Pictures Over Stillwater drone school are held at various education venues presenting UAV UAS Drone related topics. These safety and awareness education and outreach activities include introduction, basic, beyond the basics, as well as advanced topics such as aerial photography videography, among others topics. Education and awareness sessions range from large adult community education, high school, individual custom training along with STEM programs around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area and online.
Eden Prairie Central Middle School 8th Grade STEM, Drones, Aviation, Aerial Photo and More Thursday October 10, 2024 Friday May 24, 2024
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Education
Stillwater Area High School Monday October 7, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography and Video Registration information coming soon
Stillwater Area High School Monday September 16, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drones Fundamentals Registration information coming soon
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education. Monday November 11, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday October 21, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday June 3, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Q: Where have you taught classes in the past? A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, and Stillwater Public Library among others.
2024 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Evening Hot Air Balloons
2023 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Chamber 2024 Food Truck Extravaganza
Stillwater Chestnut Plaza Dine Here Dance Here Event
2024 Op 23 to Zero Boots On The River Event
2024 Winterfest Fireworks Stillwater MN
2024 Hot Air Affair Hudson Wisconsin Aerial Video
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 4
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 3
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 2
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 1
Views from 2023 Stillwater MN Tree Lighting Event
Aerial Video Views 2023 Tree Lighting (above), Photos below.
2023 Veterans Day Event Stillwater MN
Thank You To All Veterans
2023 Stillwater Armory Open House
2023 Stillwater Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
#smashinggoodtime Stillwater MN Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
Lake Elmo Animal Inn Dog Agility
Fall 2023 Dog Agility Training Lake Elmo MN
2023 TC Marathon Finish Line St Paul MN
2023 Withrow Classic Car & Tractor Show
Short Recap of 2023 15th Annual Withrow Car and Tractor Show Event
2023 9/11 #343run Hudson Wisconsin #neverforget
Washington Square Park Stillwater Minnesota
Union Park St Paul Minnesota
2023 Downhill Derby Stillwater Minnesota
2023 4th July Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
2023 Food Truck Extravaganza Washington County Fairgrounds
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Adventures With Ava Mighty Drones FPV Race Course
Thanks to The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club for allowing Ava (Avata Cinewhoop FPV Drone) a few minutes to fly some gates at their course before a recent event. If you are not familiar, The Mighty Drones Minnesota FPV Race Club is a group that does FPV races (indoors and outdoors). Learn more about The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club (here), their event schedules, and check out their races which are fun to watch, or sign up to race.
Operation 23 to Zero Boots On the Ground
April 25, 2023 Stillwater MN
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
St Croix Falls Taylers Falls St Croix River
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Photogrammetry 3D Model Demo
Old Washington County Courthouse Stillwater MN
2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship
#WSSC 2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship Video
2022 Demo Reel Indoor Outdoor Aerial Video Views
2022 Twinkle Event Stillwater Minnesota
December morning timelapse video view St Croix River Valley
Drone Virtual Tour Halloween House Stillwater MN
FPV Fly Through Virtual Tour FMC Stillwater Minnesota
First United Methodist Church Stillwater MN
Highway 36 Manning Ave Interchange Time lapse Hyper lapse Video
Late Summer Evening Stillwater River Boat Aerial Views
FPV School Campus Virtual Tour
Woodbury Minnesota Construction Aerial Views
Candle Light Vigil For Isaac Schuman 8/3/22 #isaacstrong
We were asked by event organizers on short notice to capture some images of the candle light vigil for Isaac Schuman August 3, 2022. 17 yr old Isaac Schuman died as a resulting of a stabbing incident a few days earlier while on the Apple River in Somerset Wisconsin. This event was held near the 14th hole at Oak Glen Golf Club Stillwater Minnesota with attendees wearing orange, and location reflecting Isaacs love of golf. It was our honor to be asked and able to capture some images including the following video. #isaacstrong
July 4th 2022 Stillwater Fireworks Aerial Video
Video Views Lumberjack Days 2019 Stillwater Minnesota
2022 Food Truck Event Washington County Fair Grounds
Video of Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Food Truck Extravaganza Event June 18, 2022 held at Washington County Fairgrounds near Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo Minnesota.
