Q: Why do you need to learn to fly a drone as they are automated? A: Learn about the National Air Space (NAS) and where you can fly as well as other tips for flying drones safely. Otoh, you still need to learn how to drive a car, get a license even with self driving cars, or at least for now ;).
Q: Do classes include a live demonstration flight? A: Demonstration flights are weather and other condition dependent.
Q: Can students bring their drone to the classes? A: Yes.
Q: Where have you taught classes in the past? A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie Central Middle School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, and Stillwater Public Library among others.
Q: How long have you been flying drones? A: Over 10 years for singles and quads for about eight years.
Q: How long have you been commercial licensed drone operator? A: Since May 2018
Q: How long have you been waivered to fly at night commercially? A: I received my 107.29 (daylight waiver) back in December 2018 which was valid until April 21, 2021 when daylight waivers were sunset (e.g. phased out). As of April 21, 2021 for those who have either taken the new initial, or recurrent part 107 test, you are now authorized to fly at night without a waiver (e.g. daylight and night waivers no longer exist).
Q: Do you have any other waivers? A: Yes, 107.39 (Operating Over People e.g. OOP) and 107.145 (Operating Over Moving Vehicles e.g. OOMV)
Q: How hard is it to get certified? A: Depends on how well you can learn (or memorize). Getting your FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certificate is relatively easy and quick, its free from various organizations such as AMA here. The next step takes more time which is getting your part 107.
Q: How many flights have you flown? A: Many thousands including indoors and outdoors.
Q: How many hours in the air do you have flying? A: Over 600 hours air time.
Q: How many miles total have you flown drones? A: Spanning thousands of flights several thousand miles flown.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, you also get access to additional airspace and privileges by being a part 107. Keep in mind that part 107 is often thought of as being commercial license, when in reality, its a category or type of certification that allows you to do more, one of those things being commercial activity.
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 that will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes , check out our FPV experiences page here. FPV drones are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, including racing, general recreation, as well as for action cinematography videography indoors as well as outdoors. 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).
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.
In addition to scheduled community education, STEM and other classes, Pictures Over Stillwater also provides one on one, small group along with custom drone classes, education, consulting and coaching services. Our custom knowledge transfer, education and consulting services include test and certification preparation, general as well as advanced along with hands on training for those new to drones, as well as those who are experienced and want to learn more or sharpen their skills. Contact us to learn more and discuss how we can assist you or your organization.
Winter and Spring 2026 Webinars & Other Events
July 8, 2026 – Barron County WI – Men’s Shed
April 25, 2026 – Drone Day event Maplewood Library – Details Soon
April 25, 2026 9-10AM (Webinar) – Sat Morning Coffee & Wings HAPPY DRONE SAFETY DAY!! – Airspace Planning And Authorization Tools, Tips And Tricks For Drone Operators (Free Reg here).
April 8, 2026 – Eden Prairie High School – Aeronautics Class
Spring 2026 Drone Comm Ed Classes Stillwater MN
Drones 101: Ready for Takeoff Monday May 11, 2026 Pony Activity Center (PAC) Stillwater MN 6:30-9:00PM Learn more and register here.
Summer 2026 Comm Ed Classes Roseville MN
Summer 2026 Roseville Comm Ed
Drones 101 – Takeoff Monday June 22, 2026 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 6:00-8:30PM Registration coming soon, learn more and early here.
Drones Aerial Photography Monday July 13, 2026 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 6:00-8:30PM Registration coming soon, learn more and early here.
Spring & Summer 2026 Drone Comm Ed Minneapolis MN
Drones 1: Essentials Monday April 20, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video Monday April 27, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 3: Aerial Photography & Video Advanced Monday May 4, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 4: Practice Workshop (Fly Time) Thursday July 16, 2026 Northeast Middle School : Parking Lot Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Check Back For Additional Spring & Summer Classes
Recent Minneapolis Winter Classes
Drones 1: Essentials Monday February 23, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video Monday March 2, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 3: Aerial Photography & Video Advanced Monday March 9, 2026 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Recent Roseville Winter Classes
Drones 101: Ready for Takeoff Monday February 2, 2026 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drones 101: Ready for Takeoff Friday March 6, 2026 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Drone Aerial Photography Monday March 16, 2026 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here.
