Skyshutter

Leicester Museum 3D Scan

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:36:50 GMT

Skyshutter create 3D scan of a Leicester Museum

Using the very latest drone technology, Skyshutter have created a 3D photo realistic model of a Victorian museum.

Leicestershire based Skyshutter Ltd offer commercial drone solutions to businesses as well as producing promotional video and time lapse content.

Having been established for over five years, the family run company now offers photogrammetry services to clients.

Company director Simon Arnold said "As we look to gradually scale the business, we wanted to offer something new and engaging that businesses could integrate into their websites"

"First time visitors are amazed at how they can rotate buildings and objects in photo realistic quality and view from any angle....a true birds eye view!"

The technique involves taking multiple images of an object or building, and then using specialist software to 'stitch' the images together to create the 3D model. In the case of this museum, over 1500 images were taken.

Once created, interactive labels can be added to create an engaging and informative model.

To view and explore the model, visit our museum page here .

If you would like to find out more about any of Skyshutter's services, then contact us here .

Roof Inspection of a Stately Home

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:35:48 GMT

Skyshutter were recently contacted by the estate management team of a Stately Home to help with a leaking roof.

The Buckinghamshire property was built in 1909 and there was internal evidence of water ingress. A full roof inspection was needed but access would have been dangerous and difficult without full scaffolding.

Using drones was the obvious answer and that's where Skyshutter stepped in. Skyshutter have been established in the drone industry for many years and carry out roof inspections for clients on a regular basis.

Operating a variety of different UAV's (unmanned aerial vehicles), Skyshutter are uniquely placed to be able to operate in both rural and urban areas. High definition cameras on all drones allow detailed capture of damage to allow managers, surveyors and specialists to identify areas of concern and plan remedial action.

Before any drone operation, full planning and risk assessments are carried out and mitigation strategies put in place. This covers everything from the safest place for take off and landing, to identifying risks from other aviation and ground hazards. For example, this location was very close to Heathrow Airport as well as three other smaller airfields.

In addition to creating the safest operating environment, focus on the needs of the client is essential. Prior to commencing the inspection, a full walk through of the site was carried out with Estate Manager Shane O'Hara. Areas of significant concern were identified so extra attention was given in certain locations.

After the final safety checks, the aerial inspection commenced. The dji Mavic 3 was used first. Initially some wider photography and video shots were taken to help place the property and surrounding area.

The drone was then brought in closer for the full inspection. A methodical grid pattern was initially used to create a single, vertical image. This is done by powerful software stitching together many image to create one high definition orthomosaic map.

Additional photographs were taken around chimneys to allow detailed inspection as well as angled images around the property to enable a 3d model to be created.

3D models use a process called Photogrammetry . This is where many images are stitched together by software to create the model. Clients can then rotate and explore the model. Should damage be spotted, the original images can be recalled for a higher definition look.

The lower level inspections, especially on the north west corner of the property required the use of a smaller drone, the dji Mini 3 Pro. This was because of the proximity to a public road and the current regulations. Although weighing under 250g, this capable drone produces great imagery to supplement the Mavic 3.

In all, around 2000 images were taken, along with some video footage. On a project this size, how those images are delivered is very important to the client. We have a range of options available, most of which result in the production of a pdf document that the client creates over time showing the areas of damage, along with close up images, a severity scale and a cost to repair.

The feedback at the end of this project demonstrated it's success. Estate Manager Shane O'Hara simply said:

"Thank you its great. Just what we needed. Very happy indeed"

Skyshutter Ltd is located in the East Midlands, conveniently located for National deployment. If you have assets that need safe, efficient and detailed inspection then why not get in touch for a free quotation. www.skyshutter.co.uk

Investment Firm Paloma Capital Use Skyshutter for Promotional Video

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:41:50 GMT

See the video here:

The video was planned to be engaging and informative utilising both drone and ground camera footage

CSCS Cards for Drone Operators

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 14:34:50 GMT

Why Drone Operators No Longer Need CSCS Cards

CSCS stopped issuing Visitor Cards in 2020

Skyshutter supports Hathernfest 2022

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:29:20 GMT

Festival aerial drone shots

Skyshutter is pleased to support this years Hathernfest. We will be providing aerial shots and a live stream of the set up prior to the festival in August.

See our Festival page here.

For ticket information, visit www.hathernfest.co.uk

Holscot Fluoropolymers Ltd use Skyshutter video on website

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 14:18:00 GMT

Skyshutter video used on client's website

Multi national company Holscot Fluoropolymers Ltd has used Skyshutter to capture drone footage of the new building at their head office in the UK.

The Grantham based firm with centres in the UK, Germany and The Netherlands used video and still images to showcase their world class new facilities.

If your business could benefit from any of our services, visit www.skyshutter.co.uk

Europlacer Selects Skyshutter for Time Lapse Camera Installation

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 09:39:23 GMT

Welcoming Europlacer to our expanding client list.

Skyshutter are pleased to announce they've been selected by multi national company Europlacer to install and manage time lapse footage at one of their projects in the East Midlands.

Europlacer's customer is located in Loughborough, Leicestershire and the 2 to 3 month project will be captured using our high definition time lapse cameras.

Time Lapse Video

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:33:09 GMT

To document a long term project in a dynamic way, Time Lapse may be the answer.

Whatever your project, inside or out, time-lapse cameras may be just what you need.

What Is Time Lapse?

You may be thinking that time lapse is a video. Well technically it is....and it isn't! The final product is of course a video. It is however created by joining many photos (sometimes thousands) together to show the project in its entirety. Imagine an 18 month project condensed into 1 minute!

How is Time Lapse Used?

Time lapse can be used for documenting and for marketing. It can show the results of projects and experiments as well as full construction projects from start to finish.

Should I attempt Time Lapse on my own?

