High Above the Competition: Creative Ways to Use Drone Shots in Ads and Promos

Posted on 06/25/2025 by stlouisaerialphotography

In today’s crowded marketing landscape, grabbing attention quickly—and holding it—is more critical than ever. Aerial footage, once reserved for high-budget productions, is now a strategic asset available to businesses of all sizes. Thanks to advances in drone technology and the expertise of professional aerial teams, your brand can rise above the noise—literally and figuratively. At St Louis Aerial Photography, we’ve seen firsthand how creative drone shots can elevate advertising and promotional campaigns across industries.

Here are several imaginative and highly effective ways to incorporate drone footage into your marketing strategy:

1. Establish a Sense of Scale and Scope

Whether you’re showcasing a sprawling corporate campus, a real estate development, or a manufacturing facility, aerial shots give viewers an instant understanding of size, capability, and presence. In commercials or brand videos, starting with a high-altitude establishing shot and transitioning to tighter frames builds narrative and visual interest while conveying professionalism.

Tip: A rising or sweeping drone shot can serve as a dramatic opener or closer in promotional spots.

2. Create Movement Without Motion Graphics

Drone footage adds natural, cinematic motion that brings energy to otherwise static scenes. A gentle glide over a product launch event or a smooth orbit around your building can feel more authentic than over-processed animation and keeps your audience engaged.

Tip: Pair subtle motion with voiceover and music for emotion-driven promos.

3. Highlight Environmental Impact or Sustainability

Many companies are eager to share their commitment to green practices—but it’s hard to show sustainability from ground level. Drone imagery helps you visually represent eco-friendly rooftops, green spaces, solar installations, or nature-integrated designs in an eye-catching way that supports your narrative.

Tip: A slow aerial pan across landscaped grounds or solar panels adds credibility to your message.

4. Follow the Action in Real Time

From construction timelines to large-scale events, drone cameras provide dynamic footage of things in motion. Perfect for time-lapse, before-and-after reels, or live footage of people engaging with your brand, this approach shows your company in action—literally building, hosting, and growing.

Tip: Consider overhead tracking shots or reveal sequences for maximum visual impact.

5. Tell a Story with Transitions

Drone footage offers natural transition points between scenes. For example, fly upward from an office interior to reveal the company’s headquarters, then cut to the boardroom where strategy is in action. These transitions feel polished and cinematic—enhancing the overall production value of any promotional video.

Tip: Use altitude or motion to transition between departments, locations, or product stories.

6. Bring Social Media Content to Life

Short drone clips are perfect for Instagram Reels, LinkedIn updates, or YouTube bumpers. Their visually stunning perspective naturally stops thumbs from scrolling, and the novelty factor makes them incredibly shareable.

Tip: Repurpose longer commercial footage into bite-sized aerial clips for multi-platform use.

7. Inspire Emotion and Awe

The right aerial angle can elicit feelings of inspiration, confidence, or innovation—especially when synced with uplifting music and brand messaging. Use wide, soaring drone footage to symbolize forward momentum, big-picture thinking, or transformative impact.

Tip: Set the emotional tone early with slow, dramatic aerial reveals in your promo.

Why Work with St Louis Aerial Photography?

At St Louis Aerial Photography, we specialize in harnessing the full power of aerial imaging to make your brand stand out. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring the right gear and a highly experienced creative crew to every shoot, ensuring the highest quality image acquisition every time.

Our capabilities extend beyond drone operations—we offer studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Whether you’re creating an ad campaign, corporate video, or social media spot, we can customize your production to meet any media requirement.

We’re experts at repurposing your photography and video branding for multiple platforms to maximize your marketing investment. With deep knowledge of all file types, media styles, and accompanying software, plus cutting-edge AI integration, we ensure your content is not only stunning but future-proof.

Our private studio setup is ideal for small productions and interviews, complete with space for props and full lighting rigs. From indoor drone flights to custom interview studios, professional sound and camera operators, and full crew support, we handle every detail—so your final product is seamless and professional.

