I'm Giacomo Cortese, an Italian-born drone pilot and founder of My Drone Booking LLC, established in 2025 and based in North New Jersey. My journey into the world of drones began as a hobby shortly after I moved to the United States in 2022. What started as a personal passion quickly evolved into a professional pursuit as I discovered the incredible potential drones offer across industries — from construction and real estate to public safety and creative arts.

I still remember the first time I flew a drone in the U.S. — it was a simple flight with a DJI Mini 2, just to capture some aerial views of my neighborhood. But as I watched the screen on the controller and saw my surroundings from above for the first time, something clicked. I realized how powerful it was to have this flying camera in my hands. From that moment on, I knew this could be much more than a hobby — it could be my career.

Today, I operate a diverse fleet that includes the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Avata 2, and my favorite — the DJI Matrice 4E. Each drone has a specific purpose in my workflow, allowing me to tailor my services to meet client needs. Whether it’s immersive FPV footage, high-precision mapping, or critical infrastructure inspections, my tools are chosen to deliver the best results with precision and safety. But there’s something special about the DJI Matrice 4E. It’s more than just a drone — it’s a technological powerhouse that excites me every time I fly it. From its high-resolution camera to its obstacle avoidance and advanced sensors, it’s the kind of machine that reminds me how far drone technology has come. Every time I unpack it and prepare for flight, I feel a genuine sense of awe. It's like piloting a flying robot equipped with tools that used to be reserved for large-scale industrial projects or government agencies. The level of detail I can capture with it allows me to offer services that are genuinely transformative for my clients.

Earning Clients' Trust (and Surprise)

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing clients react to the final results. Many people still don’t fully understand what drones can do — they think of them as just flying cameras for cool video shots. What they often don’t realize is the complexity behind these tools. We're talking about aircraft equipped with 4K to 8K cameras, LiDAR sensors, RTK modules, thermal imaging, and AI-assisted flight modes. Once clients see the clarity of the imagery, the accuracy of the 3D maps, or the impact of aerial visualizations in their presentations or reports, they're genuinely blown away. It’s common for a client to say something like, “I had no idea drones could do this.” That moment of realization is one of my favorite parts of the job. I get to educate and demonstrate how drone data can provide solutions they never thought possible — whether it’s documenting a building site in real-time, creating a 3D model of a shopping center, or capturing cinematic content for social media and marketing. I once worked with a general contractor who needed an update on a large commercial site. He assumed I would just give him some video clips. Instead, I delivered a full orthomosaic map and 3D model of the property. When he saw how he could measure distances, check progress, and even plan logistics based on the model — his reaction was unforgettable. Since then, he's referred me to several colleagues, which showed me how powerful it is when people really understand what drones can do.

Staying on the Cutting Edge

I’m obsessed with staying updated on drone technology. Every time a new model is announced, I’m already watching videos, reading forums, checking emails from DJI Enterprise, and exploring how I can integrate the latest features into my services. This constant learning isn’t just a hobby — it’s a commitment I make to my clients. I want to be sure I’m offering them the best tools and workflows the industry has to offer. Whenever there’s a firmware update or a new software launch, I dive in. I’ve learned that staying up to date gives me a serious edge in the field. It means faster processing, more accurate deliverables, and a better understanding of what’s possible. If there’s a new way to deliver higher resolution, fly more safely, or process maps faster, I’m on it. I believe the best drone pilots are not just good with the sticks — they’re also researchers, problem-solvers, and innovators. I always try to test new features on-site before offering them commercially, so I know exactly how they'll perform under real-world conditions.

From Passion to Purpose

Flying drones is not just a job to me — it’s something that deeply excites me. Every time I send a drone into the air, I feel that same rush I felt the very first time. These small aircraft are filled with incredible technology, and piloting them never gets old. But what excites me even more is knowing that my work matters — that the images, videos, and 3D models I create are being used by real people to make real decisions. When I hand off a final deliverable to a construction manager, an architect, or a marketing team, I know they’re not just looking at pretty visuals. They're using my work to plan, promote, solve problems, or tell a story. And to me, that’s where drones become something bigger — they become tools of communication and change. Coming from Italy, I also bring a sense of aesthetic sensitivity to every project. My background has taught me to pay close attention to composition, light, and detail — especially when working with real estate or promotional video content. I believe that combining technical skill with a creative eye sets my work apart in this industry.

Expanding into Public Safety

Looking ahead, one of my biggest goals is to work more closely with public safety departments, including police and fire departments. I’m particularly interested in supporting search and rescue operations and emergency response efforts using thermal cameras and live drone feeds. The DJI Matrice 4T capabilities are ideal for these missions — whether it’s locating a missing person in a wooded area or detecting hotspots during a fire. Being able to support first responders with real-time aerial data would be incredibly meaningful to me. I’ve already begun preparing for this by gaining experience with thermal imaging, building contacts with local departments, and researching FAA waivers and safety protocols for public safety operations. I believe that with the right training and collaboration, drones can become critical tools in saving lives.

Building Something Bigger

As a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot, I ensure that all my operations follow legal and safety protocols. I regularly obtain LAANC authorizations for controlled airspace and have experience operating in both standard and restricted zones. I’m also OSHA 10 certified, which gives me an added layer of credibility and safety awareness when working on construction sites or industrial jobs. My mission is simple: to make high-quality aerial data accessible, useful, and impactful. I believe drones aren’t just cameras in the sky — they’re revolutionary tools that can streamline workflows, enhance safety, reduce costs, and spark creativity. I want My Drone Booking LLC to be known not just for beautiful imagery, but for delivering real value through every flight. Eventually, I hope to scale the business into a full-service drone operation serving clients across the Tri-State area and beyond. That includes growing a team, investing in more advanced gear, and branching into agriculture, energy, and public sector work. I see drones becoming more integrated into everyday business, and I want to be at the forefront of that shift.

Final Thoughts

Flying drones has allowed me to build something I’m truly proud of. It’s not just about flying — it’s about solving problems, telling stories, and helping others see the world from a new perspective. As someone who moved from Italy to chase new opportunities, I’ve found in the sky a way to connect my past and future — combining creativity, technology, and purpose into one flight at a time. From mapping job sites to exploring emergency response applications, this is only the beginning. I’m excited to keep learning, keep flying, and keep helping others discover the power of drones.