A New Look at the Santa Maria Valley

Santa Maria businesses are getting a new way to show off, from the sky. Local photographer Timothy Towne is bringing aerial photo and video services to the Valley, giving everyone from wineries to construction crews a fresh angle on their work. And because he’s an FAA-Certified Remote Pilot (Part 107) the flights aren’t just beautiful, they’re legal, safe, and fully compliant with federal rules.

If you’ve ever wished your business could stand out a little more, drone footage might be the secret weapon. A quick flyover can turn an ordinary scene into something eye‑catching, and plenty of local industries can benefit:

Wineries and tasting rooms can show off vineyard rows, patios, and weekend crowds.

Construction companies can document progress, track milestones, and share finished projects.

Restaurants and retail shops can highlight their location, parking, and outdoor spaces.

Event organizers can capture the energy of festivals, fundraisers, and community gatherings.

Real estate agents can give buyers a true sense of property layout and neighborhood feel.

Agricultural operations can get a bird’s‑eye view of fields, equipment, and land use.

Drone footage gives customers a better sense of scale, activity, and atmosphere, things that ground‑level photos can’t always capture.

Why Part 107 Matters

Not all drone pilots are created equal. The FAA requires a Part 107 certification for anyone doing commercial drone work, and it comes with real benefits for the community:

Legal peace of mind: Businesses avoid fines and liability by hiring someone certified to fly commercially.

Airspace know‑how: With SMX airport nearby, Santa Maria sits in controlled airspace. A licensed pilot knows how to get proper authorization.

Safety first: Certified pilots follow strict rules for flying near people, buildings, and events.

Insurance‑friendly operations: Many insurers only cover flights done by licensed operators.

Better results: Training and testing mean smoother flights, cleaner shots, and more polished final videos.

In short, hiring a licensed pilot protects your business while giving you top‑tier visuals.

Santa Maria is expanding - new businesses, new developments, new events and aerial media helps capture that momentum. Timothy’s combination of creative photography, drone work and FAA‑certified professionalism gives local organizations a safe, reliable way to show off what makes the Valley special. For more information go to: towne-photography.com