Since 1982, St Louis Aerial Photography has proudly served businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis region. Let us take your next production to new heights.

Ready to elevate your brand? Contact St Louis Aerial Photography and discover how our aerial expertise can transform your next campaign.

314-604-6544

^{stlouisaerialphotography@gmail.com}

How Drones Are Reshaping the Landscape of Commercial Building Inspections

Posted on 05/05/2024 by stlouisaerialphotography

In the realm of commercial building inspections, the emergence of drone technology has been nothing short of revolutionary. Traditionally, conducting thorough inspections of large structures such as office buildings, factories, warehouses, and other commercial properties has been a time-consuming and often risky endeavor. However, with the advent of drones, the entire landscape of building inspections has undergone a significant transformation, offering decision-makers in photography and video production services for businesses and organizations a powerful tool to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and mitigate risks.

From high-resolution aerial imaging and thermal analysis to 3D mapping and modeling, our team of skilled professionals utilizes state-of-the-art drone technology to deliver unparalleled results.

The Benefits of Drone Technology in Commercial Building Inspections

1. Enhanced Safety

Safety is paramount in any inspection process, especially when it involves assessing the structural integrity of large buildings. Traditional inspection methods often require inspectors to physically access hard-to-reach areas, sometimes at great heights or in hazardous conditions. This exposes inspectors to potential risks such as falls, structural collapses, or exposure to hazardous materials.

Drones eliminate the need for inspectors to physically enter high-risk areas, significantly reducing the potential for accidents and injuries. By remotely piloting drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, inspectors can safely capture detailed imagery and data from vantage points that would otherwise be inaccessible or dangerous.

2. Cost-Efficiency

Conducting manual inspections of commercial buildings can be both time-consuming and costly. It often involves deploying teams of inspectors, specialized equipment, and logistical planning to access different parts of the structure. Additionally, the downtime required for inspections can disrupt business operations, leading to further financial implications.

In contrast, drone-based inspections offer a more cost-effective solution. With drones, inspections can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional methods. This not only reduces labor costs but also minimizes disruption to business activities, allowing operations to resume promptly.

3. Rapid Data Acquisition

One of the key advantages of drone technology is its ability to rapidly collect vast amounts of data in a short period. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, LiDAR systems, and other advanced technologies, drones can capture detailed imagery and data from multiple angles and perspectives.

This wealth of information provides decision-makers with comprehensive insights into the condition of the building, identifying potential defects, structural issues, or areas of concern. By leveraging this data, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding maintenance, repairs, or renovations, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of the structure and optimizing its performance.

4. Improved Accuracy and Precision

Traditional manual inspections are inherently limited by human capabilities and subjectivity. Factors such as human error, fatigue, or variations in interpretation can impact the accuracy and consistency of inspection results. In contrast, drones offer a level of precision and consistency that is unmatched by traditional methods.

By utilizing advanced imaging and sensing technologies, drones can capture detailed imagery with pixel-perfect accuracy, allowing inspectors to identify even the smallest defects or anomalies. This enables decision-makers to assess the condition of the building with greater confidence and make data-driven recommendations for maintenance or repairs.

St Louis Aerial Photography: Your Trusted Partner in Commercial Inspections

At St Louis Aerial Photography, we understand the evolving needs of businesses and organizations in the realm of commercial building inspections. With our extensive experience and expertise in aerial photography and video production, we are well-positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we offer a wide range of services to support your inspection needs. From high-resolution aerial imaging and thermal analysis to 3D mapping and modeling, our team of skilled professionals utilizes state-of-the-art drone technology to deliver unparalleled results.

With licensed drone pilots and a diverse portfolio of successful projects, we have the right equipment and creative crew service experience to ensure the success of your image acquisition endeavors. Whether you require studio or location-based inspections, editing, post-production, or repurposing of branding assets, we have the capabilities and resources to exceed your expectations.

Our private studio facilities are equipped with advanced lighting and visual setups, perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Additionally, our ability to fly specialized drones indoors enables us to capture imagery in even the most challenging environments, providing comprehensive insights into the condition of your building.

