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
July 27, 2020 River Valley Charities Inaugural Pro Am
The following are various aerial photos from the RVC (River Valley Charities) Inaugural New Richmond Wisconsin Pro Am Golf Tournament held July 27, 2020. The event took place at the New Richmond Golf Club in New Richmond Wisconsin.
Click on above image to view more Golf related images
This new Pro Am format Golf event is companion to the RVC open tournament hosted at the Troy Burne Golf Club south of Hudson Wisconsin (click here to see images from the 2019 event). Note that the 2020 RVC Golf Event at Troy Burne is scheduled for Monday August 24, 2020, learn more here.
Pictures Over Stillwater provides indoor, outdoor, ground, aerial and all around content creative services. The following are some 360 interactive views including still image and video. Our 360 panoramic imagery capture experience includes 360 cameras for ground and aerial (attachment to aircraft e.g. airplanes) along with Drone based for one off as well as recurring projects.
Some of our 360 experiences include indoor virtual tours (photo and video) for real estate (residential and commercial), engineering, site planning, construction progress reporting and 3d modeling, along with general marketing and event support among others. From relative low level (eye height) to under hundred feet, to hundreds of feet, to above 40+ story tall buildings, and higher using airplanes, from empty property lots to completed structures, we have experience with diverse projects.
Tiny Planet Aerial View Stillwater MN
Tiny Planet Aerial View MN State Capital St Paul
Spherical View Fall Colors Stillwater Minnesota
Interactive 360 View Center Field St Croix Prep Academy
Fall Colors Downtown Minneapolis Minnesota 360 View
360 Interactive Fast Video Tour St Croix Bike Loop
360 View Lowell Inn Washington Room Stillwater MN
360 View Grand Ball Room Stillwater MN
Interactive 360 Grand Pizza Downtown Stillwater
Interactive 360 Images Marine on St Croix
Interactive 360 Marine on St Croix (Low Level)
Interactive 360 Marine on St Croix (High Level)
Interactive 360 Pictures Over Stillwater
Following are a collection of drone aerial interactive 360 spherical images from around Stillwater showing different neighborhoods as well as downtown and surrounding areas. The interactive 360 aerial views allow you to rotate around, side to side, up and down, as well as zoom in and out. Check out some areas you might know well from a different vantage point perspective, as well as see some new areas in and around Stillwater Minnesota.
Stillwater Public Library 360 Demo
4th Street Entrance Stillwater Public Library
The following is a short Virtual Tour of the Stillwater Public Library.
360 images including still and video are great for virtual tours along with next generation virtual reality (VR) tours. Virtual tours are great way to showcase your property, facility, factory, property, showroom among other views with customers, partners, prospects among others enabling an interactive experience for the viewers.
2020 St Croix Valley Fall Colors 360 Views
Not all platforms are able to display 360 content (video or still images). An alternative method to show 360 content includes formats such as so called tiny planet views. The following are some tiny planet views based on 360 camera images.
The following is a 360 Interactive video view from 2020 Withrow Area Classic Car Show Wishes and More Wish Granting. Play the video and rotate around to see different angles and views.
The following is outward orbit 360 (horizontal) view from above Oak Park Heights Minnesota looking at the St Croix River Valley. To the east is the St Croix River and Wisconsin, to the west Minneapolis.
360 Interactive Video Virtual Tour Candyland Stillwater
Here is an example of using a 360 camera indoors for a virtual tour as we stop in for a quick visit at Candy Land in downtown Stillwater.
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 provides indoor interior, outdoor exterior, drone aerial and all around creative real estate services. In addition to standard MLS compliant still photography and video virtual tours, we also provide 360 still virtual tours, and FPV drone fly through virtual tours.
Our Real Estate and Property services include residential and commercial real estate, developers, property management, home and building owners as well as construction progress activities. From single family to multi-tenant, half acre to hundreds of acres, single to multi-story high rise, one-time or recurring progress reporting, we have the experiences capturing these and other properties around the Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities Metro and Western Wisconsin areas.
Real Estate Example
We have standard packaged along with ala carte and custom services. Services include turnkey mission planning, flying and post processing for MLS still and video including 360 images with post processing, along with consulting and education.
Check Out A Sampling Of Some Of Our Experiences
Real Estate Land Property Example
Residential Real Estate Example 1 (Click Image To View More)
Residential Real Estate Example 2 (Click Image To View More)
Residential Real Estate Example 3 (Click Image To View More)
Residential Real Estate Example 4 (Click Image To View More)
Residential Real Estate Example 5 (Click Image To View More)
The following are various Pictures Over Stillwater drone based aerial photography and video images of different Boats Marinas Yacht Clubs as well as Harbors from around the Minneapolis St. Paul greater twin cities area.
Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota
Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River
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.
Have an upcoming event at a Marina, Association or other venue, or simply looking for images (still and video) of your facility or boat?
Due to construction the 2023 #343run was moved from I94 near Afton Minnesota to across the river on highway 35 south of Hudson and north of River Falls Wisconsin. Attendees assembled on Monday evening 9/11/23 on the Tower and Coulee Road overpasses as the parade went south from Hudson towards River Falls before returning to the north. In addition to the various EMS, Fire, Rescue, Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol and other first responders, an Air Force/National Guard C130 Cargo plane made two low “tactical” passes along the #343run route.
Pictures Over Stillwater Coverage of 2019 #343 9/11 Tribute
The following still and video images are from the 2019 #343 9/11 tribute event which has been held for several years. The event takes place on an overpass above Interstate 94 (I94) in eastern Minnesota (West Lakeland and Afton) near the Wisconsin (Hudson) border for 24 hours on 9/11.
This volunteer event has participants waving american flags as people head west during the morning rush hour towards twin cities Minneapolis St. Paul area along with others throughout the day. There is also a parade of first responders that starts to the east in Hudson Wisconsin crossing the St. Croix River passing under the overpass west bound then circling back over the bridge (Stagecoach road).
Mid-Afternoon view of Stagecoach Overpass looking to the north
A Black Hawk Helicopter does a fly by before the evening parade
First Responders Circle Back over I94 on Stagecoach Road
Westbound I94 Traffic entering Minnesota being Greeted
Looking East Towards Wisconsin Welcoming West Bound I94 Traffic
View of Stonebridge Overpass looking north shortly before parade
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.
When in downtown Stillwater, visit our partner Smith + Trade Mercantile where you can buy Pictures Over Stillwater aerial photography postcards among other items.
Proud Member Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
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.
The following are various aerial photos from the Crusin on St. Croix Car Show downtown Stillwater during summer months. Learn more about Crusin on St. Croix Car show on their website here.
Click On Above Image To View More From Previous Withrow Events