Fall 2025 Drone Comm Ed Classes Roseville MN
Drones 101: Ready for Takeoff! Saturday November 1, 2025 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 C207 – Fairview Room A 9:30AM-Noon Call Roseville Area Schools for registration (651) 604-3500
Fall 2025 Drone Comm Ed Classes Minneapolis MN
Drones 1: Essentials Monday October 6, 2025 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here
Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video Monday October 20, 2025 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here
Drones 3: Aerial Photography & Video Advanced Monday November 3, 2025 Ella Baker School Minneapolis, MN 6:00-8:30PM Learn more and register here
Previous Classes
Drones 101: Ready for Takeoff! Monday September 15, 2025 Anpetu Teca Education Center 1910 County Rd B W Roseville, MN 55113 C207 – Fairview Room A 6:00-8:30PM
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Ed Drones: Aerial Photo & Video Registration Saturday June 14, 2025 9:00AM-Noon, SAPS High School/PAC
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals, Registration Tuesday June 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Justice Page School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photo & Video, Registration Wednesday July 16, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Dowling School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals, Registration Monday April 14, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video, Registration Monday April 28, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 3: Aerial Photo & Video Advanced, Registration Monday May 12, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals, Learn more and register here. Monday February 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video, Learn more and register here. Monday March 10, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 3: Aerial Photo & Video Advanced, Learn more and register here. Monday March 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Pictures Over Stillwater In Person Training and Consulting
Picture Over Stillwater also provides in-person custom one on one, and group UAS, UAV, Drone classes, seminars, coaching and consulting. Give us a call or send an email to learn more about our drone school, custom education, training, consulting and other drone service offerings.
On Thursday February 6, 2025 Pictures Over Stillwater Founder Greg Schulz (me) was an in the KSTP TV studio guest for a live segment on Minnesota Live with Megan Newquist, Chris Egert and Ken Barlow.
Our conversation included how I got into doing drone aerial photography and video, as well as ground based photos & video, drone safety, covering and capturing events, drone community education and more.
During the conversation several video and photo images appeared from around the twin cities metro area along with Stillwater and St Croix River Valley. Catch the replay here at Minnesota Live.
Courses are lead by Pictures Over Stillwater founder and chief remote pilot Greg Schulz. Greg is an professional FAA Part 107 certified (e.g. licensed) commercial drone operator (e.g. Remote Pilot In Command RPIC). In addition to being FAA Part 107, Greg is also MnDoT aeronautics licensed and insured. His drone flight experience includes having a 107.29 daylight waiver for night flights, 107.39 (Operating Over People e.g. OOP), 107.145 (Operating Over Moving Vehicles e.g. OOMV) along with various 107.41 airspace authorizations to fly in “0” or no fly zones as well as above published altitudes with FAA approval. Greg has accumulated hundreds of drone hours in the air, flown over a thousand drone air miles, spanning thousands of drone flights. As a professional drone operator Greg does projects involving aerial photography, video, FPV, thermal, photogrammetry (2D/3D model map image survey), inspection and other activity for construction, real estate, events among others, including indoor flights. Greg is also an FAASTeam Lead Rep and DronePro representive for Minneapolis region.
This page is a collection of upper Midwest, Western Wisconsin, Minnesota, Minneapolis, St Paul, Stillwater, Mississippi River, St Croix River Valley and other floods flooding content.
Stock Images Video B Roll for Press Media News Producers
We have stock photo still images along with video B roll footage available for licensed use by Press Media News Producers Editors Writers. Our imagery has appeared in various online, on air, and print venues. Contact us at info at picturesoverstillwater.com to let us know what you need, or visit our gallery for self service shopping needs.
NOAA Weather Service St. Croix River Stillwater Forecast
The 7th annual Opera On The River was held downtown Stillwater MN along the shores of the St Croix River July 26, 2025
2024 Opera On The River
Returning for its 6th season 2024 Opera On The River July 27 Stillwater Minnesota downtown 7PM outdoors in Lowell Park along scenic St Croix River front. The event is free and open to the public along with VIP seating for a fee. Learn more at the event page here.
Being in the park, in addition to reserved seating, there is free and open seating (or standing) in and around Lowell Park, or, if you prefer, from your boat. For the hearing impaired, there will be ASL service during the event. Even if you are not an opera fan, these shows are a lot of fun as they have a great mix of classical and musical songs that they perform.
Stillwater Evening Hot Air Balloons
2023 Opera On The River Video Views
Past Opera on the River Events
On Sunday August 2, 2020, On Saturday evening August 10 2019 Operatunity Theatre presented their Opera On The Virtual river event. The 2020 event was a social distanced production taking place near the St Croix River and downtown Stillwater as well as being live streamed on FaceBook and YouTube.
Pictures Over Stillwater was honored to be involved with the production and live stream of the event providing aerial video images of the St Croix River Valley, Downtown Stillwater and event areas as well as documenting behind the scenes of this social distanced event.
Watch for more images (still, video and 360 of the 2020 event to appear hear soon. Visit the Operatunity Theatre website and Facebook page to learn more about this event, St Croix Valley Opera and related information.
Views from Opera On The River Event
The 2020 event follows the 2019 inaugural downtown Stillwater Minnesota opera on the river free event.
