Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanel Staple.
Hi Shanel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am currently an engineer that is in the mid-life of my career. Engineering utilizes my logical side, which is how I normally operate. However, in 2023, I started to have a desire to explore something different of my own…different from the logical activities I have been doing all these years. I listened to “side hustle” podcasts to get ideas, but nothing jumped out at me as a business idea I was excited about. I met with a business coach to explore ideas, but even after months of meeting, nothing was working. This exploration took me into 2024, and I was beginning to get frustrated with not finding an idea I was excited about. During this time, I was also praying for answers (I am a Christian, so my relationship with God is the core of my life). Early 2024, God told me to stop searching and to “be still”…so I did. At that point, I stopped searching for about 6 months.
In June 2024, I went to a wedding where I re-united with my core group of guy friends. We were talking one night, and I shared with them that I have been vaguely thinking about exploring aerial photography, but I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the idea. One of my friends told me to “set up an Instagram tag, YouTube channel, and a domain name. Even if you never explore the idea, just do it”. That was the ignition that got things started for me. The next morning, I decided to come up with a list of names for my idea. I eventually came up with the name “HummingBird Aerial Solutions”, and that name just resonated with me. I asked others for their opinion, but my mind was already set, to be honest. There was just something about that name…the ignition was now a flame.
I was still on the fence about exploring aerial photography, as the flame was still small. I got back home and created the domain name, Instagram handle, etc. and began looking more into the idea of having an aerial photography business. I knew I needed a Part 107 license to operate drones commercially, so I began to study for the exam. I took the exam for the first time in August, and I failed the exam by 3 points. However, that failure was exactly what I needed. I was actually learning while taking the exam, and I realized after the fact that aerial photography combines 3 things that I absolutely love: Aviation, Navigation, and Photography. It allowed me to tap into my creative side while still using my logic to run the business. After that failure, I was more determined than ever to pass next time; the small flame had become a brilliant blaze! I took the exam a few weeks later and passed, then met with the same business coach from the year prior and got to work in terms of building a business.
The business was officially launched on January 1, 2025, and although growth has been slow, I have no doubt that I am right where I need to be. I want this business to mature at its own pace, as my vision expands my business well beyond South Florida. I envision traveling the world and having clients on all 6 continents to provide aerial content. I have a vision of becoming a world-renowned aerial photographer who will always be in demand due to my unique perspective and creativity. With God as my guide, I believe I will get there someday.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been smooth. Plenty of rejected calls, ignored emails, and lost opportunities. My Instagram page hasn’t really been growing, even though I love my content. I’ve only had a few clients so far, but I am not questioning the process. Everything happens at the right time, and with God in control, things will develop when they are supposed to. In the meantime, I will continue to build connections and get my name out there, as that will be essential for future business opportunities. I have one consistent client who I work with monthly, and I plan on fostering those relationships that have been established for as long as possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an aerial photographer that uses aerial photos and videos to showcase a subject. I specialize in landscape & urban photography, so any subject that focuses on beautiful scenery (think of beaches, mountains, natural landscapes) or urban life (city skylines, buildings, streets, etc.), I am all for it. I have two primary audiences: 1) Hospitality/tourism/marketing industry – Showcase beautiful sceneries to attract visitors, and 2) Construction industry – Provide construction progress pictures of different work sites. Even though these are my two primary audiences, I am willing to work with anyone who appreciates my creative perspective.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Four things:
1) If anyone is interested in seeing more of my aerial photography content, feel free to visit my Instagram profile at @hummingbirdaerial and my YouTube channel named HummingBird Aerial Solutions. If you would like to do business, visit my website at www.hummingbirdaerial.net.
2) For those who are on the fence about trying a business idea, go for it. I would advise to start it on the side to ease the pressure of success and to allow it to grow naturally. Get things done in spite of fear; that’s the definition of courage. Be courageous!
3) For general life advice, pick up my book on Amazon Kindle named “Three (but really Four) Degrees of Freedom”. It’s a short self-help book that gives some useful advice in major areas of our lives. It’s designed for anyone to start over and re-build in 3 (but really 4) key areas of our lives…even if you are at rock bottom. The only way is up!
4) I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you want to truly know what a fulfilling life looks like, I would advise to get to know Him and make that decision for yourself. Regardless of your choice, I wish all the readers nothing but the best in this life. We only have one; make it count!
Pricing:
- Package 1 (5 aerial photos and a minute video) – starting at $150
- Package 2 (10 aerial photos and a minute video) – starting at $250
- One Photo – starting at $20
- One Video – starting at $100
- Hire per Hour -$150/hr (minimum 4 hours)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hummingbirdaerial.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbirdaerial/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanel-staple-b4ab31371?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