Of course you can attempt a time lapse project on your own. Perhaps you are running a small university project, or even recording your own diy at home. With a few google searches you will quickly discover the correct equipment, frame rates, iso settings and photo frequency to select. You will probably find the best location allowing for the travel of the sun and any seasonal obstructions. You will select the correct height based on the field of view of the lens and camera you have purchased and also calculate how often you need to download the footage and replace the batteries. As a general rule of thumb, the more expensive the equipment, the better the final result and the longer the battery and memory cards last. You may also need to purchase or rent a mast to old your camera if there is no suitable location. Remember to consider the duration of the whole project.

How do cameras differ and what should I look for?

If we use our selection of cameras as an example, you will see we have covered both the lower cost, more frequent attendance cameras through to 6k panoramic, solar powered options.

The key is to choose the camera that best suites your needs. If you are filming some equipment being set up, perhaps in an exhibition centre, then the lower cost option would probably meet your needs. If you are commencing a long term construction project, and you want your camera to remain in one position for many many months, then a solar powered camera with image upload over the 4G network would probably be a better option.

How do I create the final video?

Once you have all your images you will need to edit them into your final video. Perhaps some music (remember the licensing laws), some sharpening of the images, some removal of images when no progress was recorded (removing stagnant parts to final video). You may also want to add some panning movement to add a level of dynamic motion.

How can Skyshutter Help?

If you would like a fully managed solution with the right camera in the right location then we can help. With daily downloads on our premium camera, our portal can show progress on any given day.

Free, No Obligation Quote...

Simply contact us to let us know your requirements and receive our quotation.

Skyshutter Photogrammetry Services

Tue, 24 May 2022 05:58:49 GMT

Photogrammetry

Combining multiple photos to create a single image

Skyshutter is pleased to offer various photogrammetry services. Please see the descriptions below or speak to us to determine which best suits your needs.

Vertical Photographs

We're all familiar with Google Earth satellite images, but how often are they poor definition or out of date?

Look how a single Skyshutter image contains so much more detail (move the slider):

What is the difference between a single Aerial Photograph and Aerial Photogrammetry?

A single aerial photo will look down from a single point. This gives a vertical perspective to what is directly beneath the camera, however further objects will have more of their sides visible.

Photogrammetry allows the whole of the image to be perfectly vertical across the whole area. This is a process called Orthomosaic Photogrammetry.

Because photogrammetry utilises many high definition photographs, detail is enhanced.

Move the slider below to compare:

The left image is a single photo exposing the sides of buildings. On the right the Orthomosaic Photogrammetry image retains a vertical perspective throughout in an even higher definition.

3D Modelling

As well as creating a 2D image, we can also take our images from different heights and at different angles around an object. This allows us to build a 3D image of the subject. We can then rotate that image on the screen to view it from multiple angles.

Notice in the above image, side walls are missing. This is because all images were taken overhead. A complete 3d scan would involve multiple images being taken from the sides too.

Digital Surface Models (DSM)

A Digital Surface Model, or DSM captures a surface, including natural and human-made structure such as vegetation and buildings. They illustrate reflective surfaces of all features elevated above the ‘bare earth’.

In short, DSMs represent the Earth’s surface and all objects on it.

Because DSMs represent the bare-Earth and all of its above-ground features, they are particularly important in urban planning.

3D surface models can increase the understanding and explanation of complex urban scenarios, especially as built-up areas change with time due to urban expansion.

DSMs are ideal for runway approach zone encroachment in aviation, and urban planning to check how a proposed building may affect views. Beyond that, DSMs can be used for visualization, disaster management, navigation, vegetation management, decision-making, and much more.

Stockpile Volume Calculation

Using the 3D technique above, we are able to measure the dimensions of structures and stockpiles to give an accurate volume estimate.

What are the uses?

There are many uses for photogrammetry including:

- Planning Permission Applications

- Construction Sites

- Building / Asset Inspection

- Stockpile Volume Estimation

- Storm Damage Assessment

- Flood documentation

- Marketing

- Property Sales

- Urban Planning

- Land Surveying

- Engineering

- Intelligence

- Forensics

- Agriculture & Forestry

Contact us for more information

A big thank you to Sheppard Developments and Gatter Capital for allowing us to show their project images.

Refer a Friend Offer

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:37:40 GMT

Refer a Friend Offer Now Available

We are pleased to announce our new customer referral scheme.

Simply share your unique referral code from your invoice with friends and family who wish to use our services.

Upon completion of their project, you will receive a £20 Love2Shop gift card as a thank you from us. The person you recommend will also benefit from a referral discount of 10%

Skyshutter Partners With Midland Cleaning And Maintenance Ltd

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:38:00 GMT

Drones used for roof inspections

Imagine how difficult this chimney would be to inspect at over 100 feet in the middle of a historic building.

School Roof Inspections

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:15:32 GMT

Fast, efficient inspections for those hard to reach places

Skyshutter are often asked to carry out drone roof inspections in schools.

As schools expand over the years, they often end up with multiple buildings with different roof types. Many of these aren't accessible without either very expensive scaffolding or expensive MEWPS (mobile elevated work platforms).

With our latest drones we can provide ultra high definition images and our zoom capability means we can really help you to identify issues that are impossible to see form the ground. What's more, this can be done in a fraction of the time traditionally taken.

Our ability to live stream images when flying means any problem areas can be identified in real time whilst we're still airborne and closer attention can be given.

Typically, in the planning stages, we would divide up the roof into sections. Photographs would then be tagged to those sections and so easily identified.

Close ups are then delivered tagged to the appropriate roof section.

If your school would benefit from Skyshutter's services then please get in touch. We also provide corporate aerial photography and full promotional film services.

Skyshutter Invests in Latest Drone Technology

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:20:49 GMT

Skyshutter's latest drone technology will bring you amazing footage...

A dual camera drone with the very latest technology

Case Study: Skyshutter Collaborates with Vivid Laminating Technologies

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:47:27 GMT

The making of Vivid Laminating Technologies Latest Video

We were delighted to be approached by Vivid Laminating Technologies to make a promotional video.

