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Photo Credit: Wix Stock Images Performing inspections is a regular part of many industries. The results of an inspection can determine the direction of a project and prevent possible losses on investments. Inspections save people money and protect us and our property. The inspector visits a site or uses tools to collect data to ensure that a project is going according to plan and meets its necessary requirements. However, inspection comes with an element of risk and inaccuracy. The inspector puts himself in some level of danger to gather the data they need, or they rely on tools or equipment for hard to reach places. This is why industries have been integrating drones into their inspections. Drones being used for inspections come with a host of benefits. They are an up and coming solution to the obstacles traditional inspectors face. For example, many people have experienced the need for a roof inspection, but performing one comes with risks. To properly inspect a roof, the inspector needs a good view. This usually requires that they observe the roof from the ground with binoculars or climb onto the roof and inspect it up close and personal. The former option leaves greater room for error, and the latter option poses a safety risk and could lead to possible damage to the roof in question, which would be counterproductive. In contrast, drones reduce the risks involved in performing inspections while also improving their accuracy and efficiency. A person could invest in their own drone and become a certified pilot. The pilot simply has to fly a drone over the structure or work site and use its camera or sensors to collect data, while they remain safely on the ground. Flying a drone is safer than walking directly on a roof or climbing a ladder and more accurate than looking through binoculars. This goes for any industry like construction and city planning where similar inspections are a necessity. In 2016, Liberty Mutual started using drones for property claims to avoid "any unnecessary risk of injury to adjusters, contractors, and inspectors." They also affirmed that using drones was safer than sending someone up a ladder to inspect rooftop damage and speeds up the inspection process. Additionally, a person could hire a service that specializes in performing inspections. There are many companies that offer drone inspections as a service. Industrial Skyworks does industrial asset inspections and data acquisition. They also process the data to create 2D and 3D images. Measure offers aerial inspections and one of their projects involves using the data they collect from aerial inspections to increase the productivity of solar plants. Asset Drones is a company that has a fleet of drones equipped with cameras and sensors. Cyberhawk is a visual asset management company that performs aerial inspections and surveys using UAVs. With their maneuverability, drones can fly places humans need special tools and equipment to reach. Aerial shots of a house can show potential buyers or investors a more accurate picture of properties that are up for sale. This can reveal possible structural problems before construction is complete, which could save money in rebuilding. Also, with drone mapping software, a pilot can make 3D models of a work site. When compared to other tools, drones are capable of capturing information in higher detail. Therefore, resulting in the collection of more accurate data that's easily shareable. In summary, this is just one of the many ways drones can be an asset to various industries. By providing higher quality data with increased efficiency, past methods of inspections are becoming outdated. Drones can be equipped with powerful cameras, advanced sensors and infrared technology. They can inspect difficult to reach areas or areas that pose health and safety risks, saving your time, money and risk from unnecessary danger. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #droneinspectors #construction #realestate #inspections #safety #assetinspection #roofinspection #industrialinspection #droneinspection #industrialskyworks #measure #assetdrones #cyberhawk

Elena Buenrostro, Martha Stewart, Laura Chukanov Martha Stewart is an inspirational role model to many women around the world. Whether it’s in the kitchen or garden, indoors or outdoors, Martha's strong curiosity for life along with her creativity, passion for learning and ability to teach the world at large is extraordinary. With Martha’s vastly wide ranging interests it should come as no surprise to any of us that she has developed an interest in drones. Laura Chukanov and Elena Buenrostro with Martha's puppies Lucky for us, I was recently invited to meet Martha at her home in upstate NY. As we approached Martha's pristine 153-acre farm in upstate New York, we were greeted by her gorgeous chow puppies and two french bulldogs. Martha then walked up with grace and full of life but what really stood out was her immediate fascination for the large DJI Matrice Pro 600 Hexacopter drone that DJI had brought along. It wasn’t long before the drone was sent high above her property to get a perspective that only drones can. Martha owns a Mavic Pro and excitedly explained that she uses her drone to capture aerial images of her gardens and property. While speaking to us, she said something that stuck with me - "drones