21 October 2024

By Jennifer Seneca

I’m the founder of Seneca Photography, LLC, based in Kirkland, Washington. My journey into photography and cinematography started long before I launched my drone business—it began with my early fascination with capturing moments and viewing the world from unique perspectives. I’ve always been a bit of a techie, so drones naturally intrigued me. I also love the challenge of learning new things, which is a big part of what led me to explore drone photography.

Born in South Philadelphia, I moved with my family to Florida when I was just two years old. I grew up on the picturesque, sunny beaches that South Florida is well known for and developed a deep love for nature, especially the expansive blue ocean and vibrant sunsets. This environment ignited my passion for photography. My father worked for the airlines, and because of that, we traveled frequently. This further fueled my curiosity about flying and exploring new places from above. That early exposure to travel and the sky eventually laid the foundation for my love of aerial photography.

I also found joy in the kitchen from a young age. I spent many Sundays and holidays in my early years with my grandparents, who would cook rich Italian meals and share their culture through cooking. This got me interested in food from my culture and from others, and paired my creativity with my love of food. I started writing a successful food blog and I was part of the Yelp Elite for five years, attending exclusive food events and reviewing restaurants. My eye for detail in capturing the perfect food shot has carried over into my drone work, where I always seek to present the most captivating views of landscapes and events.

In 2023, I moved to the Seattle area with my wife, and the unique new environment gave me fresh inspiration. The towering mountains, sprawling lakes, and endless natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest provided an exciting backdrop for my photography, so I decided to dive fully into drone photography and start Seneca Photography.

I am a FAA certified drone pilot and earned a 20-hour Drone Pilot Ground School Aeronautical Knowledge Certificate. I take pride in meticulous compliance with all FAA regulations and best practices to ensure the safe operation of drones. With an unwavering commitment to quality and safety as one of my core business values, I continue to build on my risk management background and expand my knowledge to different industries. It’s crucial for me to provide my clients with the highest level of service while maintaining the safest operations possible.

I began my drone career ambitiously, purchasing a DJI Mavic 3 CINE—a professional drone that specializes in cinematography. My goal was to capture not just static images but the sweeping, dynamic beauty of nature from above. I particularly enjoy documenting beach scenes, sunsets, and now, in the Seattle area, the breathtaking mountain ranges and forests. Over the past two years, I’ve expanded my portfolio to include commercial projects, capturing hard-to-get aerial views for a variety of clients. My background in commercial property insurance and risk management also plays a significant role in how I approach drone photography. Before launching Seneca Photography, I worked for years in insurance and still hold my license. This experience allows me to collaborate with insurance adjusters and provide detailed aerial documentation for claims, particularly for properties that are difficult to assess by traditional methods. Using my drones, I can provide adjusters with high-quality visuals that make the claims process more accurate and efficient.

Today, I specialize in drone photography and videography for a range of industries, including real estate, film production, construction, and insurance. My work focuses on delivering cinematic shots and professional-grade aerial content for my clients. Whether it’s capturing the dynamic energy of a live event, showcasing a real estate property, or documenting a construction site, I aim to provide visually compelling stories from a perspective few can achieve without drones.

At Seneca Photography, I operate three drones in total. In addition to my DJI Mavic 3 CINE, I also use two FPV (First Person View) drones—the DJI Avata 2 and the DJI NEO. FPV drones allow me to capture incredibly immersive footage, flying closer to the ground or through tight spaces with precision, and creating exciting and fast-paced visuals. This adds a unique dimension to my work, especially when I’m tasked with projects that demand more dynamic shots.

Since establishing Seneca Photography in January 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse set of clients, from real estate developers who need stunning property views, to insurance adjusters requiring detailed aerial inspections of damage sites. I also offer creative video editing and post-production services. This allows me to add value by ensuring that each project is not just filmed beautifully, but polished and delivered to match the client’s vision.

I also run a YouTube channel, Seneca Photography, where I post all my personal travel videos and showcase my portfolio to clients. With around 5,000 followers, the channel allows me to share my love for exploration and drone footage, offering viewers a glimpse into the world from my unique point of view. Whether I'm capturing majestic mountain ranges or the quiet beauty of a lakeside retreat, my goal is always to show the world from a fresh perspective. The channel has become an invaluable tool for both creative expression and professional growth, helping potential clients see the range and quality of my work.

In addition, I maintain an active presence on Instagram at @SenecaPhotographyPNW , where I post highlights from my drone photography work. My Instagram offers followers a visual tour of the stunning places I’ve captured, from the tranquil landscapes of the Pacific Northwest to other breathtaking scenes from my travels.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine technical expertise with creative storytelling. I’m well-versed in FAA regulations, airspace compliance, and safety protocols, so my clients can trust that their project is in capable hands. But beyond the technical side, my goal is to always capture the world from an angle that surprises and delights, offering perspectives that aren’t just functional but artistic. I take pride in working closely with my clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed their expectations. Whether it’s a panoramic view of a vast landscape, an up-close shot for a real estate listing, or a cinematic sequence for a film, I’m constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible with drone technology.

When I’m not flying drones or working on a client project, you’ll find me exploring the natural beauty of Washington state with my wife or working on creative projects that inspire me. Photography is more than just a business for me—it’s a way to capture the essence of the world and share it with others. I look forward to continuing to grow Seneca Photography, expanding my services, and always striving to provide the best in aerial photography and cinematography.

I’m excited to be a part of such a great group of people here on The Droning Company and look forward to connecting with many of you. Talking to Stuart Smith has been a great experience—he’s very inviting to the drone community and offers a fantastic, informative site for drone enthusiasts. See you all in the sky!