They had seen one of our previous projects and liked how we combined drone and ground camera footage.

Vivid wanted to make a promotional video that showed them, their products and a customer testimonial. This is a great way to promote a business and helps to take it to the next level of online presence. We worked together on the project and helped Vivid turn their ideas into reality. This included using a dubstep track to keep it energetic!

The project involved two days filming at Vivid's head office in Leicestershire, and half a days filming with their customer Spiral Colour in Cheshire.

Drones were used for the outside footage. This helped to show the scale of the building and add some dynamic movement.

Indoors, we used a mixture of drones and hand held cameras to give a more complete look to the video.

In Cheshire, we met Jason Carpenter from Spiral Colour. Spiral Colour have been customers of Vivid for over 12 years and were happy to talk honestly about that business relationship. We set up some lighting rigs to help with the interview recording.

We were really pleased to have the opportunity to create this for Vivid. They are market leaders in their industry and it was good to work with them on this project.

You can find out more about Vivid here www.vivid-online.com and Spiral Colour here www.spiralcolour.com

If you think a promotional video is the right 'next step' for your business then why not get in touch. Help to make sure your company or products stand out.

Skyshutter and Jordan Road Surfacing.

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 06:45:03 GMT

Skyshutter video for Jordan Road Surfacing

Shot over two days and two locations. Our drones proved great for heavy plant filming.

A big thank you to North Kilworth Marina for allowing us to film at their wonderful location.

Skyshutter is a promotional video maker specialising in the use of drones and high definition cameras. If you think we can help you create a promotional film and connect with your customers then please get in touch. We would love to discuss your ideas and to see if we can help.

How To Get An Aerial Photo Of Your House

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 06:56:00 GMT

How To Get An Aerial Photograph Of Your House .

Perhaps you've been considering an aerial photograph of your home for a while, or even thought of one as a gift for someone else. If you have, then we may be able to help.

Skyshutter can provide you with amazing aerial photographs of your home using the latest drone technology.

We are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and fully insured.

How It Works:

Want to find out more?

Click on the opposite article for more information or contact us now for a free quote:

Preparing for a Video Tour

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:07:13 GMT

How to Prepare for your Video Tour

The one thing to remember is video shows everything…even the things you don't see anymore!

Now you or your agent has decided on a video tour, it's really important to prepare your home. Some of this might seem obvious but try to remember, viewers are looking to buy THEIR NEW home, not YOUR OLD home.

To get the best from your video tour, try to do some or all of the following:

Get the outside right

Move any vehicles from the outside of the property
Remove any clutter from outside the property such as bins and hoses
Mow the lawn and tidy round the garden including weeding and removing leaves
Clean the windows

Set the scene inside

Moving furniture around may help to make a room look more spacious
Make sure your home is well lit, and replace any light bulbs that have gone out
Open all curtains and blinds
Fresh flowers help to breathe life into a property

Kitchen

Clear all work tops and make sure there are no tea towels or chopping boards on show
Move bins out of sight
Clear away appliances
Close all cupboards
Hide all fridge magnets
Clear the sink (no dirty dishes!)
If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds
A full, fresh fruit bowl can add a flash of colour

Reception rooms

Remove scruffy throws from sofas
Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy
Set dining room tables
Remove rugs, especially where you have wooden or tiled floors
Any children’s toys or piles of magazines, DVDs etc should be out of sight

Bedrooms

Make the bed and choose bed clothes that compliment the room
Anything stored under the bed should be completely out of sight
All drawers and wardrobe doors should be shut

Bathroom

Keep the toilet lid down
Remove clutter like shower gels and tooth brushes
Close the shower curtain
Remove toilet paper from its holder
Any towels should be neatly arranged and folded, and chosen to compliment the room

Property Video Tours

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 19:00:36 GMT

Property Video Tours

How Skyshutter Can Help You

High quality photos and video are essential when it comes to selling property, especially if you are selling a high end, exclusive home. We provide a complete package of video marketing solutions including aerial (drone) photography and video.

In addition, we also shoot smooth, stable 'walk through' footage to help potential buyers imagine living in their next home.

This video had hundreds of views online and the owners appreciated offers over the asking price!

Whether you are an estate agent or individual wanting to sell your own home, u sing property video tours lets you serve your audience and streamline the process of selling homes.

Below we'll explain why property video tours are essential and how they can help your company.

Let's take a look.

Real Estate Video Tours Give You An Edge On The Competition

To really get the most out of your agency, incorporating property video tours is a must.

Think about it… plenty of estate agents serve your market, so it's only right that you develop strategies that others aren't using.

A client will be more likely to choose your business when you go the extra mile and provide bells and whistles that other agencies are neglecting. Creating this multimedia content can make your pages more eye-catching and interesting than the competition's.

A high quality video tour establishes you as a cut above the rest.

In a congested property market, every buyer needs to see clearly what you are selling, and every seller needs to know you will capture the attention of all potential purchasers.

Remember too, YouTube has more than 1 billion users, so posting your content here opens you up to a world that you otherwise would not have been exposed to.

Video Is Very Shareable

Carving out your space on the web is everything when it comes to business.

Since people are watching more video than ever on their computers and mobile devices, you always need to be tapped into this market. People share video like wildfire across the web, so property video tours can help get the word out.

You can easily embed video links and share them amongst different platforms so that you're building an audience that you can sell homes to.

People Can Picture Themselves Living In The Property

Above all, home video tours create a personal relationship with the buyer.

A person watching the video will view it vicariously, imagining how it would be to walk through those doors every day as a homeowner.

If you can make someone envisage living at a property you're selling, you're well on your way towards making a sale.

No longer will clients be disappointed when they enter a property thinking it doesn't look like the photographs.

With Skyshutter's video tours, you're able to let someone view around the clock, as many times they would like to view it. It takes the pressure out of the situation and lets people take their time when getting a feel for a property.