are tools." I know this only too well - having first purchased my own drone as a hobbyist - taking my videography and photography skills to a whole new level - but soon converting that into something that could drive a global change in the number of women doing the same thing as me. Martha's passion for drones stems from her fascination in obtaining a whole new perspective from above. For her, it is to photograph and film her incredible property. As Martha drove us around in her golf cart, she stopped and mused that if Louis XIV had a drone, imagine what he could have accomplished. She is right. If we pause to think about how drones are beginning to impact our world in a positive way - not only in the creative fields, but in construction, architecture, farming, search and rescues and soon to be delivery, I think most of us would agree that drones are extraordinary tools and are here to stay. We still do not know the limits in what they can help us accomplish but stories like Martha's along with all the other women we feature weekly are testimonies to how and why we all get inspired by someone to simply get up, go out and try something new. Elena is a Video Producer, Photographer, Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot and Instructor. As featured in The Washington Post, Fast Company and on DJI for her aerial photography and cinematography, Elena's passion for flying drones stemmed from her trip to the Great Wall of China. From there, her curiosity turned into a hobby and now a passion and career. Currently, Elena offers drone lessons via Airbnb Experiences in San Francisco, CA and Brooklyn, NY.

Photo Credit: AT&T Innovation Blog "We would provide our flying COW to the first responders, to, say the fire department, and we would pilot it for them, so all it takes is for them to place a phone call, email, contact us and we'll provide that service." - AT&T Drone Program Director, Art Pregler We already know that drones can do more than just fly around our backyards, or take vacation photos. They have optimized the progress of many industries and resulted in new businesses and opportunities for those interested in drone technology. Now, they have proven themselves to be a great aid during disasters. Most notably, telecommunications companies have been innovating ways to utilize drones as a method of disseminating cell service, specifically, AT&T and Verizon. AT&T has been able to provide survivors with cell phone service with their 'Flying COW', a specially designed drone equipped with cells and antennas. In recent innovations, telecommunication giant AT&T has been working on a way to combine drones and cellular service. Their Flying Cow acts as an LTE hotspot. COW is an acronym for Cell on Wings, referring to the drone’s ability to send LTE signals and provide cellular service to those on the ground. The Flying COW is mainly making a name for itself as contributing to relief efforts following natural disasters. Its premier flight occurred after Hurricane Maria swept through Puerto Rico, where it provided temporary data, voice, text and wireless connectivity services as a remote helicopter. During any disaster, communication can be a determining factor in someone's survival, and cell phones are the quickest and easiest way to disseminate and receive information. Flying COW allowed anyone, not just AT&T customers, to call for help and update their friends and family on their condition and the state of the area. Otherwise, survivors resort to sweeping the tops of bridges in search of a signal. The Flying COW is the first drone developed for AT&T's Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) system. Its latest iteration is an all-weather octocopter capable of flying through rain, snow, 50 mph winds, and extreme temperatures and equipped with small cells and antennas. It was designed with help from first responders of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). Verizon has also thrown their hat into the ring of drone-based cell service. Verizon Network Vice President Michael Haberman states that their goal is to provide smartphone users the service they need to call for help or identify their location after an emergency. Earlier this year, Verizon's drones were still being tested. Haberman assured that they'd be available to use this year should there be another natural disaster. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #att #hurricanemichael #cellphoneservice #disasterrelief #hurricanemaria #puertorico #florida #verizon #flyingCOW #LTEhotspot #dronenews

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? I picked up aerial photography as a hobby. I was so inspired by my high school film class, that I pursued a career in the studio business and joined Local 728 - set lighting technician's union. While I've been lucky enough to get paid to work on TV shows, I have found photography to be an added passion on the side. As a way to spice things up, I purchased a drone as a 28th birthday present for myself and have truly been enjoying the thrill! Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. I am a lighting console programmer, which for the past several years I've been working on Shameless and Animal Kingdom. I basically control all the lights, static or moving, by changing intensities, colors, and shape, and programming light cues when needed. I also founded a company on the side, called Instant Plugs, where I curate content for brands and collaborate with influencers on marketing campaigns. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it? DJI Mavic Pro. Cinematic 4K resolution and the ability to easily fit all components in my bag to carry with me wherever. Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? Be wary of wireless signals when flying a drone. The wireless signal between your drone's controller and your drone is a line-of-sight signal, which means that if something comes in the way between you and the drone then you can lose control of it. Be sure to always know where your drone is in relation to you, so you can get it back safely and don't rely on the "return to home" feature if things go haywire. Whether its from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. I took my drone to Mammoth to really test it out for the first time. It. Was. Incredible. For someone who has been to Mammoth hundreds of times in her life, it was so unreal to see such well-known, well-traveled land from a different viewpoint. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Watch videos to get you inspired! I was self-taught and got such a thrill out of watching drone videos, which is what ultimately inspired me to go out and buy a drone. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? It's great to see so many get involved! Anyone is capable of flying a drone - I work with so many amazing female directors of photography and have learned so much from them, because they seem to be a whole lot more open about sharing their secrets than the men. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? If I'm not working, or renovating my home in my free time, then I'm probably out rescuing senior dogs from shelters. My name is Dana Hill and I am 28 years old. I was born in Walnut Creek, CA and graduated from UCSB with a degree in film and media studies. I then moved to Los Angeles, where I pursued my passion for film. I have since joined Local 728, the Set Lighting Technician union and have worked on countless feature films, commercials, and am now working in TV at the Warner Brothers Studios. I developed a passion for film during my high school media class and pursued that passion throughout college. I have already obtained my dream job and have expanded my interest in film by purchasing a drone. I love the freedom flying my drone gives me and will never stop loving the fresh perspectives my shots offer me. In my free time I am either on a road trip with my drone, renovating my house in Valencia, CA, or I'm hanging out with my rescue pups! #spotlightinterview #womenwhodrone #interview #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #dronegirl #WOMENANDDRONES #femaledronepilot #dji #WOMENWHODRONE

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? As a journalist, I always love to capture the moments I am in. I can't remember my life without a camera. Three years ago I moved to Australia to study. Living in another country away from my home made me more independent and changed who I was. After this amazing experience I discovered that travel and shooting became my new hobby, and my new love. Two years ago I bought my first drone and started to learn how to fly. I regularly put videos on YouTube of every place I've flown my drone, as it allows me to see things in a different way. I believe that it helps encourage everyone to recognise how beautiful the world is and the benefits of viewing it from another perspective. I also love editing and sharing my drone photos on Instagram. Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. Currently, I work in a big pharmaceutical company as a sales consultant. I spend most of the time at work, but I try my best to use my free time to travel, fly my drone and also work as a freelance content creator. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favourite thing about it? The DJI Mavic Pro. I just love my drone because I use it most of the time when I am traveling. The Mavic Pro is easy to carry and easy to operate. Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? It's not easy to find women who fly drones. To be honest, I never saw any. Growing up in a society where most of these things are for boys and never for girls, I believe, and I am sure that there is no reason for that. Women can do whatever they want to do, we don't need anybody else to make it happen. Women simply starting to fly a drone, can be the start point to seeing women flying everywhere. Even more, to fly airplanes overseas. It is the moment to listen to the female voices, to prove we are equal. We don't want Barbies any more, we want tech toys. Whether its from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. I was in Mexico this year, when my boyfriend and myself went to a beautiful cenote. The place is amazing and we decided to fly my drone to see the nature even better. During the flight we couldn't believe what we saw. A blue immensity, a bigger cenote that is only possible to see from above. We made a small video and I posted it on Instagram. After that, four of my friends decided to go to Mexico, only because of the video and the pictures that we took. For this reason, I'm pretty sure that drone shots encourage people to travel, to live and to discover. I also have great memories from another trip to California this year as well. We were on a private farm and made a drone video for the guy who rented out the Airbnb to us. He was so fascinated with the video, that he ended up letting us stay at his farm for free. We made the video expecting nothing, but to see something in a different way is a powerful tool. You just need to make it happen. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? We need to be a part of the change. If you are a woman or girl and you believe in girl power and equality, you are a part of this community. Flying a drone is one way to give a voice to this movement, by entering into a place that many people believe is just for men. We can prove to everyone how good us women can be. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? Women joining the drone industry just shows how powerful we can all be when we are together. I am a feminist and I want to make women even more powerful and independent. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I believe in a world of greater equality. A place where women can do whatever they want without judgments. Except believing is not enough, we must act in favour of this change. We need to occupy spaces that are ours for merit. Marina Miranda is a Brazilian Journalist, photographer, and drone enthusiast, that is in love with the world and loves to travel. <3 Visit her website here. #spotlightinterview #femaledronepilot #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #dronegirl #WOMENWHODRONE #womenwhodrone #interview #dji

Photo Credit: Wix Shutter Stock Drone mapping is a recent iteration of aerial photogrammetry, the science of taking measurements from photographs, or a method of creating topographic maps from aerial photography. Multiple overhead shots of a location are combined to create 2D or 3D models or maps for the purposes of land surveying. These models are used in industries like construction, mining, city planning, and environmental research. Previously, aerial photogrammetry required advanced digital cameras to be mounted to the bottom of an aircraft while someone inside the craft controlled the camera to take pictures. The area was flown over multiple times to obtain multiple shots, and close-up shots were taken by remote-controlled planes. If the whole land area cannot be captured, it's difficult to create an accurate 3D model, so aerial photogrammetry is combined with other photographic technology like laser scanners and LiDAR technology (a method of measurement using laser light). This method of mapping is commonly used for land surveying and has increased in efficiency because of drones. Drone mapping is aerial photogrammetry taken to the next level. Drones are easier to use and more cost-efficient when compared to traditional methods of aerial photogrammetry. Rather than having to rely on a large, costly manned aircraft, a pilot can simply fly a drone with a vertically-mounted camera overhead and quickly take pictures from the ground. After enough quality images have been taken, the client or pilot can use drone mapping software to create their digital map of the location. Different software options are available for mapping. DroneDeploy is a well-reviewed option that's used in more than 180 countries. DroneDeploy produces drone mapping software to facilitate the creation of 3D models, and they state that their goal is to unify the commercial drone industry and increase the accessibility of drone data. In addition to DroneDeploy, there are other options like Pix4D, Agisoft, and Precision Hawk. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #droneinnovation #dji #dronemapping #aerialphotogrammetry #LiDAR #LiDARtechnology #DroneDeploy #dronemappingsoftware

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? I have been flying drones since 2011 or so however once I saw my friends video post on Facebook (in 2013) with a camera mounted drone, I knew at that moment that I "needed" to have one. He was kind enough to direct me to DJI where I purchased my first camera drone which was the Phantom 2 Vision Plus. Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. My favorite thing to do with my drones is to capture memorable scenes from above. To me, it is like capturing an entire even as a whole story. With that said, I fly for fun and teach others to do the same. I created my name "GlideByJJ" so that people can follow my videos on social media. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it? DJI all the way! I have the Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Pro, Inspire 1 and Mavic Air. I like the Air for the portability, the Phantom 3 Pro because I am very use to the controls and it handles like a dream, and the inspire because it is cool to watch soaring through the air and can withstand a bit of wind better than the others. Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? I have learned that it is beneficial to educate others as to how drones work and to be very open when approached in public by curious by standers. I am always happy to share my screen provided I can safely do so. It is always great to see the surprised and amazed look of someone's face when they see the beauty from above for the first time. It also helps them to realize there is little detail seen from a drone when it comes to identifying people regarding privacy concerns. Whether its from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. My most memorial flight was near the demolition site of a psychiatric hospital called Greystone Park in June 2015. I was flying around taking it all in when the project supervisor came out to ask me about my drone. Not too excited to most people, however the fact that we now live together with our children makes this my most memorable flight. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? I would suggest to anyone who is interested in getting into drones or the drone industry to learn the rules first. Female or male, it is so important to know what is legal when flying. Unfortunately some people have negative impressions on drones, however if we all do our part to fly responsibly and help others along the way we can get an overall more positive vibe going. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I am happy to see more and more women entering the drone world. When I just started flying 4-5 years ago all of the meet ups were made up of men. Anytime I had my drone in the air and there was a man by me, strangers would walk up and start asking him questions rather than thinking to ask me (the drone pilot). It finally seems like people are starting to realize that there are women who not only fly drones, but are pretty good at it ;) I believe my editor and I were the only all female team to win the NYCDFF. There is still a lot of men but it's inspiring to see how many women have since made names for themselves in the industry. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? I simply enjoy flying and creating in my own way. It thrills me to put my stories together how I see them and to take photos that make me feel good. Not everyone wants to see a rowboat stuck on the edge of a still lake and a waterfall but to me, that's (my) art. My name is Jody Johnson. I started flying (DJI) camera mounted drones in early 2014. I have always been a bit of a tech nerd and wear the name proudly. I have enjoyed filming local happenings, new construction, old demolition etc. My excitement for taking aerial photos has given me something new to feel passionate about. I am grateful to all those who have found and followed me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms. I truly appreciate all of the kind comments and look forward to posting more unique angles to my pages. #spotlightinterview #femaledronepilot #WOMENWHODRONE #interview #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #dronegirl

Many people start their mornings with a fresh cup of coffee. You may brew it yourself at home or head down to your local Starbucks. But, how would your days change if you could get your favorite coffee delivered to you, wherever you were, via drone? Companies have been working on using drones to increase delivery times for a few years now. The creation of a drone that delivers coffee has also been in the works for years. In 2014, entrepreneurs in Amsterdam reported that they were working on a drone that delivered coffee around their office building. Designers at A-lab dubbed this drone the Coffee Copter. Using the Coffee Copter app, patrons place their orders to the coffee shop on the ground floor, then baristas put the orders in a cup-holder attached to the drone. Equipped with motion detectors and stabilizers, the drone maneuvers itself throughout the building and delivers the coffee by landing in a specially designed pillar located in the room. A demo of this process can be seen in the Coffee Copter promo movie, which is available on their website. At that time, the Coffee Copter was still in its developmental stage with the team mainly concerned with the drone’s limitations as a mode of delivery. This included a lack of energy-efficiency and accuracy. There has not been much news released about the project after 2014. Last September, British coffee company Costa performed a trial with their own coffee copter in Dubai. Costa’s ride thru location at Kite Beach in Jumeirah allowed beach-goers to call-in their orders. Within 15 minutes, their drinks were delivered to them on the beach via a specially designed drone. This trial was initiated by Costa’s United Arab Emirates customers, 82% of whom informed the company that they would be interested in using a drone delivery service for their food and drinks. However, it is still uncertain if and when Costa’s coffee copter will come to fruition. Logistics such as regulation and commercial viability are still being considered. Most recently, in August of 2018, it was revealed that IBM, which gained its notoriety through computer manufacturing, had thrown their hat into the ring and patented their plans for a UAV that not only delivers coffee but also, detects when a person wants coffee. The patent is dated August 7th, 2018 and states that it is for the drone delivery of coffee based on the cognitive state of an individual. The abstract further explains that the UAV would have sensors that scan people “for an individual who has gestured that they would like the drink, or for whom an electronic analysis of sensor data indicates to be in a predetermined cognitive state.” The patent depicts different possible designs for said drone, such as a drone that dispenses coffee directly into a mug and delivering drinks sealed in a bag. For now, it is still unclear when coffee delivery drones will be present in the food delivery market. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron

Renewable energy is a hot topic in society today, and businesses in every sector have promoted green products. More businesses are creating products with recycled materials or using less plastic, and tech giants are investing in green technology and energy. Drone technology is not exempt from this. A common set-back for drone pilots is energy efficiency. For any UAV pilot, a solar-powered drone would be a game-changer. With solar panels, a drone could of course harness energy from the sun to fly, but also store excess energy to use when the sun isn't available. The longest estimated flight time for a drone is the DJI Mavic 2's 31 minutes, which is significantly longer than other high-end models which are starting to reach at least 20 minutes. However, there may come a time when pilots can fly their drones all day. How much could someone accomplish if you could fly your drone for the whole day? Big name companies have been trying to develop a drone that could fly using solar power. Facebook's attempt was Project Aquila, which not only set out to create a solar-powered drone, but also give internet access to remote areas. Their goal was to create a fleet of solar-powered drones that would be able to fly over these areas, transmitting internet accessibility. While the team had experienced some success, Facebook announced that they would be closing their project's facility and abandoning the project altogether. In 2013, Titan Aerospace unveiled the Solara 50. Solara 50 was the "world's first solar powered unmanned aircraft that can function as an atmospheric satellite." It carries 3,000 solar cells , and inside it's wing are lithium ion battery banks which store excess energy. It was actually more cost-efficient to maintain than conventional satellites. In 2014, Google acquired Titan Aerospace and planned on furthering the project, dubbing in Project Skybender. However, similar to Facebook, Google abandoned the project in 2017. That brings us to 2018, when a university's engineering department successfully tested their prototype for a solar-powered quadcopter. The National University of Singapore Engineering flew Asia's first solar-powered quadcopter this August without reliance on batteries. Reportedly, their test flights show that the drone is capable of flying as high as 10 metres in the air. The NUS press states that this is an exceptional feat, especially because of the physics surrounding the amount of energy it requires for an aircraft to takeoff with rotary wings. Up until this point, solar-powered UAV's have been fixed wind crafts because they are more efficient in generating lift. Since the technology is still in its early stages, no one knows when a fully solar-powered UAV may take flight into the marketplace. Regardless, the success of this project and the interest of top tech companies is reason enough to be hopeful for more energy efficient drones and the possibility of full days of flight. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron

Tell us about yourself! What made you move from Sweden to the Maldives? I’m Camilla, from Stockholm, Sweden. I have a background in communication and events. A couple of years ago I started traveling the world and I realized pretty quick that I wasn’t made for the regular 8-5 work day. I started looking for a job that I could do from anywhere in the world. Photography has always been a big part of my life, from early years inspired by my father who was a photographer. So, it was obvious to me that my new plan had to include photography in some way and that I had to do something out of my passion for it. I came to the Maldives in the beginning of January this year and it felt like coming home. I loved everything about it - the people who live there, the ocean and all the wildlife in it and of course the paradise beauty of it. I decided from that moment that I had to stay. What made you want to start flying a drone? I have always loved being in the sky and fly, and I am so mesmerized by aerial views. After seeing the first drone pictures popping up on Instagram a couple of years ago I just knew that someday I would have to get a drone. And in January it happened. When I bought the drone, I was terrified to fly it, but it was terror mingled with delight. I fell in love with the views and the perspectives the drone gave me. Back then I didn’t ever imagine that I a couple of months later would do everything in my power to make it something to live off. Tell us about some of the unique things you capture in the Maldives, landscape? Wildlife? What is that experience like? In the beginning I was shooting those typical pics of the Maldives, 50 shades of turquoise ocean, white beach, swaying green palm trees and the lovely paradisy color palette that comes out of those combinations. But then, I had my first animal drone experience with a couple of eagle rays. It was like we were creating a symphony together and it felt like they were dancing for me. After that experience I’m always out looking for the wildlife. A dream would be to fly my drone over blue whales or in Africa to capture the predators of the savanna. Do you have any tips for where to fly safely and legally in the region? Maldives is super liberal when it comes to drone flying. The only thing to have in mind is to keep a distance from the airports and have the common sense of respect to your fellow humans. And also, the ocean, if