Folly Beach, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is where my love for surfing and drone photography truly took off. The surf community in Folly Beach has been the cornerstone of my journey, providing me with endless opportunities to hone my skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
It all began here, where I started practicing my drone skills on friends, capturing their surfing sessions. As a surfer myself, I understand the excitement of seeing your moves on camera—whether it’s to improve technique or to celebrate an epic ride. Folly Beach surfing became my playground and my inspiration.
How Folly Beach Surfing Shaped My Drone Photography Journey
After moving back to Folly Beach post-COVID, I was searching for a supportive community and found it in the all-female surf club, She’s On Edge. This incredible group brought together women who share a love for surfing, skating, and even book clubs. Through this community, my confidence in both surfing and droning grew. The encouragement I received from these women played a pivotal role in my journey.
I also became close with the Warrior Surf Foundation, a group dedicated to veteran surfers. It was through this connection that I learned about the FAA Part 107 federal certification. At first, I didn’t fully understand its significance, but I knew it would legitimize my drone work and open up opportunities to monetize my sessions. Studying for the FAA exam was intense—I hadn’t faced an exam since college in 2015. However, the hard work paid off when I passed, marking a major milestone in my career. This certification allowed me to take my passion for Folly Beach surfing to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
In July, I had the honor of becoming a sponsor for the Wahine Classic, an all-female surf competition on Folly Beach. A friend from a local surf shop suggested I donate my services and prints to the event, which led to me creating prints for over 200 goody bags and donating larger framed prints and drone sessions to the top winners. This event was a significant moment for me, not just as a photographer, but as a member of the Folly Beach surfing community. I even collaborated with Legacy Digital to create a logo for the event, and I was thrilled to see it displayed prominently on T-shirts and banners alongside major brands like Roxy and the Coast Guard.
As the event’s social media coordinator, I had the opportunity to capture photos and videos for the Wahine Classic’s Instagram and other social platforms. I also participated in the tandem surf competition and sponsored three surfers, covering their entry fees as a way to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Since then, I’ve officially established my business with an LLC and a Business License, allowing me to charge clients legally. As my skills improved, so did my pricing. You can now find some of my prints at Bert’s Market on Folly Beach for just $4.00—a way for me to share the unique perspectives I capture from above. For me, this isn’t about making money; it’s about sharing my love for Folly Beach surfing and giving others a glimpse into the beauty I see from my drone.