Video Answers Questions Ahead Of Time

Another great benefit of video tours is that it lets you get all of the information out early.

The tour video can include floor plans, prices, a list of utilities included, contact information and more.

By giving viewers all of this information out front, people can jump into more specific conversations leading toward the sale. It cuts out the amount of initial correspondence and weeds out buyers that aren't really serious.

Make your house tour videos as informative as possible so that you're streamlining the process of selling homes for your clients.

Your Listings Will Drive More Traffic

The more video tours you put out, the more traffic you'll get to your website and your brand as a whole.

People are more likely to watch a quick video than they are to search through countless text-based listings. Once you condition people to view your video tours, they'll make you the go-to stop when they're ready to look at some houses for sale.

It's Easily Integrated With Social Media

Perhaps the best part of video tours is that they're easily incorporated into social media.

Since 3 billion people are projected to be on social media by the end of 2020, creating social media friendly content is an investment. Today, social media is often the first place people check when searching for anything.

Creating content that people can easily post to social media keeps you in that conversation when these referral conversations happen.

To capitalise on social media buzz, be sure you're keeping your videos tight and high resolution. You want to stay within people's attention span while painting the home in the most favorable light.

Skyshutter are experienced in editing the footage to the right music and at the right pace to keep your potential buyers glued to the screen.

Video Sells The Property Better Than Still Photos

When viewers have the choice of still photos vs. rich, HD video, video will win every time.

A still photo doesn't necessarily represent a home you're trying to sell. Moving video helps people get a true assessment of room size, flow and design principles of the home.

Since you can only create a first impression once, high quality video helps you to do every home listing justice.

Hire Professionals To Handle Your Property Video Tours

At Skyshutter , we know exactly how to create video tours that inform, engage and make people feel at home with your properties.

About Skyshutter...

Skyshutter Ltd supplies high quality aerial filming, photography & survey services. We offer high quality aerial imagery for a wide range of applications. Whether you have used aerial photography and filming services before, or are exploring the possibilities, let us guide you.

Experienced Professionals
CAA Approved
100% Safety Record
Fully Insured
Aerial Photography
Aerial Videography
Video Production
Photo Editing
Marketing & Promotion
Structures, Surveys & Inspections
House & Home
Events & Celebrations
Property Video Tours

From marketing videos to promotional photographs, our skilled drone pilots provide high quality aerial images of your land or structures. But it's not just for commercial clients, you can commission us to photograph homes, events and special occasions too. We are CAA approved and hold PLI. Visit our main site: www.skyshutter.co.uk

Promotional Videos and Why Your Business Would Benefit

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 06:54:58 GMT

How Your Business Would Benefit From A Promotional Video

Over 1 billion hours of video are watched each day on Youtube alone! (Source: Youtube.com )

Making a Promotional Film. Skyshutter's 15 Step Approach

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:04:39 GMT

Making Your Film

When we create a promotional film for you we never forget it is YOUR FILM. Using the latest drones, stabilised cameras and editing software we connect YOU and your story to YOUR CUSTOMERS. As you read this, remember it is a collaborative project. We will work together every step of the way.

Skyshutter's guide to creating your promotional video

Contents:

1. Initial Concept

2. Type & Style of Video

3. Stages of Customer

4. Delivery Platform

5. Brain Storm Ideas

6. How Much Time For Each Item

7. Decide Basic Time Line

8. Choose Music

9. Create a Storyboard

10. Produce a Shot List

11. Record Audio / Video Interview

12. Record Video Footage

13. Edit

14. Distribute

15. Feedback / Review

1. Initial Concept

The initial concept is just that. Maybe you've had an idea floating in your mind for a while. Perhaps a colleague or friend has suggested using video. Maybe you've seen some aerial video or photography and it's got you thinking. Let's face it, who doesn't watch video's online these days? The important thing to remember here is it is possible to get high definition quality videos to your customers.

2. Type & Style of Video

You know your customers and future customers more than anyone. You know the demographics of the new customers you want to attract. With this knowledge you can choose the style of video. It will normally fall into one of these categories: Educational, Entertainment, Explainer/Demo, Event, Testimonial, Corporate, Tutorials, Work Culture, Loyalty Program or Thank You.

3. Stages of Customer

Where are your customers at? Are you trying to get their attention, nurture them, convert them or grow them? Asking yourself these questions will help you consider appropriate and relevant content. Remember, its's not just about how good your product or service is….it's what you can do to help and solve your customers needs and problems.

4. Delivery Platform

Your delivery platform will be dependent on the type of video and stage of customer. It will usually be social media, a blog, email, website, or landing page(s). More often than not you will distribute it on multiple platforms. Clients may also use a copy on a video loop to show at trade events and fetes.

5. Brain Storm Ideas

One of the most interesting times for us is when we 'brain storm' ideas with you. It's amazing how different people visualise something in so many different ways. Remember, this will always be your project, we just facilitate getting your ideas onto paper.

We use the mind map technique so your ideas always stem from that central core message you want to send. This method helps to keep your message relevant and focussed.

6. How Much Time For Each Item

Video duration is critical. Too short and your message won't get across. Too long and viewers will loose interest and switch off. There are techniques to keep viewers watching but ultimately its about relevant content to the relevant audience. Some delivery platforms (like instagram) limit normal videos to 1 minute (unless you use their IGTV). Other platforms like youtube allow any duration. It's not uncommon to request different duration edits for different delivery platforms.

7. Decide Basic Time Line

A video timeline is simply the chronological order of events. By now you will be clearly picturing how you video will look. You're probably visualising certain clips, imagining your audience's reaction and drilling down on the exact content. This is the stage where you write down the order of events. Essentially, the Introduction (1), Content (4) and Conclusion / Call to action (8). In between these points is the proof/storytelling (2,3,5,6 & 7) .