you are a beginner, don’t fly over the ocean (and definitely not from a boat)… get confident first, get to know your drone and don’t take any unnecessary risks. I know so many people who have lost their drones to the ocean. Have you encountered many other women who fly drones? Never - except the ones I have discovered through Women Who Drone. But I would really like to! Drones are bringing people together in such an amazing way, I’ve met so many new friends because of my drone and the excitement we share about flying them! Have you had any experiences that have been tough as a female drone pilot? Not a single one! Maybe only the fact that I wasn’t as familiar with the joystick like most men are haha. But seriously, everyone I meet in the drone community are so helpful and supporting. They are very cool with female drone pilots. How do you see drones playing a role in your life moving forward? Drones lit my inner fire. There is nothing more fulfilling in my life. I’m still a beginner and I take every opportunity I can to practice, but eventually I hope I can make a living out of my passion for drone photography and videography! My dream is to capture important stories to share with the world and to create promotional videos all over the world! I'm Camilla Dellión, born and raised in Sweden and escaping my country since a couple of years back. I travel and fall in love with new places and people - and objects of my cameras of course! Photography and videography is my passion and I do not think there is anything more fulfilling in my world! www.camilladellion.com

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? I started getting into drones roughly 3 years ago when I was watching an aerial video on YouTube. I was super intrigued and blown away by this unique fresh perspective a drone can truly capture from above that it inspired me to get involved and integrate something similar into my work. Three years ago, I started out with a Bebop Parrot drone which I had for a couple of months and then immediately upgraded to a DJI Phantom 4 when it first came out. Ever since then, I’ve been super passionate about aerial photography and videography, I bring my drone pretty much everywhere with me wherever I go. I am also a huge travel advocate who loves creating unique content and getting people to really experience the beauty of a place vicariously through my travel videos. My work mainly specialists in landscape, travel and aerial photography and has been featured from reputable brands including DJI, From Where I Drone, Moodygrams, Polar Pro and Airvuz on their social media accounts and websites. My passion for aerial photography has led me to establish a side business selling my aerial prints, Light-room presets as well as client video work alongside my online business that I run full time. Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. I run a lifestyle based business with three other entrepreneurs where we provide like-minded individuals the necessary tools, training and resources to help one gain the skills of digital marketing which will enable them to either start an online business or grow an existing one. Having the flexibility that an online business gives us, has allowed my team and I to travel and experience many parts of the world while simultaneously pursuing what I love which is film and photography. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it? I started out flying a Bebop Parrot drone for a couple of months before I transitioned to a DJI Phantom 4. To this day, I fly a Phantom 4 Pro and absolutely love it! The quality of footage you're able to achieve with this drone is incredible and is one of my favorite things about this drone. I am always able to produce extremely sharp, crisp 4K footage. The Phantom 4 Pro is also great to withstand extremely windy conditions. It's very accurate in its GPS location and elevation hover abilities making it much easier to tackle harsh weather conditions! Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? One valuable lesson I learnt after flying drones for some time is to never be overly ambitious early in the hobby, and pushing the limits too far. I've seen cases of people losing their drones because of pushing the battery life to its limit, trying to fly it in extremely harsh weather conditions, flying it too high or too low to give a few examples. Start slow, get more comfortable in flying and be fully aware of the Do’s and Don’ts. That way, you are operating a drone safely without causing any potential harm to your surrounding and you have a higher probability of getting your drone back safely in one piece! Another lesson is to invest in ND Filters! I can’t tell you how much of a game changer filters are in the drone industry especially when filming in bright sunny conditions. Filters allow you to reduce the amount of light that reaches your camera’s sensor so your footage doesn’t come out too over exposed or shaky/jittery. This will result in you achieving the highest maximum quality footage possible. Whether its from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. One of my all time memorable piloting experience in a creative sense would be when I was flying my drone in Iceland. I was blown away by the country in itself, it has some of the most unique, abstract and picturesque landscapes I have ever seen. Not only was I able to capture incredible waterfalls, glaciers and mountain tops but some locations look so abstract in a bird’s eye view, it truly felt like I was on another planet. It took my droning experience to a whole new dynamic level that some of my greatest aerial shots were taken from there and ones that still render me speechless to this day. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Coming from a content creator point of view, if photography and film are either a hobby of yours, a passion of yours or something that has recently sparked an interest in you, drones are definitely a great addition to add into the mix as it truly takes your footage to whole new level and there really is no better time to invest in it than now. Drone technology is not only becoming so much more accessible, more affordable, and easier-to-use than ever before, but the type of content you deliver from a drone is an incredibly impressive way to grab your audience's attention from a fresh, dynamic perspective that no other type of camera can achieve. It has personally changed the game for me in a creative sense and I feel it is definitely worth looking into if you're someone like me who wants to explore their creative side further. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? Seeing as it's been a male dominated industry for quite some time , it's such an incredible feeling to see more women, who are driven and passionate, getting into this industry and bringing in a fresh and dynamic perspective to it. I truly get inspired when I see women achieve big things in this space as we are shaping the future of the drone industry to cater to everyone and breaking away from this notion of conforming to certain stereotypes and people not 'looking the part' when flying a drone. It's important that we see more women follow their passions using drones to prove this point and to empower more women to go after their dreams without ever second guessing themselves or feeling discouraged in any way. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? You can learn more about my story on how I got into drones by watching my Airvuz video. Merr is a well-known female pilot and videographer in the drone industry. As the founder of Merr Watson Visuals, she travels the world, capturing landscapes, sights, and sounds of beautiful areas of our planet. With an ambition to help other female drone pilots come out of their shell and into their own, she is truly an inspiration in the droning realm. #dronegirl #femaledronepilot #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #interview #WOMENWHODRONE #WOMENANDDRONES #spotlightinterview

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? I watched a film made by a local videographer early 2017, he used drone footage to capture a different view of my home town, I knew straight away I wanted one! From there my passion and creativity for film making took off. Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. I started New Zealand Adventures on Facebook as a page to display fun travel type videos I was creating from my road trips with friends and my partner. I wasn't quite ready to do much with the page, but knew if I started it well before I wanted to really pursue this passion I could gain at least a small following for when I was ready. It took off instantly and gained 18,000 followers in just over a year. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it? DJI Mavic Pro. Its reliability, stability, distance range, video and photo quality, ease of flying and very much its portability. Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? Don't fly backwards unless you can physically see whats behind the drone! Things like trees can take you down, fast haha! Treat every flight as its the most important, be cautious and safe at all times. Whether its from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. Oh gosh, there's been so many! We were at one of my favorite spots called Blue Springs where we ran into a man who we thought was homeless. We stopped and chatted and it turns out he was walking the country by foot to raise awareness about water purity. Long story short, I offered to get some drone shots for him which ended up in me making a beautiful film of his journey which was aired in a cinema and in a museum exhibition. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Imagine being able to fly and where it would take you? The aerial views of oceans hitting rocks, surfers catching the big waves, mountain peaks, the top of waterfalls or even just being able to take fun photos/videos on you and your mates! What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? The creativeness we can bring. I couldn't believe how many males were into drones and videography. It's exciting to see more females being able to bring their flare to the industry. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? Dream, create, celebrate.. You can do anything you put your mind to.. Ciska is a female drone pilot, born and bred in New Zealand. New Zealand born & breed. She Solo traveled the world for 1.5 years and is a woman of many hats, owning a vehicle body repair shop for 7 years. She now travels New Zealand, getting paid too make travel drone videos for New Zealand Adventures. #femaledronepilot #dronegirl #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #WOMENANDDRONES #interview #spotlightinterview #WOMENWHODRONE