Tigerhill Studio - Aerial and Architectural Photography for Over 30 Years










DUNS 10-319-2100 SIC 7335 NAICS 541922 (Commercial Photography) CCR Profile

FAQs

	1. When is an aerial the way to go? — In a congested setting--the Loop is a good example--an aerial shot allows you to capture more of a building than would be possible from the ground, in many cases, the entire building. Away from a dense central business district, a property may still be congested by landscaping or power lines. So, an aerial gets you above the ground clutter. And, an aerial is the only way to show all of a sprawling property like a shopping center or large distribution center. Even if these circumstances don't apply, an aerial may still be appropriate if you want to show both the property and its broader context.
	2. Why does an aerial cost so much? — If I'm doing the aerial, you start with my fee structure based on artistic versus straight-up-and-down photography. Then, you add the cost of flying, which has been going up along with fuel and insurance. After 9/11, a number of my vendors went out of business, and the survivors have more pricing power. And, I often fly a property more than once to get the best shot.
	3. What does a helicopter add to the mix? — With a helicopter, you can hover "low and inside." You have more time to compose, and you can capture tight dramatic angles not possible at higher elevations. Sometimes a helicopter is the only choice--like a building near O'Hare Airport when you have to stay out of the surface airspace. By the way, helicopters cost more to rent than airplanes. So, there's a cost premium for shooting by helicopter. The lowest cost option is a high-altitude aerial by airplane.
	4. Can you explain this oblique thing?> — Some aerial photography is done simply to document, and shooting straight down is fine--easy and fast. But people up in the air don't look straight down. An oblique aerial captures this human perspective. It requires a skilled photographer, an understanding of aerial composition, and the ability to shoot quickly as the airplane makes passes over the subject.
	5. Is your architectural work the same caliber? — I'm very proud of our architectural work. We're not as well known for it, but I think we're right up there with the long-time "names." We're attentive to the details like shooting "square," and we have an eye for framing and lighting. Our professional digital cameras and specialty lenses can capture extremely wide interior angles without the fisheye distortion of traditional lenses. And, we can provide special effects like time lapse photos, high density range (HDR) multiple exposures, and virtual reality programs.
	6. Do you do aerial videos? — Yes. We have the capability to produce a professional aerial video edited to your specifications. We have the appropriate understanding of aerial photography and combine it with professional video filming and editing skills. You've come to the right place.
	7. I'm trying to justify the cost, but you seem high. — Our fee structure reflects a premium product and premium service. To deliver on both of these goals requires a premium price.