Over the years, we have forged partnerships with numerous businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, providing them with top-tier corporate photography and video services. As a trusted leader in the industry, we are committed to delivering exceptional results that drive success and innovation.

In conclusion, drones are reshaping the landscape of commercial building inspections, offering decision-makers a powerful tool to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy. At St Louis Aerial Photography, we are proud to be at the forefront of this technological revolution, providing our clients with cutting-edge solutions that empower them to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.

314-604-6544

^{stlouisaerialphotography@gmail.com}

Enhancing Your Testimonial Videos with Drone B-Roll Footage

Posted on 07/10/2023 by stlouisaerialphotography

At St Louis Aerial Photography & Video, we understand the power of storytelling in visual media. We specialize in creating compelling testimonial videos for businesses that leave a lasting impact on their target audience. One of the most effective techniques we employ to enhance these videos is the use of drone B-roll footage. In this article, we will explore how incorporating aerial shots can elevate your testimonial videos and provide a unique perspective that captivates viewers.

Elevate the overall production value and create a memorable viewing experience for your audience.

Why Testimonial Videos?

Testimonial videos are an invaluable marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. They offer a genuine and authentic portrayal of a satisfied customer’s experience with your products or services. When potential customers see real people sharing their positive experiences, it builds trust, credibility, and a personal connection. Testimonial videos can effectively influence purchasing decisions and drive customer engagement.

However, creating compelling testimonial videos goes beyond just capturing interviews. It requires a well-crafted narrative that engages viewers and leaves a lasting impression. That’s where drone B-roll footage comes into play.

The Power of Aerial Perspective

Drone technology has revolutionized the way we capture videos. It provides a unique vantage point, allowing us to showcase locations, products, or services in a visually stunning and immersive manner. By incorporating aerial shots into your testimonial videos, you can elevate the overall production value and create a memorable viewing experience for your audience.

1. Showcasing Locations

If your business operates in a visually appealing location, drone B-roll footage can showcase it in all its glory. Whether it’s a breathtaking natural landscape, a bustling cityscape, or a picturesque architectural marvel, aerial shots capture the essence of a place like no other. By adding these shots to your testimonial videos, you create a visual backdrop that adds depth and context to the testimonials.

2. Highlighting Product Features

For businesses that offer tangible products, aerial footage can be an excellent way to highlight their features and capabilities. Drones can fly around and above the product, capturing it from various angles and perspectives. Whether it’s a sleek new gadget, a luxury vehicle, or a stunning piece of architecture, aerial shots can provide a dynamic and captivating portrayal of the product’s design, functionality, and scale.

3. Emphasizing Scale and Impact

Aerial shots are particularly effective in industries where scale and impact are important. If your business operates in construction, real estate, or infrastructure development, showcasing the grandeur of your projects from above can be truly awe-inspiring. Testimonial videos with drone B-roll footage can capture the scale, scope, and progress of your work, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and instilling confidence in your capabilities.

4. Creating Visual Transitions

In addition to their standalone impact, aerial shots can also serve as visually engaging transitions between testimonial segments. By seamlessly blending drone B-roll footage with interviews, you can create a smooth and captivating viewing experience. These transitions keep viewers engaged and help maintain a cohesive narrative flow throughout the video.

St Louis Aerial Photography & Video: Your Testimonial Video Partner

As experienced multimedia creators, St Louis Aerial Photography & Video has mastered the art of incorporating drone B-roll footage into testimonial videos. We have a team of skilled drone pilots and video producers who can capture stunning aerial shots that enhance your brand’s storytelling. With our expertise in commercial photography and video production, we are well-equipped to meet your branding and business marketing communications needs.

Located in St. Louis, we have a deep understanding of the local landscape and can seamlessly integrate aerial and ground video production to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment to quality and attention to detail ensure that your testimonial videos not only resonate with your audience but also leave a lasting impact.