8. Choose Music

Music choice is really important. Maybe your idea needs something upbeat to introduce a new product. Maybe you're saying thank you to your customers and something more relaxing would be better. Sometimes no music or even silence can be very powerful. We can source the right music with the necessary licence where required.

9. Create a Storyboard

The storyboard is where your vision finally starts coming to life. It is a collection of basic sketches, in the correct order, showing a summary of each scene. It also has notes or scripts beneath. This should resemble very closely the finished product. Use the storyboard with colleagues, family and friends to ensure it tells them the story or message you want to convey.

10. Produce a Shot List

From the storyboard, we produce a shot list. This is a list of every camera shot we require for your project. This way we can shoot in the most efficient way, which is not necessarily in the order of the final video.

11. Record Audio / Video Interview

The power of voice should not be underestimated. Whilst most of us hate the sound of our own voice, it really will connect with your customers. If you don't want to be on camera then don't worry. We can record just your audio and edit it on to the film. We would sit with you and ask questions in a style that allows you to tell your story. This won't suit all types of video but it is worth considering.

12. Record Video Footage

The big day(s)! The filming day is great and we all finally get a chance to put the plan into action. You can expect to see drones flying around and/or strange looking cameras being carried. As our name Skyshutter suggests, we try to use our drones as much as possible. They are so versatile and add level of quality to your product. Be prepared to have things filmed more than once from different angles. If your business has customers present it can be good to have them in the footage. Ask them in advance if they would like to appear on camera.

13. Edit

The edit is where we stitch together all the pieces of film and audio. We start by placing all the clips in the order of your timeline and storyboard. We add in your logo and any calls to action. We recommend overlaying subtitles too as many viewers on social media will watch without audio. We adjust the audio levels and make any necessary colour corrections. Then we all check, double check and even triple check everything!

14. Distribute

You will already have decided the platforms you plan to use. We normally show your videos on our channels too which helps your marketing. Expect a lot of views if shared effectively. A recent film we made for a small local dairy had over 3000 views in just a few days and their facebook followers went up over 250% within 2 weeks!

15. Feedback / Review

You never stop learning! Even though each stage is collaborative, by the end of our project together we will have lots to talk about. We value your feedback immensely.

You can see some of our customer reviews here.

If you have any questions then please get in touch. If you are considering a promotional film then why not just have a chat with us. More information can be found on our website.

About Skyshutter...

Experienced Professionals

CAA Approved

100% Safety Record

Fully Insured

Aerial Photography

Aerial Videography

Video Production

Photo Editing

Marketing & Promotion

Structures, Surveys & Inspections

House & Home

Events & Celebrations

Property Video Tours

Selling Your Home Using Aerial Photography

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:03:45 GMT

How Aerial Photography Can Help To Sell Your House

You’ve decided to put your house on the market, but you're bored with all the standard photographs of house fronts that appear in the listings. You want a sales advertisement that will stand out from all the others, and have people rushing to book viewings and submit offers. So, why not hire an aerial photographer to take a unique photograph, which will show prospective buyers just how special your property is?

An aerial photographer is someone who takes photographs of a subject on the ground from an elevated position. The term ‘aerial photographer’ often conjures up images of someone taking photographs mid-air from an aeroplane.

While many aerial photographers do still fly or charter aircraft to carry out their work, advances in technology mean there is often no need to leave the ground. Now you can hire camera-mounted, remote-controlled UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), commonly referred to as ‘Drones’ to take low-level, aerial photographs of your property.

Why would I need one?

Aerial photography can have a variety of applications. Aerial photographs are often used to market a property. A photograph taken from an elevated height can add dimension to a property, and bring out qualities that might not show in a photograph taken from the ground. A single aerial shot can show the full extent and surroundings of a property, and is particularly useful for properties with large grounds. It can also help prospective buyers visualise potential for extending the property, or simply highlight an attractive feature – such as a landscaped garden.

Aerial photographs can be useful in applications for planning permission. If you are planning an extension to your home and want to show the planning committee exactly where it will go, a bird’s eye image with lines marking the outline of the proposed extension could help.

This kind of photography is also useful for building surveys. Low-level, aerial photography can show you parts of a property that most surveyors couldn’t (and wouldn’t want) to reach. The equipment can be flown at roof height and manipulated to take close-up shots from different angles. A live feed to a monitor on the ground allows a safe, thorough, roof inspection without the need for a ladder.

Aerial photography can also be useful in boundary disputes. If you’re convinced your neighbour has unfairly moved his fence to claim an extra foot of your land but need proof, an aerial shot could certainly help your case. Even if the old fence is gone, an elevated shot could clearly show the line of trees or bushes that marked the original boundary.

Which method of aerial photography is best for me?

This really depends on what you want to photograph, and for what purpose. Aerial photography from an aeroplane obviously needs to be taken from a great height – usually about 1,500 ft. As the pilot flies over the property, the photographer will take a number of shots of the property from different angles. While many photographers now work with long, telescopic zooms, the distance from the subject will result in a less-detailed image. This kind of photography is fine for a general overview of large properties in remote areas, but isn’t recommended for anything smaller.

A aerial photographers like Skyshutter Ltd use remote-controlled ‘Drones’. These are linked to a monitor on the ground, where the photographer can control the movement and angle of the device, fly in for close-ups and choose the shots required. Although they can be flown to many thousands of feet, they usually operate up to 400 feet. With skilled pilots they require minimal space and are best used for capturing detailed shots of properties.

Most aerial photographers, whether they are land or air based, work exclusively in digital format, but a few still work with film too. Digital photography is the best option for most purposes. The quality is almost the same as film, it’s cheaper and it’s convenient for e-mailing or uploading images to the web.

How do I find a good photographer?

The best way to find a reliable, competent aerial photographer is through word of mouth. If you don’t know anyone who has used an aerial photographer before, ask your local estate agent if they can recommend a photographer they have used for marketing property.

Otherwise, you can do an internet search and browse aerial-photography websites.

