Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Segal.
Mark is an architectural and aerial photographer who grew up in Washington DC and moved to Chicago in 1984 to pursue his specialty in panoramic photography for the advertising & corporate markets. SkyPan Intl began operating in 1988 producing aerial 360 panoramic photography using fullscale helicopters in order to create dramatic cityscapes and landscapes for the photographic film stock library – PanoramicImages.com
Experimenting with remote control in the 90’s SkyPan is now the oldest operating drone company in the USA. SkyPan produces high resolution interactive 360 aerial images using custom-made robots for clients in real estate development & architectural design who plan and optimize proposed highrise projects nationwide.
Using patented systems and new tech innovations, SkyPan creates both dusk aerial 360’s and Gigapans in addition to dramatic video and experimental custom visuals. As the market leader in the drone industry SkyPan has shared presentations with photographers, drone operators, architects, builders & marketing companies in addition to providing safety guidelines to the FAA since 2005.
Has it been a smooth road?
US airspace was not drone regulated properly until September 2014 by the FAA so SkyPan suffered struggles concerning aerial operations in large cities prior to that date.
Technology didn’t exist in the 1990’s so SkyPan had to custom make robots, cameras, platforms, electronics, etc. which led to many crashes and rebuilds costing large time and money.
Finding clients was difficult since 360 aerial photography was a new industry and not understood.
Insurance is expensive and difficult to obtain for last minute projects.
Business is very dependent on right type of weather, so shooting/planning can be frustrating
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the SkyPan International story. Tell us more about the business.
SkyPan is known for producing very high-quality photography and video using aerial robots. We operate large systems, not small drones. Our robots can lift and stabilize professional grade Canon cameras & lenses. We have deep experience in a relatively new industry (drones since 2010) since we’ve been in business since 1988.
Beyond many benefits to architectural planning & design, aerial panoramic photography is viewed by developers as an essential development tool that helps realize the full potential of envisioned projects. Super high-definition panoramic photography is unique in its ability to realistically showcase future views before a project is completed,
Experienced development teams recognize that investing early on in this specialized photography yields benefits that can be applied throughout the entire planning, design, development, financing, and marketing process. Whether images are used in marketing collateral, website galleries, videos, sales center “viewing rooms” or even virtual reality walk-throughs, actual high-def view photography creates a sense of realism that is unmatched.
Our website includes many samples & ideas to assist clients with determining visual needs.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Better technology for drone systems, camera platforms, digital cameras. More competition for aerial photography and video services.
Additional flying regulations in cities
SAMPLE LINK: http://www.skypanintl.com/360samples/150R/tour.html
Contact Info:
- Address: 711 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642 - Website:skypanintl.com
- Phone:312-491-8776
- Email:mark@skypanintl.com
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