William Gale

About:

I began my career in construction, working alongside my father, a dedicated concrete contractor. For twelve years, I immersed myself in this world, learning the intricacies of building structures from the ground up. I developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in construction. However, in 2017, my life took an unexpected turn. A car accident left me needing surgery and a significant period of recovery. This forced pause gave me the time to reflect on my career and consider new possibilities. During this time, I realized that while I loved construction, I wanted to explore other passions. My journey into drone flying began with my love for art. I’ve always been passionate about drawing, and I spent much time trying to recreate landscapes and cityscapes on paper. When drones became popular, I saw them as a tool to enhance my artistic process. I envisioned using a drone to capture stunning aerial views and gather unique references for my artwork—images that were otherwise inaccessible without this technology. I bought my first drone not just for the fun of flying but with the goal of expanding my artistic horizons. I took it on trips to document beautiful landscapes and cityscapes, capturing shots that would later inspire my drawings. The ability to see the world from a new perspective and retrieve my own images was exhilarating. It was remarkable how the act of flying the drone and capturing these views became an art form in itself. As I grew more skilled with the drone, I realized its potential beyond just artistic reference. I began documenting family events and travel adventures. The joy of capturing these moments from above added a new dimension to my personal life, turning ordinary scenes into extraordinary memories. The thrill of experimenting with different angles and techniques opened up endless possibilities and deepened my appreciation for drone piloting. Taking my wife’s advice to heart, I decided to turn my passion into a profession. I started studying for the FAA test, and in 2020, when the pandemic hit, I saw it as the perfect time to make the transition. I passed the test, earned my license, and founded my business, Solid State Images. Starting a business during a global pandemic was challenging, but it also presented opportunities. Many industries were beginning to see the value of drone technology. My background in construction gave me a unique insight into how drones could be used effectively on job sites. I reached out to contacts in the industry and began offering my services. One of my first projects was for a construction company that needed aerial footage of their job sites. They were impressed with the quality of the footage and the efficiency of using drones compared to traditional methods. This project was a turning point for Solid State Images. Word of mouth spread, and I began to get more inquiries. As my business grew, I continued to learn and adapt. I invested in better equipment and learned new techniques to enhance the quality of my work. I also expanded my services to include real estate and event videography. Each new project was a learning experience that helped me refine my skills and broaden my portfolio. Some of the highlights of my career include: flying for utility companies, helping them identify risks or problems at substations, distribution and transmission lines; aerial photo/videography for local events; I even had the privilege of filming aerial scenes for a director shooting a streaming series production for Netflix. Over the years, Solid State Images has grown significantly. We’ve been serving the community with commercial drone services for four years now. My journey from construction to drone piloting has been unexpected but incredibly rewarding. The skills and values I learned in construction have been invaluable in my new career. Attention to detail, hard work, and a commitment to quality are principles that guide me every day. Today, I look back at my journey with a sense of pride and accomplishment. What started as a hobby has turned into a fulfilling career, thanks to the support of my wife and the encouragement to follow my passion. As I continue to grow Solid State Images, I remain excited about the future and the endless possibilities that drone technology offers.

Equipment:

Pro 2 3D Camera

Manufacturer: Matterport

Mavic 3 Pro Drone

Manufacturer: DJI

Mavic 3 Thermal Drone

Manufacturer: DJI

DSLR Mirrorless Camera

Manufacturer: SONY

Service Area:

Video Gallery:

Photo Gallery: