Photographer Megan Zabel Holmes on Turning Drone Work into a Creative Advantage

In an interview with PetaPixel, photographer and filmmaker Megan Zabel Holmes discusses how becoming a commercial drone pilot has differentiated her in a crowded field. Holmes, who began her career in writing before adding photography and video, obtained her FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate while working as creative lead at a destination marketing organization. She notes that less than 10 percent of licensed commercial drone pilots are women, a statistic she hopes to change by mentoring other women. Holmes's drone kit includes a DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Mini 5 Pro, and DJI Avata 2, while her camera setup features Canon R5 II and R6 II with 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. She emphasizes that an aerial perspective adds value by showing scale and context, particularly for outdoor events like bike races. Her clients include Travel Wisconsin, Zoom, the American Birkebeiner, and the Wisconsin Bike Federation. Holmes balances drone and ground coverage by prioritizing aerial shots early in events and shifting to close-ups later. She also highlights the importance of preparation, such as keeping batteries warm in Midwest winters and checking flight restrictions. Holmes believes photographers have an inherent advantage in drone work due to their understanding of composition and exposure. Looking ahead, she aims to practice FPV flying, pursue documentary and conservation projects, and encourage more women to enter the industry.