100 |
| Construction progress documentation | per visit | $200-600 |
| Roof or structure inspection with photo report | per property | $150-500 |
| Mapping or orthomosaic/3D model processing | per project | $400-2,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Present a basic photo package, a photo plus video package, and a full production option. Clients tend to choose a middle tier and can see exactly what extra money buys.
A 20-minute flight over a high-value property or a construction site can be worth more than the time suggests. Account for prep, editing, insurance, and the client's use of the footage.
Include a free radius, then charge per mile or a flat trip fee beyond it. Remote sites that need hiking or a second operator should have a higher rate.
Weather, schedules, and gear costs change. A 14 to 30 day validity window keeps you from honoring old pricing.
Simple quotes are usually free. For complex projects such as mapping, inspections, or sites needing airspace planning, many pilots charge a planning or site survey fee and credit it toward the job if the client books.
Detailed enough to list locations, deliverables, license terms, revisions, and timelines. One page with line items is typical. The more specific you are, the fewer change requests you get later.
For larger or custom projects, a deposit of 25-50% is common. It secures the date and covers prep costs if the client cancels. Small real estate shoots often skip deposits but require payment at delivery.
Send a revised quote or change order that lists the added work and cost before you do it. Keep the original scope intact so both sides can see what changed.
Use the Drone Photographer invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Drone Photographer invoice template