Drone photography is booming in Wilmington, NC and all over the county for that matter. But in Wilmington and the surrounding areas there are scenic beaches, historic landmarks, lush marshlands, and modern real estate popping up daily, there’s no shortage of places to capture stunning aerial footage. But if you’re thinking about hiring a drone photographer (or becoming one yourself), there are a few things you should know first.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to fly, important FAA rules, how to plan big shoots, and what to ask before hiring someone. Whether you’re a real estate agent, business owner, or just love epic drone shots—this one’s for you.
Best Places for Drone Photography in Wilmington, NC
Looking for breathtaking drone footage? These local spots are packed with visual drama:
1. Wrightsville Beach & Masonboro Island
Long stretches of shoreline, colorful homes, and boats cruising the waves, this is a perfect location to capture some beautiful scenery.
2. Downtown Wilmington & Cape Fear River
Capture bridges, the historic USS North Carolina, and cargo ships in motion.
3. Fort Fisher & Zeke’s Island
Great for sunrise shoots, with a mix of dunes, rocks, and protected marshes.
4. Southport & Bald Head Island
Southport is an awesome little town. It has charm and history. Now Bald Head Island is a gem. Access by ferry or boat, and no cars on the island. The movie Weekend at Bernie’s was shot there, and it has a lot of beautiful areas to capture shots. Here is a short video I shot of Southport HERE.
Planning Large Drone Projects in Wilmington
If you need drone photos or videos of large areas, like 100+ acres of land, here’s how the pros do it, so I’ve heard.
Use Grid Flights
Pilots fly in a grid pattern to cover more space at FAA-approved altitudes.
Stitching Software
Apps like DroneLink or Litchi help automate flight paths. After flying, images are stitched together in Lightroom or other editing tools.
Stay Legal
Even if you want that wide aerial shot, the FAA limits you to 400 ft above ground level (AGL). Stick to the rules, it’s not worth risking a fine. Fly safely.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Drone Photographer
Not all drone services are created equal. Before hiring someone, ask:
✅ Are you FAA Part 107 Certified?
This means the pilot can legally fly drones for commercial work. This might not matter to some, but it’s a good idea to ask.
📄 Do you have insurance?
Liability insurance protects both of you if something goes wrong. Most drone insurance polices cover up to 1 million dollars.
🚀 What kind of drone do you use?
Higher-end drones mean better footage. At Luma 3 Productions, I fly with the DJI Air 2S. This little drone is very underrated as it produces great quality pictures and video. It has a max resolution of 5.4K for video at 30 fps.
📍 What’s your experience?
Ask for a portfolio or sample work. Look for drone shots with clean lines, smooth motion, and good color grading. Drones are not hard to fly, but to great those cinematic smooth moves, it takes some skill. HERE is my aerial photography page.
⏳ What’s your turnaround time?
Some projects need same-day or next-day edits. Make sure you’re on the same page. Every project is unique.
Why Drone Photography Matters
Drone imagery is powerful. It makes properties stand out online, adds depth to branding videos, and captures moments that ground-level cameras can’t reach. Whether you’re in real estate, construction, tourism, or local events, drone visuals elevate your story and brand. Also, the drone industry continues to grow every year. More on drone market insights HERE.
And yes, we also offer full Video Production Wilmington NC services. From aerial shots to interviews and editing, we’ve got your visual content covered.
FAQs About Drone Photography Wilmington NC
It depends on the project. Simple residential shoots can start around $205 – $300, while commercial work or large properties may cost more depending on what it entails. You can always contact me with any questions. Even if you don't hire me, I'm happy to answer questions.
No. Some areas, like near airports, military zones (Sunny Point), or national parks, are restricted. I always check LAANC before I fly.
We offer aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, marketing, inspections, and construction progress. Pretty much everything within reason.
This depends on the job. If it's for real estate, it's normally a 24 hour turnaround. Other projects may be more involved, and take longer.
Absolutely! That's part of it. I can edit your project even if I didn't shoot it.
