Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Drayna.
Hi Rob, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started becoming interested in drones around 6 years ago. At first, my involvement was on a small hobby level scale. Quite quickly, although still just a hobby at that time, the interest grew and so did my gear collection. FPV (first-person view) was my main focus. This meant learning to solder, tune, and of course, hone flying skills. FPV is acrobatic. Flips, rolls, banking turns, and huge power to weight make for a fighter jet type of experience. It requires a unique level of spacial awareness that is difficult to grasp. Also, FPV does not utilize any assists, so all control is up to the pilot and their stick inputs. Strap a GoPro to an FPV drone, and the footage can be magical.
I’m thankful for this FPV experienced the long and challenging learning curve, because it led me to starting Earth Aerial, an aerial photography and videography business. This is where I jumped into DJI drones. The stability, gimbal camera, GPS, return to home, and still and video capabilities just make sense when it comes to certain photo and video techniques. Slow, stable, cinematic footage is mostly what clients want, something I never thought I would say. This has made for smooth and dreamy edits that serve the client’s needs. I’ve been lucky to work with local and national companies, filming and editing their projects for social media, promotional, and marketing purposes. I take a critical and intentional look at clips, angles, and the edit in order to tell a story for the client. These days, quick and engaging clips are required to keep the viewers’ attention. It’s just the world we live in.
All of this brings us to today. Earth Aerial is a business that started from a hobby. It first started with an obsession of perfecting FPV flight skills and physical coordination. Naturally, that led to builds and technical proficiency. From there, I saw potential. I started Earth Aerial LLC, passed my part 107 FAA test, and received my remote pilot certification. Real estate, promotional marketing, home inspection, action, cinematic, and scenic photo and video are all services provided by Earth Aerial. I never saw this passion coming, and never thought my drone gear would take over an entire room in the house. I’m proud of the shots and edits I’ve produced to date. Clients have been excited about the product as well. Earth Aerial is a new company, officially established in June 2022. Shots and edits of Utah, Alaska, and Florida are some in the portfolio, and I’m excited to continue to expand, capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of a drone.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Anyone who has been into FPV drones knows, the process is far from straight forward, especially some years back. Flight skills and technical challenges required a lot of focus and patience. Also, starting a company for the first time is a learning process that takes time. Being real with myself about that has been tricky. Some of the processes requires waiting. For instance, the FAA takes time to process a remote pilot part 107 application, and the state takes some time to approve an LLC. Creating a list of to-do items and sticking to it has been helpful. Also, reviewing and revising that list is super necessary, since it is ever-changing. Now, as a new company, networking. Connecting with my network and their referrals is where I’m at. Without clients, there are no jobs. And clients don’t exactly fall from the sky, yet at least. Another challenge is to be ok with stepping away. No one can work around the clock. It’s been easy to spend more hours than intended shooting, editing, building the website, etc., because Earth Aerial is exciting to me. But, work-life balance isn’t just a fun thing the corporate world talks about. It’s for real.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve worked in the mental health field for around 18 years. I have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, and have worked in residential, counseling, and admin-level mental health industry capacities. I’m proud of my involvement and contribution to the mental health community. Earlier this year, I shifted gears. That is when Earth Aerial came to be. I find I connect well with people. I am authentic and genuine. I love the creative process, working with others to come up with an idea and make that thing a reality. This venture is a “we” thing. Not an “I” thing. Without collaboration, without supports, and without a network, it would be nothing. I’m proud of my ability to connect with people, and the products I’ve shown myself I can produce. I am hyper-critical of my edits and clip lengths. I am not above trashing a clip if it’s not good enough, or has already been said, as tough as that can be. Sometimes a fraction of a second can make a clip feel wrong, too long, too short, or just clunky. I feel like this sets me apart.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When it comes to podcasts, I usually gravitate toward something light and funny. I feel like if we are laughing, we’re doing it right. As for specifics, I don’t think we know each other well enough yet!
I read a lot, but usually not books. Mostly technical things I want to learn about. Jumping into a new business has brought on a lot of studies regarding business practice, gear details, and photo and video techniques.
Organizational apps that have been helpful: A simple notepad app with checklist, text, and color organization. Email and Calendar, obviously. Also, Mint has helped in organizing and categorizing certain income and expense tracking.
Contact Info:
- Website: earth-aerial.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/earth_aerial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHXLty0sDWyflxyVHFKc0w
Image Credits
Rob Drayna (Earth Aerial)