Try to find someone local. This will help to keep costs down, as aerial photographers almost always make an extra charge for mileage. This is particularly relevant to aircraft-based photography, where airtime makes up the bulk of the cost.

Go for a specialist. Many photographers will advertise themselves as an ‘aerial photographer’ when in reality they do very little aerial work. These photographers might lack the necessary skills and experience to carry out quality, aerial photography, which requires a different perspective to other types of photography. Visit photographers’ websites. If you find there are more wedding snaps than aerial photographs, steer clear.

Once you have a list of candidates, have a look at their images online. Discuss your requirements and ask how they will achieve the photos you want.

A good photographer will be able to determine a property’s most attractive features and selling points and use them to maximum advantage. As most house sale ads use only one image, you want that one image to show your property at its best.

How much will it cost?

Costs can vary wildly, depending on factors such as equipment used, location and overheads. The same job can attract quotes that differ by several hundreds of pounds. A company that operates its own aircraft and is based in rural Leicestershire is going to have lower overheads than a London-based photographer who has to charter an aeroplane.

However, aerial photography needn’t cost a small fortune. If the job is small and you hire someone local, you could get a USB of high resolution images for £200. Prints are normally extra, but can cost as little as £5 each. Whether you want images taken from an aeroplane, or you prefer a ground-based service, it pays to shop around.

Questions to ask a photographer

How long have you worked as an aerial photographer?

The more experienced they are the better.

How many shots do you take for each job?

Often this will depend on the extent and nature of the job, but photographers will provide anywhere between eight and 30 shots on CD for most properties.

Are your images taken in high resolution?

The higher the resolution, the better the image. An image with seven million pixels per square inch taken at a low level should be of good quality. Twelve million would be ideal for aircraft-based photography. For film photography, choose a photographer who works in medium format or better.

Is this a fixed-price quote?

A good photographer will offer you a fixed quote based on your specific requirements before they carry out the work. The total should include all agreed extras and VAT. Clarify with the photographer that this total will not change after the work has been carried out.

When do I have to pay?

Some photographers ask new clients to pay in advance. If the client doesn’t pay in advance, and decides after the work has been carried out that they don’t want the photographs, the photographer will make a loss as there would be almost no chance of selling the images to someone else.

Will you need permission from the Civil Aviation Authority?

Depending on the height and location, certain flights will need to be authorised by the CAA, which can take up to a month. Skyshutter will always obtain permissions where necessary and inform the Police when operating near sensitive sites.

When will I receive the photographs?

Some ground-based photographers can write a CD of the images as soon as they are taken on site. Others will need to return to the office before they can e-mail you the images. In most cases you should receive digital images on CD or USB within 48 hours.

Do I get copyright of the images?

Some photographers will hand over copyright to the client. Others will retain copyright, but license the client to use the images for all purposes except resale. Make sure you are legally entitled to use the images for the purposes you need them for.

What should I do if I don’t like the photographs?

If you aren’t satisfied with the images, discuss your concerns with the photographer. A good photographer should be willing to hear you out and try to accommodate your requests, as long as they are reasonable.

If you had specifically asked for a shot of the beautiful water feature in your rear garden, but the photographer failed to take any, you can reasonably expect them to retake the shots at no extra charge. If it was especially cloudy on the day of the shoot, and this had a significant impact on the images, again, the photographer should agree to retake the shots at their own expense.

However, an aircraft-based photographer is unlikely to make the expense of a return journey just because there was a car parked in front of the house when the photographs were taken. This would have been beyond their control.

If you genuinely feel the quality of the photographs aren’t up to standard and the photographer refuses to cooperate, you could contact your local, trading standards office and ask them to investigate.

Useful tips

Give your photographer as long a window as possible to carry out the work. The photographer will want to wait for a bright, sunny day to get the best photograph possible. The time of day is also important. Midday is usually ideal, as the sun is at its highest, but an image of a south-facing property taken during the late afternoon might be equally flattering.

If there is a particular feature of the property you want the photographs to highlight, make sure you tell the photographer beforehand. If they are willing to visit the property before the shoot, ask them to come so you can discuss the best angles and viewpoints. If they can’t visit, e-mail them photographs you have taken of the property.

Although you don’t always have to be present during the shoot, it helps if you are there to ensure the property is looking its best and there is nothing obscuring it. Ask the photographer for a specific timeslot for the shoot and make sure you are on site during that period. Then you will be able to move on the unsightly, refuse-collection truck parked outside your house.

Experienced Professionals

CAA Approved

100% Safety Record

Fully Insured

Aerial Photography

Aerial Videography

Video Production

Photo Editing

Marketing & Promotion

Structures, Surveys & Inspections

House & Home

Events & Celebrations

Planning Permission Applications. How Aerial Photography Can Help

Sat, 09 May 2020 07:15:00 GMT

Planning Permission Applications

How Professional Drone Companies Can Help

Planning permission applications can be greatly enhanced with the supply of high resolution aerial images.

These images allow not only views from directly above, but also wider angles and elevations to demonstrate fully the surrounding area.

Some architects can superimpose your designs onto the images to give a true vision of how your designs will look.

Skyshutter recently assisted Loughborough based Homescape Architecture with a project in Leicestershire. We supplied them with the necessary aerial photos for their project.

If you think Skyshutter can help with your planning application then contact us for more information. Contact us.

About Skyshutter...

Experienced Professionals

CAA Approved

100% Safety Record

Fully Insured

Aerial Photography

Aerial Videography

Video Production

Photo Editing

Marketing & Promotion

Structures, Surveys & Inspections

House & Home

Events & Celebrations

Property Video Tours

Marketing Using Aerial Photography And Videography.

Sat, 02 May 2020 06:55:00 GMT

Using Aerial Photography And Videography For Marketing

About Skyshutter...

