Photographers have been taking pictures since the inception of the camera. In fact, there have been a number of manned aircraft used by the military to take pictures from the sky for quite some time. While this is the case, unmanned aerial photography drones are something new.

For, only recently did businesses and hobbyists begin using unmanned drones to take pictures. While using drones to shoot photography and video is something new, the history behind aerial photography dates back to the mid-late 1800s. In fact, many pictures were taken from the air long before, during and after World War I.

As there are specific laws related to the activity of drone usage, with or without cameras, it is important to know the laws in any area in which one is planning on launching a drone. In most cases, balloon operators and pilots will be well aware of these laws with regard to the area in which one flies. Whereas, individuals launching drones from ground level with the intent on taking pictures from the sky often do not know or understand these laws.

Cameras were later attach to kites after E. D. Archibald discovered the flying objects could take pictures form the sky. After which, a number of post cards were created from the camera attached to the kite. Once the method proved successful, Arthur Batut published a book on the methods used in the process in 1890.

Later, Samuel Franklin Cody developed an advanced war kite in which the British War Office became interested. After which, the first aircraft was equipped with a motion picture camera in 1909. The camera was then placed on an aircraft, at which time the camera filmed video shots over Rome, a film which became silent short film known as Wilbur Wright and seine Flugmaschine.

It was shortly before World War when taking pictures of the ground from air became popular. Before that time, while people had knowledge of the activity, most did not approve. Though, after aerial photography became useful in preventing a number deaths, it appears that the activity found more support from the general public.

While aerial spying is somewhat of a common occurrence by military aircraft and officials, doing so as an individual operator is often frowned upon. As a result, there are now laws related to different types of aircraft which have the ability to attach drones or other cameras in order to spy on buildings, people or other ground material. In most cases, those using these drones are good citizens who do not spy on others without permission. Whereas, most often, those working for the military, news reporters and others working in this area often have permission to do so.

With new laws related to height and locations in which these drones can be used, artists and hobbyists are now more limited. Before sending a drone up into the air with a camera or otherwise, it is important to check all laws and restrictions in the area. For, there are some instances that when flying within a range of a specific airport, building or location, that doing so could be considered a misdemeanor or felony, at least in the United States.