Stillwater Fire Department 150 Year Anniversary Event
Time lapse video and aerial views of Stillwater Fire Department 150 year anniversary event celebration Stillwater Minnesota June 3 2022.
Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Stillwater Minnesota
Drone aerial video of Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Boots on the River event. Learn more about Operation 23 to Zero at www.op23tozero.com
Car Left Parked Out On St. Croix River
Video Winter Epic Kart Ice Racing February 2022
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Harvest Fest Giant Pumpkin Drop #smashinggoodtime
Making Snow For 2020 World Snow Sculpting Championship
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) event in mid January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow being made on January 6th for the event that starts on January 18th.
Aerial Video Views Withrow 2021 Classic Car and Tractor Show Event
Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Upper Midwest Region Grand Classic
Time lapse Mama Mia Opening Night Outdoors Stillwater Minnesota
June 2021 Chamber of Commerce Event Coverage
360 Interactive Fast Video Tour St Croix Bike Loop
June 2021 Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Events Lake Elmo MN
Spring Kite Flight Air to Air Video Views
2021 Youth Bike Rodeo Stillwater Minnesota
Operation 23 to Zero Boots on The River Stillwater Event April 9, 2021
East Metro February March early April Aerial Video Views
Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota
Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River
Winter Sunset Downtown Stillwater
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views
Downtown Stillwater Fire & Ice event and Winter Ice Cream Social
Twin Cities November December 2020 Aerial Video Views
Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Aerial Video – Stillwater House Halloween Decorations – Pirate Theme
Twin Cities and St Croix Valley Fall Aerial Views
360 Interactive View 2020 Withrow Area Classic Car Show Wishes and More Wish Granting
Our name and brand identity is Pictures Over Stillwater however we also do videos and short films across the greater twin cities metro Minneapolis St Paul and upper midwest areas.
River Valley Charities New Richmond 2020 Pro-Am Event
Our videos are shot in 4K resolution at 23.9 to 60 fps, or 1K at up to 120 fps (among others) depending on project, client request or conditions. We are FAA part 107 certified along with part 107.29 (daylight waiver) meaning we can legally fly 24 hours a day.
Revisiting June 2019 Aerial Video Views St Croix Valley
Congratulations Stillwater Area High School Class of 2020
Stillwater Minnesota St Croix River Valley Week of May 20th 2020
Stillwater St Croix River Valley Spring Morning
Minnesota Air National Guard Fly Over Lakeview Hospital Stillwater
Minneapolis St Paul Oak Park Heights Stillwater Views March 2 to 4 2020
St Croix Valley Aerial Views March 30 to April 1 2020
#BeTheLight #BeTheLightMN April 6 2020 Stillwater Area High School
St Croix River Valley Downtown Stillwater March 23-27, 2020
Mid March 2020 Aerial View St Paul Skyline
Spring Minneapolis Mississippi River Views
Mid March Stillwater St Croix River Valley Ice Out
Early March 2020 Aerial Interactive 360 Video View Downtown Stillwater
Spring 2020 St Croix River Valley Views
360 Interactive Video Virtual Tour Candyland Stillwater
July 2019 Aerial video views
Bayport Fire Department Training Burn January 2020
February Stillwater Winter Corn Harvest
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020 including capturing images of Bayport Minnesota Fire Department controlled practice training burn in Oak Park Heights, Winterfest outdoor curling on Lilly Lake in Stillwater, and downtown Stillwater along St Croix River winter ice cream social and fireworks. Big thank you to the Bayport Fire Department and home owners for permissions, coordination and access to capture images of the training exercise along with others including Stillwater Fire Department, Lake Elmo Fire Department, South St Croix Valley fire and Rescue along with Lakeview EMS among others. Thank you to all of them for keeping us safe.
Greater Stillwater CoC 2019 Year In Review Aerial views
January 2020
Happy New Years
December 2019
Downtown Stillwater Lights Holiday Twinkle party
The following video is an example of what happens when you dont get your boat out of the water in the fall and winter freeze comes early. This is near the DNR public boat launch ramp north of Stillwater on St. Croix River near Wolf Marina view looking south.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Visit our virtual image store powered by SmugMug where you can shop for photos and videos including physical prints as well as downloads in various sizes.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2023 have been added for Minneapolis in March and Richfield/Bloomington in June. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
St Anthony Village and New Brighton – Drone Day Exhibition 3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN (Main Lobby) 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday, June 18, 2022
As part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) national Drone Day 2022 event series, St Anthony Village Community Center and Community Education services, along with local Drone professionals have partnered for this in-person exhibition event at the St. Anthony Village Community Center (meet in the lobby of community center).