Experienced Professionals

CAA Approved

100% Safety Record

Fully Insured

Aerial Photography

Aerial Videography

Video Production

Photo Editing

Marketing & Promotion

Structures, Surveys & Inspections

House & Home

Events & Celebrations

Property Video Tours

Case Study: Skyshutter Collaborates With Bumpkin Dairy Co

Sat, 02 May 2020 06:10:00 GMT

Case Study:

S kyshutter Collaborates With Bumpkin Dairy Co

In the spring of 2020 Skyshutter had the pleasure of creating two short videos for Bumpkin Dairy Co . These are the final results:

The brief was to create a 'Grass to Glass' story so customers could see exactly where their milk comes from. It was important to not only show the process, but also to connect with the audience on a personal level.

The 2nd clip was much shorter:

These videos have been really popular on social media. They've had thousands of views and within just a few weeks increased the facebook followers of Bumpkin Dairy Co by over 700%. This is a massive increase and exceeded our expectations.

If you think Skyshutter can help your business then please get in touch here .

Behind The Scenes: Bumpkin Dairy Co.

A question often asked is how do we create a film from scratch to final edit. We thought we would answer this by sharing how we made a promotional film. This is the story of how our promotional film for Bumpkin Dairy Co was created.

Business owners Tom & Debra wanted to create something that showed the local community what they did and why. They own an Organic Dairy Farm near Loughborough and had developed the concept of selling their milk in local vending machines. Their branding was complete, and now they wanted a video to show.

In our 1st meeting with Debra & Tom it was immediately obvious how passionate they were about their farm, their cows and their product. We were shown around the farm and every process was explained. We find it useful to understand in advance what is wanting to be conveyed, which hopefully translates to better understanding for the final audience.

The initial concept was 'a short video of the farm to show what we do'. The idea was to show customers and future customers where their milk came from and how fresh and natural it is.

As ideas were discussed further, the concept of a more documentary style was considered. To tell the full story of how the milk is produced was going to take a few minutes of video. This is where the film title was born, 'Grass to Glass'. 4 to 5 minutes we thought would be needed. Tom and Debra decided to have subtitles on the final product to allow their audience to engage with the video without sound. We always recommend this as many people watch social media videos in public without sound.

As a final strategy to connect with the customer, Tom and Debra decided (after a little gentle persuasion!) to provide the 'voice over' on the video. We decided this was to be interview style rather than scripted to keep it natural and honest. We identified the audience would be some existing, but a greater number of potential customers. This helped shape the idea that the video would educate and demonstrate as well as show the people behind the brand.

The video delivery platform would be mainly social media. Facebook primarily with other options available. This would allow sharing in multiple groups and the option to upload directly to facebook or link it from youtube.

As you can see, the first meeting was busy! It's so important to get these thoughts agreed so everyone is driven to achieve the same outcome. Now it was brain storming 'mind map' time! Keeping the core concept of 'Grass to Glass' and informing the viewers, together we wrote down what content needed to be included. Examples of these ideas are: About Tom and Debra, size of farm, why organic, what is organic, chronological stages to get milk on table, space for cows, milking robot, pasteurising, delivery, where you can buy it and so on.

Now we had the content options, we needed to consider how much time for each item within the video. This is where it becomes apparent you may only have a few seconds per item. There's a balance to be made between content, duration and audience interest.

For this project the 'Grass to Glass' concept automatically helped us decide the basic timeline . We just needed to add the introduction and ending.

When it was time to choose the music, a few tracks were shortlisted. It needed to be positive, energetic but not to quick. There needed to be an underlying beat that would be easy to listen to. We presented a few options for Tom & Debra to choose from.

Next it was time to create a storyboard. From wide angles to close ups, a paper sketch of every scene was created and the look of the video could be seen.

With the vision of each scene on the storyboard, we created a shot list . This ensured all the required shots were filmed. The shot list allows filming to be planned in the most efficient manor, not necessarily in the order that the will appear in the final edit.

For this promotional video, as mentioned earlier, we decided to record audio in an interview style. This meant the questions asked were of a style which would allow the answers to tell a story with feeling and emotion. We hoped this would connect with the customer. The questions were un rehearsed to keep the answers sounding natural.

Then it was time to record the video footage. Filming was spread over two days. On day 1 all of the aerial shots were filmed. Drone days are always exciting and we try to use them ass much as possible. Due to the short distance to East Midlands Airport we obtained permission from Air Traffic Control. The aerial shots are so effective and they really help to add a dimension to videos and bring them alive. Day 2 was used to film all of the ground shots. We used a high definition camera mounted on a gyro stabiliser which keeps footage smooth…even when following cows!

When filming was completed it was time to edit . Many hours were spent on this. First of all the clips were sorted (and there's a lot!) into the order dictated by the story board. The backing music, titles and credits were added. Each clip you see in the final video was then 'cut' and 'spliced' into position. Care was taken to cut the clips in time with the background music to make it easier viewing for the audience. The audio interview was added, followed by colour grading. This ensures that colours are shown consistently in each scene despite being recorded in different lighting conditions. Finally subtitles were added to allow viewing without sound and for those who need it.

After the final edit was double and triple checked, it was time to distribute it. With nearly 4000 followers on our social media platforms we were able to help reach the audience. Bumpkin Dairy Co published it on their facebook page and as we write this, it has already had over 7500 views!!

With every photographic or video task we always ask for feedback. We want to ensure we are constantly improving our services. This was no exception and all feedback is always welcome.

We hope this article has been interesting and shows the level of detail we apply to the videos we make.

If you are considering a promotional film for your business the our other article ' Making A Promotional Video…Skyshutter's 15 Step Approach ' may help you start thinking through the planning stages we would use.

If you think Skyshutter could help you to reach your customers, tell your story and connect them with your products and services then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

About Skyshutter...

Skyshutter Ltd supplies high quality aerial and ground filming, photography & survey services.

