Meet Jason House | Drone photographer and videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason House and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The freedom! Being able to work your own hours, put in hard work and get credit for efforts. Most of all controlling your own destiny.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The first thing people ask me when I’m flying my drone is that a toy and what can it do! Usually, their knowledge of drones and what you can do with a drone is limited. I have to say I thought that way, too before I owned my very first drone and realized its potential. Drone technology is more advanced and capable than people have ever dreamed of, and innovators and pioneers across various industries are learning how to put commercial drones to work. Drones are already used for functions such as land surveying, aerial photography and videography, precision agriculture, public safety, and more. Future legal changes could introduce even more possibilities, such as long-distance package delivery. Even within the existing categories, there are many options — surveying and inspections are essential for companies ranging from insurers and mine operators to real estate firms and utilities. The drone industry is growing fast and being part of such a fantastic small business venture is exciting and empowering at the same time. My military career has made the transition to drone piloting seem natural and not complicated. While in the military, I worked as a Combat Search and Rescue H-60 crew member in the Air Force. I was amazed at how natural flying a drone has become, and believe it or not, the site picture you get from flying a drone is the same picture I got from flying around in the H-60G. You see hazards, land features, buildings, places of interest, and people the same way, so flying a drone felt right. What gets me excited about my drone photography business is the creative side of flying a drone for my customers. You have a 400ft ladder to take pictures from all angles at night or day, so any image they need, or I feel that it’s a great shot, I can move in that direction to get that beautiful or informational image. Most of my small business/ entrepreneurship challenges, I must say, come from never owning my own business. It can be challenging mentally and physically, especially if you have never been in the small business realm. Let’s say it’s been a labor of love and one that would have never happened if we had not had this past Covid pandemic. The lockdown from the Covid pandemic gave me a lot of downtime to think about my future, and it was indeed an awakening moment. Fast forward one year into my business, work is starting to come in, my photography is improving, and my customers are satisfied. I have built a strong work ethic from the ground up, expanded on the basics, improved with every shoot, and have had a blast doing it. I learned this from my military service, which helps with my business. I’ve learned to master and hone my craft with equipment in my possession and not be blinded by the latest and greatest drone/camera on the market to come out from year to year. Invest in my training just as much as purchasing equipment to improve my skills, whether with mapping or simple night photography or volunteer my time helping with search and rescue missions in the local community, one of the best feelings about owning your own business is being creative in a way that set’s you apart from everyone else—that beautiful shot in the golden hour of a multimillion-dollar house. The 2D photogrammetry image of the new construction site downtown, which saved the city thousands of dollars in overtime costs and reduced safety incidents, or that beautiful sunset photo of the most beautiful couple and their wedding by the ocean. Enjoy the journey, remember from past mistakes and kick ass!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a great time in Tucson for a friend visiting, I would have breakfast at Tanque Verde Ranch, where you can go for an early morning horse ride, mosey past towering cacti, and climb rolling hills as you make your way to the Old Homestead. Upon reaching your destination, indulge in a freshly cooked breakfast before your eyes. Everything famous blueberry pancakes, ranch-style eggs, bacon, chocolate milk, orange juice, and more await your grumbling stomach. Hit a couple of mom-and-pop shops on 4th St, go hiking on our surrounding world-class Saguaro desert trails, and visit streetside restaurants downtown (don’t forget the bars downtown).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The mentorship list is long, with the help from family, friends, co-workers, and my job history that led me on my road to personal entrepreneurship. My rock and heart go to my family, who bring me all the joy and love in the world and being a military veteran, they have followed me around the world through the years like little troopers. I love my close friends, who have never-ending encouragement and support through the good and bad times (especially through the pandemic). Let us not forget my military history: I get my complex work ethic, honesty, integrity, compassion, and passion for any job, no matter how big, small, essential, and non-important. That work hard, play hard attitude!

Website: WWW.dronehouse.org/

Instagram: dronehousellc

Facebook: DroneHouse video and aerial photography service