What Is The Cost, Do You Need To Register?
This event is free and open to the public for those interested in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aka Drones, to promote safety and awareness of Drones. Watch professional drone demonstrations, get your questions answered, learn about drone safety and FAA drone rules, and get hands-on experience with drones. No registration is required, however you can register here (free) to reserve your spot for attendance as well as get updates for the event.
Where Will This Take Place
Join us along with various drone professionals among others, for this special exhibition event at the St. Anthony Community Center near downtown Minneapolis Minnesota.
Interactive Virtual 360 View of St Anthony Village Venue
Who Is This For, Who Will Be There
This event exhibition is for beginners to professional expertise, from DIY drone builders to FPV freestyle and racers, store-bought, and anyone interested in drones. Regardless of if you or somebody you know has a drone or thinking about getting one, this event is for you.
FAA Safety Team (FAAST) Reps DronePros, along with members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), among other experienced drone operators, will be on hand to answer your questions, do flight demonstrations outside (weather permitting), and present short seminars (indoors).
Current planned activities include (watch for updates)
✓ Learn about various types of drones for different uses ✓ Talk with the DronePros and others to get your questions answered ✓ Drone safety, regulations, and basic rules of the road (air) ✓ Drone demonstrations (skills, basic flying, search and rescue (SAR)) ✓ Skills practice course outside (how well can you fly safely?) ✓ Safety tips, drone license, and registration, airspace and planning ✓ Bring your smart device and take the free online FAA TRUST test ✓ Useful apps including B4UFLY and where to register your drone ✓ Short seminars (signs in community center lobby) including:
Can You Bring and Fly Your Own Drone?
Yes, however to fly your drone at this event, the drone must pass a safety inspection and be FAA registered if it weighs more than .55 lbs (at takeoff). You will also agree to event safety rules and fly under the supervision of one of our event safety members. We also encourage you to take the FAA The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) online free course prior to the event, or, bring your smart phone device and we can show you how to take the test at the event for those 13 years of age or older.
What If You Want To Get Involved?
Want to get involved and participate in the event more than just an attendee? Want to show or demonstrate something, present a short seminar or show your drone skills, perhaps setup a small FPV race course or something else associated with drones? Get in touch with Mike Bowman or Greg Schulz (contacts below) to get involved.
Contact information where to learn more
Informational Flyer (PDF Download)
Free advanced registration, signup for news and updates click here
General questions, location, times, registration (its free) contact:
Mike Bowman St Anthony Community Services 612-706-1176 mbowman at isd282 dot org
For other inquires, including how to get involved contact:
Greg Schulz Pictures Over Stillwater, Minnesota FAASTeam Rep DronePro 612-810-9890 greg at picturesoverstillwater dot com
Stillwater Zephyr Theatre Opening Night Mama Mia Outdoors
Need an still photograph digital image or video B Roll for your upcoming bulk mailing (physical or email), website, social media, event, marketing or other content and creative services needs?
In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.
What if you don’t see what you are looking for? Give a call or send an email telling us what you are looking for as we may have it in our archives, or discuss other options including custom services.
Looking for some new image content for your site, blog, office or other venue?
How about dressing up your business cards and other collateral with images from around Stillwater, Hudson, and greater St. Croix River Valley along with Twin Cities metro area? Click here to visit our online store, or give us a call to discuss your specific needs.
We also can produce custom content to meet your specific requirements. Give us a call or email to discuss your specific needs.
Our images are via FAA Part 107 certified and MnDOT aerial photography and UAV / Drone licensed pilots thus are safe for commercial including non-profit, as well as print or electronic media use.
The following is information about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Small UAV (sUAV), Small UAS (sUAS) also known as “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies among others.
In the United States, once your drone takes flight leaving the ground it is considered to be in the National Air Space (NAS) which is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some considerations when flying a drone recreational for fun as a hobbyist, or as a commercial (e.g. part 107), or for other purposes is where your feet are on the ground, and where in the air is your drone.