Experienced Professionals

CAA Approved

100% Safety Record

Fully Insured

Aerial Photography

Aerial Videography

Video Production

Photo Editing

Marketing & Promotion

Structures, Surveys & Inspections

House & Home

Events & Celebrations

Property Video Tours

From marketing videos to promotional photographs, our skilled drone pilots provide high quality aerial images of your business, land or structures. But it's not just for commercial clients, you can commission us to photograph homes, events and special occasions too. We are CAA approved and hold PLI. Visit our site: www.skyshutter.co.uk

6 Things Home Owners Must Do To Get Aerial Photos Of Their House

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:24:00 GMT

6 Things Homeowners Wanting Aerial Photos Must Do

Why Do I Need An Aerial Photo Of My House?

If you're reading this then you will probably have already considered the reasons for having professional aerial photos of your home. Perhaps you've been inspired after seeing a beautiful framed photo in a friends house, or have a business premises you want to show off. Maybe you think it would make a great gift for a family member or close friend. You may be selling your home and want to show off its location and beautiful surroundings.

Where To Look

Internet search engines will be most peoples first port of call. There's no doubt they will give you answers to you question…BUT…here is a health warning! They might not be the best answers! Until we started our business we had no idea about internet searches, how to optimise your website or what a 'keyword' was. Changing just one word in your search can completely change the results. We can stand outside our office, search for 'aerial photographer near me' and not appear until the 4th page of google ! Who looks there?

Our advice here is simple. Yes, use search engines, BUT also look in business listings like Yell.com (formally Yellow Pages). This helps to find more established businesses with more consistent listings.

What To Look For

So you've logged on, you've searched the internet and the business directories. Now what?

In the UK the single most important requirement for aerial drone operators is to have permission form the UK Civil Aviation Authority. They regulate aviation, and, drones are aircraft. Any genuine drone photographer will be pleased to show you their PFCO (Permission for Commercial Operation) which is renewed every year. Like with us at Skyshutter , a lot of work goes into this approval and genuine operators will be proud to produce the document. You can also check each operator on this master list (CAP 1361) from the CAA (we're on page 147, ID number 7807). If the company or individual you are considering are not on this list then they are ILLEGAL and NOT INSURED!

Once you know the company is legal, then who you choose is very much down to what you feel. Each company will have different equipment, and may specialise in different techniques. Talk to a few operators and see what they are like. Again, like the search engine warning, the quality of the website might not truly reflect

how the company are to work with. Just because someone is a whizz with a computer or website doesn't necessarily mean they will work in the truly collaborative way you are expecting. Use your judgement.

What To Expect

All companies will need to carry out a risk assessment. It is part of the PfCO requirements and is necessary in such a safety critical industry. We are aviation professionals and its in our blood to put safety above everything else. Sometimes the risk assessment can be carried out fully from the office. Other times a site visit may be necessary in advance. Certain permissions and notifications should be done in advance. These may include Police, Air Traffic Control, Schools, Prisons, MOD etc.

On the day of the shoot you can expect your operator to have a walk through of you site. They should action any mitigations they identified from the risk assessment and also plan around any further risks identified on the day. They may bring an observer with them or ask you to assist as a 'lookout' during the flight(s).

Be prepared to be impressed! Enjoy watching the drone at work! These aircraft are truly remarkable!

What Questions To Ask

Most organised, genuine operators should naturally answer your questions during the initial planning stages.

PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS!

There is no such thing as a silly question! You might be surprised how restricted drone operations are so don't be surprised if answers often revert to CAA regulations.

What Should It Cost?

Clearly all operators will have different costs, experience, and customers. The cost of complying with the regulations, insurance and marketing etc are significant. That's in addition to the high capital investment of modern precision technology.

Each job is unique. From initial enquiry to product delivery there is a lot involved (this will be the subject of a future blog). While estate agents may be able to 'bulk purchase' services and get a discount we wouldn't expect any operator to charge much less than £200. Our prices start at £199 and increase depending on the content and quality of photos and HD video production requirements.

Thank You

We hope you found this useful. We understand it can be daunting when you approach an industry that is heavily regulated and you may know little about.

The key is to stick with an expert!

If you are in the East Midlands and require the services of an Aerial Photographer, Aerial Videographer or just need a drone inspection of a damaged roof then maybe we can help you.

Just get in touch through our website www.skyshutter.co.uk or email us directly at info@skyshutter.co.uk

Experienced Professionals
CAA Approved
100% Safety Record
Fully Insured
Aerial Photography
Aerial Videography
Video Production
Photo Editing
Marketing & Promotion
Structures, Surveys & Inspections
House & Home
Events & Celebrations

Skyshutter

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To document a long term project in a dynamic way, Time Lapse may be the answer.

What Is Time Lapse?

How is Time Lapse Used? ﻿

Should I attempt Time Lapse on my own?

How do cameras differ and what should I look for?

How do I create the final video?

How can Skyshutter Help?

Free, No Obligation Quote...

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Photogrammetry

Combining multiple photos to create a single image

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What are the uses?

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How to Prepare for your Video Tour

﻿

Property Video Tours

Property Video Tours

How Skyshutter Can Help You

Real Estate Video Tours Give You An Edge On The Competition

Video Is Very Shareable

People Can Picture Themselves Living In The Property

Video Answers Questions Ahead Of Time

Your Listings Will Drive More Traffic

It's Easily Integrated With Social Media

Video Sells The Property Better Than Still Photos

Hire Professionals To Handle Your Property Video Tours

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About Skyshutter...

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How Aerial Photography Can Help To Sell Your House

Planning Permission Applications. How Aerial Photography Can Help

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How Professional Drone Companies Can Help

Marketing Using Aerial Photography And Videography.

﻿ Using Aerial Photography And Videography For Marketing

Case Study: Skyshutter Collaborates With Bumpkin Dairy Co

Case Study:

S kyshutter Collaborates With Bumpkin Dairy Co

Why Drone Operators No Longer Need CSCS Cards

How is Time Lapse Used?

Using Aerial Photography And Videography For Marketing

Why Choose Skyshutter?