BIZZ BUZZ By Alaina Loughridge Photo by William Harrell
RIVERRAT PRODUCTIONS
If you are an old schooler like me, you have to admit that times are a
changing. I am in a constant state of amazement at modern technology
every single day. I mean, I used to have a phone that weighed 20
pounds and was attached to the wall with a 15 foot cord. I also know
what a ‘party line’ is and yes, it was a party. Oh, the gossip I heard!
I remember talking about maybe one day having video phones. Well,
yikes. That day is here! So, now we have mini helicopters that see all
and record all. Welcome to drone land y’all!!
Billy Harrell started Riverrat Productions the minute he saw his
first drone. It was an instant realization that this is what he wanted to
do and he went for it. Having been in the carpentry business forever,
Billy started looking for a hobby that could capture his interest and
bought his first drone when these mini camera copters hit the market.
Always having been an amateur photographer, the drone allowed Billy
to continue his love for photography from an aerial view. So serious
was Billy about this that he got his Drone Operator License which is no
easy task. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has tests and all
sorts of hoops one has to jump through.
Having an ‘eye’ in the sky has been an experience! Cruising the back
rivers, marshes and coastal areas from Tybee, Dafuskie, St. Catherine’s,
Amelia Island and more, has given Billy lots of practice! Branching
out and offering aerial services for realtors, rental and commercial
properties has also built valuable flight experience and on the job
training. With this new experience, Billy says that he is always watching
the light, “You have to learn how to use the natural light. There is no
faking a drone shot.” Easier said than done. Billy named his first drone
“Osprey,” but has since upgraded to “Falcon” who has been all over the
East Coast taking breathtaking pictures that no mortal can capture.
With this new technology, strange business opportunities have
become available, and I say strange because who woulda thunk that we
do not have to send a guy up a ladder for cell phone tower review? We
can go to natural disaster areas and get up close and personal without
ever leaving the safety of a bunker? The possibilities are endless and
Billy is up front and center.
If you are interested in talking to Billy at Riverrat Productions
about obtaining aerial photography of your business or property, the
Tybee Pier, or your ex behaving badly (KIDDING!!), you can find him on
Facebook under both Billy Harrell and Riverrat Productions as well as at
Instagram: riverrat productions. Personally, I think the picture of the Pier
coming in from the East is spectacular!
RIVERRAT PRODUCTIONS
4 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2018
Real Estate Video/Photography
Interior Walk Through Video
Business Spotlight Video/Photography
Special Event Video/Photography
Aerial Family Portraits
In House Video Editing
Construction Site Video /Photography
Large Property/Farm Aerial Survey
Serving GA, SC, NC, FL, AL, TN
FAA Licensed Remote Pilot
General Liability Insurance
William Harrell
Mobile: 912-414-8418
Email: harrell609@gmail.com
177 Laurel Street
Richmond Hill, GA 31124