As a full-service commercial photography and video company, we offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to your specific requirements. From initial conceptualization and scripting to shooting, editing, and post-production, we handle every aspect of the video creation process with utmost professionalism and creativity.

Contact St Louis Aerial Photography & Video today to discuss how we can help you create captivating testimonial videos that incorporate drone B-roll footage. Boost your brand’s marketing efforts and leave a lasting impression on your audience with our expertise in aerial and ground video production.

As experienced multimedia creators, St Louis Aerial Photography & Video has created many testimonial video productions. Contact us today to discuss your branding and business marketing communications needs.

314-604-6544

^{stlouisaerialphotography@gmail.com}

The Importance of Video Production for Growth Marketers in Service Businesses

Posted on 05/03/2023 by stlouisaerialphotography

Video production has become an essential tool for growth marketers in service businesses. It is one of the most effective marketing tools available, providing visually appealing information that is easily understood and keeps viewers interested 1. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of video production for growth marketers in service businesses.

Video Increases Sales Margins

One of the primary reasons why video production is important for growth marketers in service businesses is that it increases sales margins. According to Wyzowl Research, 87% of marketers feel that video has a direct, positive impact on sales 2. This is because video content is more engaging and memorable than other forms of content, making it more likely to convert viewers into customers.

Video Effectively Portrays Brand Identity

Another reason why video production is important for growth marketers in service businesses is that it effectively portrays brand identity. A well-produced video can convey the personality and values of a brand in a way that other forms of content cannot. This helps to build trust with potential customers and makes it more likely that they will choose your business over your competitors.

Video Content Keeps You on Top of Search Results

Video content also helps to keep your business on top of search results. Search engines like Google prioritize video content in their search results because it is more engaging and provides a better user experience. This means that by producing high-quality video content, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your website.

Video Can Explain Any Concept Clearly

Video production is also important for growth marketers in service businesses because it can explain any concept clearly. Whether you are trying to explain a complex product or service or provide instructions on how to use your product, video content can do so in a way that is easy for viewers to understand. This helps to reduce confusion and increase customer satisfaction.

Social Media Platforms are More Receptive to Branded Videos

Finally, social media platforms are more receptive to branded videos than other forms of content. According to video production professional Sarah Fisher, video increases content shareability, leading to 12 times the number of shares on social media than text and image content combined 3. This means that by producing high-quality video content, you can reach a much wider audience on social media and drive more traffic to your website.

Video production is an essential tool for growth marketers in service businesses. It increases sales margins, effectively portrays brand identity, keeps you on top of search results, can explain any concept clearly, and is more shareable on social media. By investing in high-quality video production, you can improve your marketing efforts and drive more growth for your business.

314-604-6544
stlouisaerialphotography@gmail.com

Create an Interview Video for Your Brand That Stands Out and Delivers Your Message

Posted on 04/08/2023 by stlouisaerialphotography

Creating an interview video for your brand can be an excellent way to promote your message and engage your audience. However, with so many videos being produced every day, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. That’s where your creativity and planning skills come in. A well-crafted interview video can grab the attention of your target audience and help you achieve your marketing goals. As a copywriter and digital marketing expert, I understand the importance of creating content that is both informative and engaging. In this blog post, I will share some valuable tips and tricks that can help you create an interview video that stands out and delivers your message effectively. So, let’s get started!

Choose the right interviewee and interviewer, prepare your questions and environment, capture high-quality footage, and edit your video for maximum impact.

Benefits of Interview Videos for Branding

Interview videos are a great way to showcase your brand and build engagement with your audience. Here are some of the benefits of creating an interview video for branding:

1. Create a Personal Connection with Your Audience

Interview videos can help you create a personal connection with your audience by showcasing the people behind your brand. This can help you build trust and credibility with your audience, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.

2. Showcase Your Expertise

Interview videos can be an excellent way to showcase your expertise in your industry. By featuring industry experts or thought leaders in your videos, you can position your brand as a thought leader and authority in your industry.