Common Drone Safety Questions
Q: Why are there so many rules, regulations and restrictions for drones? A: For Safety
Q: What is the difference between recreational hobbyist and commercial? A: Hobby recreational drone operators are flying just for fun, not for commercial or any benefit to self or from others (monetary or other benefit).
Q: Who has to register drones with the FAA? A: For hobby recreational drone operators 13 years and older with drones weighing less than 55 lbs and greater .55lbs you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years and you can register multiple drones with your account number. Note that drones registered for hobby recreational can not be flown for part 107. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
For commercial part 107 operators if your drone weighs less than 55 lbs (including less than .55lbs) you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years per aircraft (each drone requires a unique registration number). Note that drones registered for commercial part 107 can be flown as recreational. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
Q: What if your drone weighs 55 lbs or more? A: For drones weighing more than 55 lbs, or, you want to qualify for sUAS operations outside the US, you hold title to an aircraft/drone in trust, the sUAS owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. Citizenship requirements use this FAA link for registration.
Q: What are the recreational hobby rules: A: Check your local regulations for any restrictions on where you can legally fly drones outdoors among other rules. FAA recreational drone rules (e.g. 44809) are found here.
You Are Responsible For Knowing The Rules
Recreational drone operators should also be aware and know that if they intentionally violate safety regulations, and/or operate a drone in a reckless, or careless manner, they could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties. In addition to knowing the FAA regulations, also know what your local restrictions and rules are. Saying that you did not know the rules is not a viable excuse, you as the drone operator are responsible for knowing where and how to fly safely.
✓ Register your drone with its registration number visible on outside of aircraft and carry proof of registration with your. ✓ Fly only for recreational purposes. ✓ When flying, keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground when in uncontrolled airspace (e.g. Class G).
Note that recreational flyers are not allowed to fly above 400′ by combing the height of a man made structure plus 400′ when within 400′ of the structure (this is something that part 107 operators can do).
✓ Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and E) via Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and/or DroneZone.
NOTE: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.
Also note that some federal, state, county and local parks as well as other locations have regulations on flying from (take off, landing) their land or waters. Know where your feet will be on the ground and aircraft in the air.
✓ Keep your drone aircraft (drone) within Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS), or within VLOS of an Visual Observer (VO) who is physically next to you to, and in direct communications with you.
Hint, if you or your VO can no longer visually see the drone without using displays, its out of VLOS, and your are flying Beyond VLOS (BVLOS).
✓ Unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know where it is, its direction and orientation, do not fly at night. ✓ Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft. ✓ Do not fly over a person or crowd of people or over a moving vehicle. ✓ Never interfere with emergency response activities including accident response, law enforcement activities, fire fighting, hurricane recovery efforts among others. ✓ Dont fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ✓ Dont operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.
Q: Is there a training test for recreational hobby drone flyers? A: Not yet, its in the works, visit the FAA recreational website to learn more.
Q: What are the categories of drone operators? A: Part 107 commercial, 44809 recreational hobbyist.
Q: If you do not get any money to fly a drone, are you still commercial? A: It comes down to your intent to fly, and benefit (not just money) to you. If you are are flying a drone with intention to just have fun and not do things on behalf of others (even if you do not get paid) or that benefits you in any way, then you do not have to be commercial part 107. Put another way, if you operate a drone within the carve out exceptions for hobby recreational, then you do not have to be part 107. However if you go outside the regulations for hobby recreational, then you would fall under part 107 regulations and need to be part 107 certified. Note that in Minnesota you also need to be licensed by MnDoT (also aircraft/drones registered with them) to perform drone activities on behalf of others.
Q: If Im not getting paid, just taking some photos or video for a friends business, club, association, church group or as a volunteer at a non profit to help with their fund raising or website do I need to be part 107? A: Yup
Q: If Im just taking photos and using a drone for my own recreation activity, not doing things for others, may be sharing my photos however not selling them, or benefiting someone, do I need to be part 107? A: Probably not, it comes down to what is/was your intent and derived benefit.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, get access to additional airspace among other things
Q: How much money can you make flying drones? A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: How far can your drones fly? A: As far as I can maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) on them
Q: Drones are fully automated, why learn how to manually fly them? A: Its not if, rather when technology fails, or when you get into a situation where knowing how to fly and land manually become important. For example when an automated flight app encounters poor or loses GPS coverage and requires a manual or assisted landing.
