Do I need a permit to hire a drone photographer in Seattle?

In many cases, yes. Drone operations in Seattle often require airspace authorization, and some locations or events may require additional coordination with property owners, municipalities, venue security, or event organizers. Seneca Photography helps clients understand permitting requirements and ensures all drone flights follow FAA regulations and applicable local guidelines.

Is drone photography safe for crowded events?

When performed by a licensed and experienced drone operator, drone photography can be safely integrated into event coverage. Seneca Photography uses safety perimeters, visual observers when required, and real-time flight adjustments to maintain safe distances from people, structures, and obstacles while capturing professional aerial footage.

What types of drone services do you offer in the Seattle area?

Seneca Photography provides aerial drone photography and video for events, brand marketing, tourism promotion, construction documentation, industrial site imaging, and community storytelling projects throughout Seattle, Kirkland, and the Greater Puget Sound region.

How far in advance should I book drone photography for an event in Seattle?

For large events, landmark locations, or peak-season bookings, 2 to 4 weeks is recommended. For smaller projects or flexible shoots, shorter timelines may be possible depending on weather, airspace authorization timelines, and project scope.

Can you film at landmarks or high-profile locations like the Space Needle?

Each landmark has unique requirements. Seneca Photography has experience coordinating with PR teams, security teams, and event organizers to capture aerial footage in complex, high-visibility environments when authorized and when conditions allow safe, compliant operations.

Three Shoots, One Goal: Elevating Brands, Events, and Stories Across the Seattle Area and Beyond

Feb 14

Written By Kristina Kiest

Most people think drone work is all blue skies and smooth flights.

Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s not.

What makes this work meaningful is that every project comes with real constraints. The job is to deliver strong results anyway. That might mean capturing a community event on a windy winter night, producing technically precise industrial property documentation, or filming a major celebration in a busy urban environment with complex airspace, crowds, and real-time coordination.

That is what Seneca Photography is built for. Creative storytelling and professional documentation, supported by careful planning, safety-first decision making, and clear communication on location.

Where I Work

Seneca Photography is based in Kirkland and regularly serves the Greater Seattle area, including:

Seattle
Bellevue
Bothell
Woodinville
Everett
Renton
Issaquah
Snohomish

For the right project, we also travel throughout Washington State and beyond.

Below are three real-world scenarios that show how we work, what we specialize in, and what clients can expect when they hire Seneca Photography.

Scenario 1: When Weather Changes the Plan, Not the Outcome

This project took place at a holiday event near Alki Beach with the Alki Community Council. The original goal was straightforward: capture aerial drone footage that showed the energy of the event and the beauty of the location.

Then we arrived and faced strong winds and unstable conditions. The type of weather that requires fast, smart decision making.

We pivoted.

Instead of forcing an unsafe or low-quality drone flight, we shifted to a multi-camera capture approach using Insta360, GoPro, and mobile cameras. The goal stayed the same: create a promotional piece people would want to watch and share. Only the method changed.

This is the difference between hiring a drone operator and hiring a production partner. Drones are a powerful tool, but they are still just one tool. The real job is delivering the story, even when conditions change.

For outdoor community events, this flexibility means you still receive a finished product that feels intentional and professional, not like a backup plan.

Scenario 2: Industrial Drone Photography for Decision Makers

Another current client requires high-quality aerial photography to document the full extent of industrial properties. The goal is wide, accurate imagery that clearly shows infrastructure, structures, and access areas within a single frame.

For projects like this, planning is just as important as flying. I review site outlines and survey documents to understand exact boundaries, then capture images from altitudes and angles that ensure full site visibility while maintaining clarity and detail.

Professional industrial drone documentation typically includes:

Wide shots showing the entire site in a single image
Multiple angles for context, including top-down and oblique views
Photos from all four cardinal directions
Minimal distortion and true-to-scale representation
Daylight capture in optimal lighting conditions
Presentation-ready deliverables for planning, documentation, and marketing

In this type of work, the primary goal is not artistic. It is functional clarity. The final images help teams plan, present, and make informed decisions.

Scenario 3: Full Production Coverage for Alki Beach Pride 2025

One of the projects I am most proud of is Alki Beach Pride 2025.

The goal was not just event coverage. We produced a promotional video that captured the full story of the celebration: community, visibility, local business, and connection. We filmed the parade, crowds, vendors, and performances with a focus on authenticity and energy.

This was full production work handled end-to-end:

Story development and creative direction
Drone and ground filming strategy
Logistics and timeline management
Editing and final delivery

Large public events also come with real operational challenges. Safety and compliance are non-negotiable. This included navigating wind conditions, complex city airspace, active crowds, and environmental obstacles.

We managed FAA requirements, monitored bird activity, and maintained constant awareness of structures and power lines.

Communication was just as critical. We maintained active coordination with the client and continuous communication between the pilot and visual observer to ensure safety, efficiency, and creative flexibility.

The final video successfully captured the spirit of Alki Beach Pride and delivered a high-quality promotional asset that can be used across marketing channels. Check out the final video below.

Services Offered

Depending on your project goals, Seneca Photography offers:

Aerial drone photography and video
Event highlight videos and promotional recaps
Brand content for websites and social media
Construction progress and site documentation
Corporate and industrial aerial photography

If you are not sure which service category your project fits into, that is completely normal. A short consultation usually clarifies the best approach.

How to Get in Touch

The fastest way to start is through the contact portal:
https://www.seneca-photography.com/contact

You can also connect through Instagram using the link on the website.

Phone or text: 954-715-6138

When you reach out, it helps to include:

Project location
Ideal date or timeframe
Intended use of the content (marketing, documentation, internal use, social media, or multi-use)
Required shots or constraints (permits, weather windows, site boundaries, schedule requirements)

If your project is in Kirkland, the Greater Seattle area, or anywhere in Washington State, we would love to hear what you are planning.

Kristina Kiest https://kristinakiest.com