Click on above image to view more Opera On The River Images
Downtown Stillwater St. Croix River Valley (few days before Opera event)
Despite the on and off rain throughout the day, the organizers, performers, volunteers as well as attendees braved the elements and proved that the show must and will go on.
The following image was taken during the soundcheck Saturday afternoon with some cast and crew on stage while Stillwater Minnesota native headliner Jack Swanson appeared at ease with the elements. When I saw this view during the soundcheck and the confidence of cast and crew, my thoughts were that rain or shine, this would be a great event.
The Opera On The River Show Must Go On
The following are some images of Opera On The River downtown Stillwater along St. Croix River during the performance after the rains passed (and a short delay to allow conditions to improve).
Looking Forward to 2020 Opera On the River
Thank you to Opportunity Theatre event organizers, staff, volunteers, performers for allow Pictures Over Stillwater full access to capture these and other images of this inaugural event. Also thanks to all of the sponsors and attendees who braved the elements for this first of what will become an annual event. Hopefully the weather and conditions will look more like the following image of the St. Croix River valley and downtown Stillwater for the 2020 event.
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Lights Minnesota
Zephyr Theatre 2022 Ice Palace Maze
Making Snow For 2022 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-making on January 6th for the WSSC event that starts on January 18th.
2021 Light up Stillwater #homefortheholidays
Kicking off the 2021 holiday season and home for the holidays among other events was the lighting of the new lights on the northside of the lift bridge, followed on December 4, 2021 with #twinkleparty tree lighting and fireworks and #homefortheholidays.
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota November 26 2021
Season Three 2020 2021 Stillwater Lights
Ice Maze From Before Construction Until It Vanishes
Aerial Daytime and Night Lights Fire & Ice Event
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Opening night downtown Stillwater Minnesota Ice Maze
Downtown Ice Maze
Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Inaugural Night Stillwater Lights Historic Lift Bridge Lights Up
You may have seen our images including some shown on this page in various venues from local and regional news (print, TV, web) and social media among others. We have stock images some shown on this page for sale as prints, metal prints, wall art as well as digital downloads (click here or on the images to learn more about buying options).
In addition to prints, wall art, and digital download stock images, we also have video B Roll available, and other creative services. Contact us to learn more or discuss your particular needs.
Aerial Video Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights Views
Stillwater Lights Light Up Stillwater 2020
New in December 2020 Stillwater Minnesota has expanded Stillwater lights along main street downtown, chestnut plaza with overhead led lights and a led virtual tree. Also new is that for the first time, the nearly 100 year old historic lift bridge has been lit up with lights.
Winter in Stillwater Minnesota Lift Bridge Lit Up
The new additions with more in the works combine with previous holiday light display and tree decorations to create a winter wonderland wintertime in Stillwater holiday light display experience (all are free).
There is plenty of free parking downtown Stillwater to check out the holiday light display and hometown for the holidays in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
VACtv Video with Aerial Footage Provided by Pictures Over Stillwater
Click on the images to view more, shopping and buying options for prints, wall art (including metal prints), along with digital downloads of stock images.
Early November Sunrise Fall Colors Downtown Stillwater
View from above Water Street Inn Clock Tower Downtown Stillwater
July 4th 2019 Fireworks with Downtown Stillwater Minnesota as backdrop
Light Up Stillwater Downtown Mainstreet 2020 2021
Fall aerial view downtown Stillwater Mainstreet and St Croix River
Summer 2020 Pandemic Drive in Movies Mainstreet Stillwater
Pony Stadium Lit Up The Night Minnesota Lights April 2020
Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Lit Up Pony Class 2020 Parade
Light Up Stillwater Lights Season 2019 2020
After making its debut season in December 2018, the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Stillwater Lights season two has started. Learn more about Stillwater Lights and Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce via their website here.
Lights Downtown stillwater minnesota near mainstreet November 2019
Season Two Light Up Stillwater Setup November 2019
November 2019 Ready For Snow Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater
Evening Sunset View Downtown Stillwater
Season One 2018 2019
In downtown Stillwater Minnesota along the St Croix River there is a new attraction starting December 21, 2018 called Stillwater Lights. The new attraction is an experience that you walk through (and its free open to the public) an open-air tunnel of lights. At the base, it is about 24 feet wide and around 18 feet tall (give or take a foot or two).
February Sunset Fresh Snow Downtown Stillwater
Winter Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
New St Croix Crossing Sunset Moonrise near Stillwater
Click on the above 360 image to navigate the view
Click on above image to view additional images in our gallery of lights
Note that the 2023 Ice Maze has been moved to Eagan Minnesota at Viking Lakes, learn more here.
Something cool is in town, the Zephyr Theatre Stillwater Minnesota Ice Palace Maze. The new Ice Palace Maze is also believed to be the largest in the United States and indeed in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Find the Ice Palace Maze in the Zephyr Theatre Parking Lot, 601 Main Street North, downtown Stillwater, just a few blocks and in sight of the world snow sculpting championship #wssc event downtown Stillwater Minnesota.
