Services
Sometimes what is needed is just one good picture, other times aerial video, or a complete poster including research and design. I do assignments and sometimes entire projects.
Integrating Imagery with ideas
A lot of things come into play, starting with background knowledge and an understanding of objectives. Then the right tools can be employed, guided by a creative eye. Afterward there is additional work to complete a project. I have worked in agriculture, forestry, hydropower, journalism, and conservation.
TREX Prescribed Fire Training for The Nature Conservancy in 2021. Back in the late 70s, I held a drip-torch myself!
Eric Kiehn- Captain, Kittitas County Fire District One at TREX Prescribed Fire Training near Roslyn, WA in 2021.
UAS systems in natural resources management
Aerial drones- They are suddenly everywhere. UAS (un-manned aerial systems) for me are not toys, but rather amazing tools. The image quality is good enough to make enlargements for exhibits. While DSLR cameras have the edge for quality, often the aerial view tells a better story. I have been using drones since 2016 and currently have a DJI Inspire-2 with three detachable lenses, and a DJI Mavic-2 pro. An FAA Remote Pilot’s License is required to operate a drone for business purposes- I have one. I also carry an additional insurance policy.
Pre-treatment photograph for forest restoration project in Tillicum Creek drainage. Client: Washington Dept. of Natural Resources.
Aerial view of ponderosa pine forest near Sunriver, Oregon after prescribed fire.
Bear Creek on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Oregon.
Litchi Waypoints- Drones can be programmed to fly to specific coordinates, and shoot photographs. Here is an example from Mud Creek on the Entiat Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington. The flight was set-up before I went out, and can be repeated. I rode a mountain bike on a parallel path to keep an eye on my drone as it did its work.
Shooting Under Lights
There is no substitute for studio lights and plain backgrounds in some situations. I have professional lighting gear and can set up a make-shift studio just about anywhere. I occasionally photograph people and products.
How much will it cost?
Ah- the money part, I must deal with it. My work is hard to price, because every client and every situation is different. There are casual jobs and there are nail-biters. Some projects require a lot of planning and watching the weather, others can be done whenever. Some situations are physically demanding or hazardous to my equipment. I prefer to put a figure on a task or job rather than billing by the hour, and then adjust if circumstances change. I use hourly rates to inform quotes. Considering my experience and the cost of equipment, I figure my time to be worth $200.00 per hour when actively shooting with my DSLR cameras and lenses. The reality often is, that there are more hours involved in trip-planning, going over equipment, loading the truck, and driving to the location than actually shooting. That time is worth $30.00 per hour. Time spent on computer after a shoot can be double or triple the time on location. I am proficient and efficient in the use of Adobe Photoshop so consider my post-production skills worth $75.00 per hour. Good photography is driven by creativity. Photographs are intellectual property, and one should consider the arena and extent to which photographs are being used, and whether the client expects exclusive use. Depending on many factors, I may want to charge more than the fee I would get by looking at hours alone.
In recent years I have picked up skills in Adobe InDesign, and video. I love working on projects where I integrate my love of the natural world and interest in science to produce end products that are not only visually compelling, but convey important messages. In general, I think of my time researching, writing, and designing as worth $50.00 per hour.
Aerial Photography
Conventional aircraft and drones are both very useful. They occupy different niches. Fixed-wing aircraft are required to fly above 1,000 feet over populated areas, and 500 feet over rural areas. FAA rules require drones to stay below 400 feet. Depending on the situation the best view may be at 30 feet above ground level or 3,000 feet. Drones facilitate more spontaneous photography, but sometimes there is no substitute for conventional aircraft. There is much time and expense behind having drones available. I charge $10.00 per flight minute with a minimum of $150.00 for use of a drone. For photography from fixed wing aircraft customers can expect to pay a minimum of $550.00 including chartered aircraft.
Aerial views of construction management is something I can provide with my drones, or get in a plane for a higher perspective.
Small Jobs- Everyone who is self-employed knows that time is money, and there are times when you are really busy and times when you are not. Not everyone has deep pockets or a robust budget. I like to help people out, but not tie up my time for small amounts. I set a minimum of $300.00 for local jobs that can be shot at my convenience, and are not too demanding on specifics.