3. Highlight Your Brand’s Unique Selling Proposition

Interview videos can also help you highlight your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP). By featuring your USP in your videos and showcasing how it solves your audience’s pain points, you can differentiate your brand from your competitors and attract more customers.

Types of Interview Videos for Branding

There are several types of interview videos that you can create for your brand, depending on your marketing goals and target audience. Here are some of the most popular types of interview videos for branding:

1. Industry Expert Interviews

Industry expert interviews are a great way to showcase your brand’s thought leadership and expertise in your industry. By featuring experts in your industry, you can provide valuable insights and information to your audience, positioning your brand as a go-to resource for information in your industry.

2. Customer Testimonial Interviews

Customer testimonial interviews are a powerful way to showcase your brand’s value and customer satisfaction. By featuring happy customers in your videos, you can provide social proof and build trust with your audience, leading to increased conversions and sales.

3. Employee Interviews

Employee interviews are a great way to showcase the people behind your brand and build a personal connection with your audience. By featuring your employees in your videos, you can highlight your brand’s culture and values, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.

Planning Your Interview Video for Branding

Creating a successful interview video requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you plan your interview video for branding:

1. Choose the Right Interviewer and Interviewee for Your Video

Choosing the right interviewer and interviewee for your video is critical to its success. Your interviewer should be someone who can ask insightful and engaging questions, while your interviewee should be someone who can provide valuable insights and information to your audience.

2. Prepare Your Questions and Set Up the Environment

Preparing your questions and setting up the environment for your interview is essential to its success. Your questions should be thought-provoking and relevant to your audience, while your environment should be visually appealing and conducive to a productive conversation.

3. Conduct the Interview and Capture the Footage

Conducting the interview and capturing high-quality footage is critical to your video’s success. Your interviewer should be able to keep the conversation flowing and engaging, while your camera operator should be able to capture high-quality footage that showcases your brand and interviewee.

Editing Your Interview Video for Maximum Impact

Once you have captured your footage, it’s time to edit your interview video for maximum impact. Here are some tips for editing your video:

1. Keep it Short and Engaging

Your interview video should be short and engaging, ideally between 2-5 minutes in length. This will help keep your audience’s attention and make your video more shareable.

2. Add Captions and Other Visual Elements

Adding captions and other visual elements to your video can help make it more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Captions can also help improve your video’s SEO by making it more searchable.

3. Use High-Quality Audio and Video

Using high-quality audio and video is essential to your video’s success. Poor quality audio or video can make your video appear unprofessional and distract from your message.

Sharing Your Interview Video on Social Media and Other Platforms

Sharing your interview video on social media and other platforms is critical to its success. Here are some tips for sharing your video:

1. Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience

Choosing the right platform for your audience is critical to your video’s success. Different platforms have different audiences and engagement metrics, so it’s important to choose the platform that is most likely to reach your target audience.

2. Optimize Your Video for SEO

Optimizing your video for SEO is essential to its success. This includes adding relevant keywords to your video’s title, description, and tags, as well as optimizing your video’s thumbnail image.

3. Promote Your Video to Your Audience

Promoting your video to your audience is critical to its success. This includes sharing your video on social media, embedding it on your website, and sending it to your email list.

Measuring the Success of Your Interview Video

Measuring the success of your interview video is essential to identifying areas for improvement and optimizing your video strategy. Here are some metrics you can track:

1. Views

Tracking your video’s views can help you understand how many people are watching your video and how well it is performing.

2. Engagement

Tracking your video’s engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares, can help you understand how well your video is resonating with your audience.

3. Conversions

Tracking your video’s conversion metrics, such as click-through rates and sales, can help you understand how well your video is driving conversions and ROI.

Conclusion

Creating an interview video for your brand can be a powerful way to promote your message and engage your audience. By following these tips and best practices, you can create an interview video that stands out and delivers your message effectively. Remember to choose the right interviewee and interviewer, prepare your questions and environment, capture high-quality footage, and edit your video for maximum impact. Finally, don’t forget to share your video on social media and other platforms and measure its success to optimize your video strategy for future success.