The Ice Palace Maze is larger, new layout, more features, ice carvings, fun and much more. Contact Zephyr Theatre box office for tickets and learn more IcePalaceMaze.com.
Inaugural Season 2021
Opening night downtown Stillwater Minnesota Ice Maze
All lit up Stillwater Lights Downtown Ice Maze
Wakey Wakey early morning opening day Stillwater Ice Maze
Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Blue Hour Cool Cold Stillwater Ice Maze
Downtown Stillwater Ice Maze Construction
Aerial View Ice Maze Ice Palace Stillwater
Construction and Aerial Video View Ice Maze January 18, 2021
How large is the Ice Palace Maze? It measures 114 feet by 72 feet, consisting of about 1,500 blocks of ice. Meanwhile, the Ice Palace Maze has a perimeter wall about 8 to 9 feet tall. As part of the Ice Palace Maze, there will also be a 36′ slide, among other features.
About the Zephyr Theatre Ice Palace Maze Downtown Stillwater
For safety, limited to 100 visitors at a time. Restrooms are open, and as is the Zephyr Theatre Bar. Masks required when inside. Free parking is available adjacent to the Zephyr Theatre. Cost is free for kids under four and over 100 years old, ages 5 through 12 $10. For ages 13 through 100 cost is $15. Tickets can be bought in advance or walk-up, depending on availability.
While currently under construction, the Ice Palace Maze is scheduled to be completed by January 22, 2021. Ice Palace Maze visiting hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 5 PM to 10 PM, and 12 PM to 10 PM on Saturday and Sundays. The Ice Palace Maze will be open from January 22 to February 28, weather permitting.
Other Wintertime In Stillwater Updates
Similarly recent additions to downtown Stillwater Lights include the historic lift bridge being lit up. Other downtown Stillwater Minnesota winter updates include an ice skating hockey rink adjacent to the historic lift bridge. An overhead light show on the mall leading to the lift bridge and upcoming events.
Aerial Daytime and Night Stillwater Lights Fire & Ice Event
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota Lift Bridge Winter Wonderland Ice Rink being created downtown Stillwater Winter wonderland winter in Stillwater Minnesota Stillwater Lights
In conclusion, learn more about the Ice Maze here IcePalaceMaze.com.
Contact Zephyr Theatre via phone 651-342-1542 or email at boxoffice@stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org and learn more about the Zephyr Theatre Ice Palace Ice Maze at IcePalaceMaze.com.
Like the images on this page? Browse, shop and buy digital downloads (website, blog and zoom backgrounds), images for marketing mailing as well as prints, wall art, metal prints and more here on our shopping page.
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. Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. You will learn basic safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid).
Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations including hobby recreational FAA test (TRUST), insurance, practical tips, techniques, and trends. Weather permitting, an instructor-only demonstration flight may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to register with an adult.
Click here or on the following to learn more as well as view links for registrations, times and locations.
Spring Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight
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.
Anoka Hennepin Community Education Drone School Demo Flight
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. 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.
Also covered are drone and camera photo and video modes, settings, time lapse and hyper lapse, panoramic, automatic vs manual settings and much more. 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. Click here or on the following to view more information including registration, dates and locations.
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. Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (hobby recreational) 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. Click here or on the following to learn more as well as view links for registrations, times and locations.
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. Learn more here or click on the link below to view class schedules, locations along with registration information.
There are many different things to consider when buying a drone besides how much does it cost, how high and how far can it fly. Some considerations among others include:
Some of the topics and considerations include among others: ✓ Whats your budget ✓ Size and form factor ✓ Build DiY or buy turnkey ✓ What are you going to use it for ✓ How are you going to use it (how portable do you need) ✓ Who makes what, who are the vendors ✓ Weight Matters (Registration, Operating Over People OOP) ✓ AI and Obstacle Avoidance ✓ Remote ID (RID) capabilities ✓ Fixed or removable cameras ✓ RGB, IR/Thermal or other cameras ✓ Precision mapping/measuring ✓ App supported devices (e.g. ios, android) ✓ Software app functionality and camera modes ✓ Photo and Video speeds/feeds ✓ FPV or non FPV flying (indoor, outdoor or both) ✓ How much can you afford to lose or crash ✓ Camera resolution, 1K, 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K, 12MP, 20MP, frame rates) ✓ Battery life or how long can you fly ✓ Upgrades, accessors, spares ✓ Warranties and service policies ✓ Insurance costs
Not sure what drone is best for you or your needs, give us a call or email, tell us what you are looking to do and we will provide you with our perspectives. Keep in mind that the best drone is the one that fits and meets your needs and budgets vs someone else’s.
