Pilot Story: Keonntay Watts

Growing up in Chicago, I was always fascinated by cameras, movement, and storytelling. After high school in 2012, I dove headfirst into the world of cinematography. I didn’t have formal training or expensive film school credentials, but I had something that no degree could replace—pure curiosity, a deep hunger to create, and the drive to teach myself everything I could.

Back then, I was shooting with whatever camera gear I could get my hands on. Sometimes it was a borrowed DSLR, other times it was an old camcorder that had seen better days. I didn’t care. Whether I was filming friends skateboarding, editing mini-documentaries, or experimenting with music video concepts, I was constantly sharpening my eye, my instincts, and my understanding of visual storytelling. I fell in love with the way you could capture emotion through movement—how a slow pan or a creative angle could say just as much as a line of dialogue.

Around 2018, I started noticing something new taking over the cinematography world: drones. I’d see these insane aerial shots in big-budget films and music videos, and I’d wonder, “How are they getting these angles?” I quickly realized drones weren’t just toys—they were tools. They gave filmmakers like me access to a whole new perspective, quite literally.

At first, flying drones was just a hobby. I picked up a basic consumer drone to see what all the hype was about. I remember the very first flight like it was yesterday. I took it out to an open field on the South Side of Chicago, nervous and excited, fingers shaking a little as I fired up the controller. As soon as that drone lifted off the ground and hovered in place, I felt something shift inside me. It was like I had unlocked a superpower.

I spent months learning the ins and outs of flying. I practiced in parks, open lots, even empty parking garages. I studied how different lighting affected the footage, how wind impacted stability, how to pan smoothly and track subjects. And of course, I crashed a few times—okay, more than a few. But every mistake taught me something. I became obsessed with mastering the controls and getting the most cinematic shots possible.

 Eventually, I began integrating drone footage into my video projects. The first time I used a drone in a music video was a game-changer. It was a simple rooftop scene in downtown Chicago, but that overhead shot pulling away from the artist as the skyline lit up behind him? It gave the whole video a bigger feel, like something you’d see on MTV. Artists started to take notice, then the inquiries started rolling in from all kinds of people. I was soo eager and ready to provide it.

 I realized that if I was going to take this to the next level, I needed to make it official. So I studied for and passed the FAA Part 107 exam, becoming a certified commercial drone pilot. That license opened up a whole new world of opportunity. No longer just a guy with a camera and a drone, I was now a licensed operator, legally cleared to shoot commercially, whether it was for a wedding, a real estate company, or a construction firm needing aerial inspections.

That was a huge turning point for me. The Part 107 wasn’t just a formality. It gave me confidence, legitimacy, and access to bigger jobs. Around this time, my work began to shift more heavily toward event coverage. Weddings were a natural fit. There’s something magical about capturing a bride walking down the aisle from above, or sweeping over a scenic venue during golden hour. Clients loved it, and word started to spread.

Chicago is a big city with a diverse range of venues, neighborhoods, and landscapes from the sleek architecture of the Loop to the historic charm of the West Side, the beaches along Lake Michigan to the gritty industrial zones. Every location brought new creative challenges and inspiration. One weekend I’d be flying over a beachside ceremony, the next I’d be tracking a Lamborghini cruising down Lakeshore Drive for a music video.

 Over the years, I’ve developed a signature style. I blend smooth, cinematic motion with an eye for composition and storytelling. I want my viewers feel something watching my work. Whether it’s the grandeur of a wedding day or the energy of a music video, I treat every project like it’s my own film. I want every frame to tell a story.

Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth flying, literally or figuratively. Drone work in a city like Chicago can be tricky. Between FAA airspace restrictions, no-fly zones, weather conditions, and unpredictable city elements, every flight has to be carefully planned. I’ve had shoots get rescheduled due to sudden winds, and I’ve had to negotiate with property managers just to get clearance. But those challenges have taught me how to be adaptable, resourceful, and always ready with a backup plan.

Looking back, what started as a simple hobby turned into a career I genuinely love. The journey from a self-taught videographer in 2012 to a certified drone operator with five years of flight experience hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve built a brand, gained loyal clients, and earned a reputation for delivering top-tier aerial visuals.

 And I’m still learning. The drone world evolves quickly—new tech, new regulations, new creative techniques. I stay sharp by keeping up with industry trends, testing new gear, and constantly pushing myself to improve. Whether I’m flying a compact drone for tight urban shots or piloting a larger rig for a complex cinematic scene, I bring the same passion and attention to detail that got me started in the first place.

 More than anything, I’m grateful for the chance to do what I love, to see the world from a different angle, and to bring that perspective to others through my work. Being a drone pilot isn’t just about flying—it’s about vision, creativity, and storytelling. It’s about capturing moments that can’t be replicated from the ground.

 And in this sky-high journey that started with curiosity and a camera, I know I’m just getting started.