Q: Can FPV drones be flown outside? A: Yes, absolutely, however they require at least one other person adjacent to the FPV pilot operator functioning as a Visual Observer (VO) maintaining a direct visual line of sight on the drone, as well as following other FAA drone, uas, uav regulations.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes, I think they are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, virtual reality and action type things. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).
Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside? A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).
If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, sign up for one of our classes or seminars. Pictures Over Stillwater partners with various Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro public school community education programs providing continuing education from drone basics to advanced topics. Fly safe and fly smart by learning about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations
Early March Morning Lake Elmo Aero Airplane Ride Sightseeing
Collection of images (still and video) from recent Early March Morning Lake Elmo Aero Airplane Ride sightseeing trip.
Series of 360 interactive immersive videos from sightseeing flight.
Our sightseeing trip started at Lake Elmo Airport taking off on Runway 4 (one of if not the shortest paved runways in Minnesota) and cruising over east metro above Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Maplewood and on into Downtown St. Paul Airport (Holmand field) where we do a touch and go.
From there we head southeast out over Woodbury before turning east towards Afton and crossing the St. Croix River south of Hudson Wisconsin.
We follow the St. Croix River north passing over Hudson, North Hudson, St. Joe and Houlton turning southwest west of Somerset Wisconsin.
We then head south along the St. Croix river on the Minnesota side passing above Stillwater before wrapping up our morning flight back at Lake Elmo Airport.
Big thank you to Lake Elmo Aero (www.lakeelmoaero.com) and pilot Jon Adsit for a fantastic flight experience. You can get in touch with Lake Elmo Aero via info@lakeelmoaero.com and 651-777-1399 as well as via CTAF/Unicom: 122.8
2019 Summer Open House Lake Elmo Aero at Lake Elmo Airport
Check out some images from summer 2019 Lake Elmo Aero open house
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2023 have been added for Minneapolis in March and Richfield/Bloomington in June. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Pictures Over Stillwater Back To School Fall 2020 Drones For Non Dummies Community Education Classes
Pictures Over Stillwater Back To School Fall 2020 schedule includes additional school districts, times, online and in-person, as well as new classes along with updated content. In addition to Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, earlier this year Pictures Over Stillwater added Anoka Hennepin Community Education to our schedule.
For fall 2020 we are excited to welcome additional districts including St Anthony and St Louis Park Minnesota community education to our schedule. Besides additional districts, Pictures Over Stillwater is also adding a new FAA Part 107 Commercial operator test prep class to the schedule as part of Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education.
In addition, existing class content has also been updated to reflect new and emerging drone regulations for recreational and commercial drone operators among other topics. Note that Stillwater Area Public Schools community education are currently planned for in-person and may be subject to change or onclude online. All other Pictures Over Stillwater fall 2020 classes will be held online.
In-person Stillwater Area Public Schools fall 2020 classes
Drones – Recreational Use for Beginners (click here to register) Tuesday, September 29, 2020 – 6:00 to 8:00PM
Note: This is an in person class, may change to online Stillwater Area High School : PAC – G115 (Health)
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyists, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you. You will learn about basic drone safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, license, drone types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Bring your drone as a guest to participate in the discussions. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Drones – Beyond the Basics (click here to register) Tuesday, October 6, 2020 – 6:00 to 8:00PM
Note: This is an in person class, may change to online Stillwater Area High School : PAC – G115 (Health)
This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 among other certifications. Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Drone Aerial Photography and Video (click here to register) Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – 6:00 to 8:00PM
Note: This is an in person class, may change to online Stillwater Area High School : PAC – G115 (Health)
This course is for those who want to learn more about drone-based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial). Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools. Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best, as well as accessories and post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown. Prerequisites: Drones Beyond the Basics or related experience.
