Photography Elevated (Drone Shots)
About five years ago, I found myself grounded—figuratively speaking—when several clients began asking if I offered drone photography. At the time, I didn’t. But after a little encouragement from my wife, I decided it was time to elevate my skillset—literally.
I enrolled in a Part 107 drone course, where I quickly discovered that capturing photos from the sky involved more than just a steady hand. I learned to read Sectional Aeronautical Charts and studied the FAA rules governing commercial drone flights within U.S. airspace. After weeks of studying, I made my way to the airfield in Independence, Oregon, to take the drone pilot exam. Think driver’s test—but more intense.
With my Part 107 certification in hand, I began offering drone photography to my clients. Drones have allowed me to capture angles that used to require a ladder, a boom lift, a helicopter—or pure imagination. Over time, I’ve sharpened my flying and framing skills, and have even been brought into commercial video projects by a local media house to help tell powerful stories about people and places in the Pacific Northwest.
I’ve flown in some unforgettable spots too—from navigating tight corners inside giant warehouses to soaring beneath the Oregon State Capitol dome. What started as a technical upgrade has become a creative passion. I’ve come to love the cinematic freedom that drones offer and the unique perspectives they bring to architectural photography.
If you’re considering drone photography or video for a project, you’ll want a licensed Part 107 pilot. And if you’re looking for one with a strong eye for architecture and a solid portfolio of stunning aerial work—let’s chat. I'd love to help your project take flight.
Matt Swain Photography is a Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot and serves Oregon and the West Coast with quality drone and architectural photography.