Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Cunningham.
Hi Jonathan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career in real estate as an agent helping individuals, families, and investors find, sell, and rent properties. As part of my job, I was responsible for marketing the properties and showcasing them in the best possible light. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed photography, videography, and the art of visual storytelling.
Around the same time, I started becoming interested in drones and the unique perspective they offered. I was fascinated by the idea of capturing cityscapes and landscapes from above and creating visuals with music that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
In May of 2022, I took the leap and purchased my first drone, and it was like a dream come true. I immediately fell in love with the creative process of capturing footage in a dynamic and captivating way.
I started sharing my drone footage on Instagram and gained a following relatively quickly. I was excited to see the positive feedback and support I received from my followers, which fueled my passion even more.
Through my Instagram page, I was able to land gigs doing cinematic drone footage alongside my real estate work, for local, artists and events.
In addition, I became an official freelance content creator for Access Atlanta, which is a branch of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Through Access Atlanta, I showcase everything from popular restaurants and entertainment venues to the beautiful skyline of Atlanta.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Instagram has been such a game-changer for me in terms of growing my presence in the drone industry. When I first started out, it was just a hobby and I didn’t really know where it would lead. But as I started sharing my drone footage on Instagram, I realized the power of the platform for building a following and connecting with other like-minded creatives.
Of course, there’s a love-hate relationship with Instagram. On one hand, it’s been amazing for my career and has opened up so many doors for me. On the other hand, the algorithm changes so frequently and it can be a challenge to keep up with the latest trends and changes while still maintaining your own unique identity and style. Also, the drone market is pretty saturated these days, so it’s not always easy to stand out from the crowd.
But I’ve learned that the key is to stay true to myself and not get too caught up in the numbers or the likes. At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that I’m proud of and that resonates with my audience.
And it’s not just about the drone footage itself. It’s also about creating a narrative around the footage, telling a story, and giving viewers a sense of what it’s like to be in that specific location or giving an otherworldly vibe. I’ve found that the more I can do that, the more engagement and interest my work generates.
So, while Instagram can be a fickle beast, it’s definitely been a huge part of my success in the drone industry. And, I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to use the platform and others such as Youtube to share my work and connect with others who are passionate about the art form.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve taken an unconventional path in my photography and videography journey, starting with drones before exploring the world of mirrorless cameras to master ground content. Recently, I’ve gained traction with my photography and captured moon alignment photos that are featured on the Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s and the city of Sandy Springs’s official pages.
Currently, I’m focusing on mastering traditional camera ground content in addition to aerial footage captured by my drone. By complementing both types of content, I believe I can offer a well-rounded service. I’m actively expanding my portfolio and taking on new freelance opportunities in real estate, events, travel, motorsports, and more. Please stay tuned!
What does success mean to you?
In the context of being a drone pilot, having a thriving business, a strong portfolio of high-quality content, and satisfied clients who continue to seek out my services. But ultimately success means being able to turn my passions into a career and be able to balance my work and personal life, as well as consistently learning and improving my skills.
Pricing:
- Per Hour -$300
- Half Day-$650
- Full Day-$1000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jcmedia6.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefreeagent?igshid=YzgyMTM2MGM=
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-patrick-cunningham/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jonred233