Drones – FAA Part 107 Commercial Operator Prep (click here to register)
Monday, October 12, 2020 – 6:00 to 8:00PM
Note: This is an in person class, may change to online Stillwater Area High School : PAC – G113
This class provides insight and preparation tips for those planning on taking the FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS / UAV / Drone Operator certification test for the first time, or taking the two-year renewal. This is also a good for those who want to learn more advanced drone topics. Class will discuss what is in the test, along with tips on how to study, practice and prepare. Topics include rules, safety, operations, airspace, charts and weather considerations. It is strongly encouraged that students have the ASA Remote Pilot 2020 Test Prep book to follow along during class.
Prerequisites include either Drones Beyond the Basics course or hands on drone operation experience beyond the basics. Part 107 test prep book is available via Amazon (here).
Pictures Over Stillwater Online courses for fall 2020
Oct 10, 2020 Sat 10AM – 1PM – Drone Recreational Use for Beginners (Part I)
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyists, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you. You will learn about basic drone safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, license, drone types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Bring your drone as a guest to participate in the discussions. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult.bb
Oct 24, 2020 Sat 10AM – 1PM – Drone Recreational Use (Part II – Beyond basics)
This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 among other certifications. Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Congratulations Stillwater Area High School Class of 2020
Learning Links and Resources
The following are some additional resources for learning more about UAS, UAV aka Drones including where and how to fly, equipment, software, tools and more that are covered in our Drones for Non Dummies classes.
Pictures Over Stillwater Back To School Spring Summer 2020 Drones For Non Dummies Community Education Classes are being presented online during the month of May.
Drones – Recreational Use for Beginners (online via Zoom) Saturday 10AM-1PM October 10th and 24th. Watch for registration information soon.
Watch for upcoming updates on possible future summer online classes, as well as fall 2020 class options.
Join Greg Schulz, FAA Part 107 (with daylight waiver) and MnDOT Aeronautics licensed UAV / Drone operator and aerial photographer to learn more about Drones in these community education classes.
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. In addition to more options for drones to meet different budgets, there are also new rules and regulations that apply to recreational hobbyist as well as commercial use. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, these course are for you (or them).
Summer 2020 School Year Community Education Courses
For the summer 2020 school year, the following Community Education courses are being offered.
Drones for Non Dummies
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you. You will learn about basic drone safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, license, drone types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Bring your drone as a guest to participate in the discussions. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Stillwater (On-line), Tuesday May 19, 2020, 6-8PM, Register here
Drones for Non Dummies – Beyond the basics
This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 among other certifications. Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Stillwater (Online), Tuesday May 26, 2020, 6-8PM, Register here
Pony Stadium Drones for Non-Dummies Demo Flight
Drone Aerial Photography and Video
This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial). Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools. Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best, as well as, accessories and post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown. Prerequisites: Drones for Non-Dummies: Beyond the Basics or related experience.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis and Stillwater. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Got a Drone for Christmas or know somebody who did? Did you or somebody you known get a drone for Christmas or as another gift? Here’s a link to a great information video from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about knowing what to do before you fly your new drone. Step one is registering it, then knowing the rules of the road and airspace among other tips.
FAA Holiday Drone Messaging, Know Before You Fly
November 4-8 2019 is the first annual FAA National Drone Safety Awareness Week (#drones4good) initiative. As a participant in this weeks activities including being part of a free webinar open to the public on November 5, Pictures Over Stillwater has prepared the following non-branded video to showcase and promote drone safety and benefits of using licensed, insured drone operators.
In addition to Aerial Photography and Video, other focus areas during the FAA National Drone Safety Awareness Week included:
View the following video to learn more about the benefits of using licensed (FAA Part 107 and applicable state licenses), insured drone operators.
Note that Minnesota in addition to FAA Part 107 certification requires an additional licenses from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDoT) Aeronautics for commercial drone operators doing work for others. Pictures Over Stillwater is FAA Part 107 certified including daylight waiver and various airspace authorizations as well as registered aircraft. In addition to meeting FAA requirements, Pictures Over Stillwater is also licensed by MNDoT for drone operations including aerial photography, video and imaging, as well as insured and registered aircraft.
Have an event or other activity you are looking for aerial and ground based coverage (still video and photography)? Contact us and we can discuss options to meet your needs.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis and Stillwater. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Got a Drone for Christmas or know somebody who did? Did you or somebody you known get a drone for Christmas or as another gift? Here’s a link to a great information video from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about knowing what to do before you fly your new drone. Step one is registering it, then knowing the rules of the road and airspace among other tips.
FAA Holiday Drone Messaging, Know Before You Fly
Pictures Over Stillwater Back To School Fall 2019 Drones For Non Dummies Community Education
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, these course are for you (or them).
Fall 2019 – 2020 School Year Courses
For the fall 2019 – 2020 school year, the following Community Education courses are being offered via Stillwater Area Public Schools.
Monday September 16, 2019 5:30-7:30 PM – Drones for Non-Dummies
Drones for Non-Dummies is a introductory beginner course offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G113. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you.
You will learn about basic drone safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, license, drone types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Bring your drone as a guest to participate in the discussions. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult.
Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely. Learn more and register for the beginner introductory Drones for Non-Dummies course here.
Pony Stadium Drones for Non-Dummies Demo Flight
Monday September 30, 2019 5:30-7:30 PM – Drones for Non-Dummies – Beyond the Basics
Drones for Non-Dummies Beyond the basics course is offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G115. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 among other certifications.
Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.
Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely. Learn more and register for the beyond the basics Drones for Non-Dummies course here.
Wednesday October 9, 2019 6:00-8:00 PM – Drone Aerial Photography and Video
Drones for Non-Dummies Drone Aerial Photography and Video course is offered at Stillwater Area Public High School Pony Activity Center (PAC) G113. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial). Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools.
Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best as well as accessories, along with post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown.
Twin Cities Drone Aerial Sunrise Sunset Night Views
This page post is focused on twin cities drone aerial sunrise sunset night views including still photography along with videos. Most of the aerial sunrise sunset night views are from around the twin cities metro area there are a few from around Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and North Dakota.
New for 2021 northside of Stillwater Lift Bridge Lit Up
Hyperlapse time lapse downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Ice Maze From Construction Until Gone
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Flying unmanned air systems (UAS), also known as unmanned air vehicles (UAV), aka Drones early morning and evening as well as night, has many challenges and opportunities.
The opportunities include capturing sunrise and sunsets from different vantage points in some cases when the air is calmer, clearer, and with fewer clouds. Likewise, there is less traffic (people, vehicles, and birds, or at least sometimes) than in the daytime, and, if configured properly, you can see your aircraft further. On the other hand, challenges include not seeing everything in the dark, other drones in the area that are not properly lit, or authorized to be in the airspace.
A challenge for hobby/recreational flyers who are not looking to go out and take photos and then sell them is getting night access to controlled airspace. For hobby and recreational drone operators whose intent is to go out and capture photos or videos to post and sell or promote, you should get your FAA part 107 certificate and then your daylight waiver. If you are already part 107, take the next step and get a daylight waiver so you can fly at night.
On the other hand, if you are looking to hire or have somebody do night time drone photos or videos, engage with a professional who is FAA Part 107.29 (daylight waiver), as well as MnDOT Aeronautics licensed, registered, insured and experienced. The key for nighttime, early morning, and evening drone flying is mitigating risk, being prepared, flying smart, and safe.
A couple of other tips and reminders include the night is considered the time from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Maintain situational awareness of your drone’s altitude, direction, where it is, and where it is going while maintaining a visual line of sight (e.g., not staring at your phone). Another tip is to have high visibility lights that can be seen from several miles away. The lights help you see your drone and for others to see it (if they are watching). When you are going to fly at night, or even early morning or evening, get to know the area ahead of time while it is light out, where are trees, powerlines, and other obstacles.
The reason I mention the above is that having an FAA part 107.29 daylight waiver as well as being MnDOT licensed drone operator is to demystify and provide insight into night drone flying. If you want to know more about night drone operations or how to get your daylight waiver as well as airspace authorizations and related topics, get in touch with us.
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Above, early November fall colors downtown Stillwater Minnesota with call waters of the St Croix river reflections of old and new bridges. Below sunrise downtown St. Paul Minnesota.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Stillwater Friday Night Lights
Downtown Stillwater Sunset Opera On The River (view more here)
Washington County Fair Ground Sunset Views
Night View Washington County Fair
Stillwater Fireworks View From Wisconsin (view more here)