Pilot Spotlight: Interview with WWD Ambassador Fallon Chan
Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen?
I first started photography using a DSLR back in 2008 and from there I have always wanted to find new points of view to capture. When researching aerial photography several years ago, I came upon the usage of drones. However, they were a little out of my price range as I was just a hobbyist. Since then, I have always been interested in drones but only bought my first one in 2017. After buying one, my photography has reached new heights (excuse the pun) and I also started to dabble in videography.
Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position.
I currently do not work in the drone industry and hope to one day!
What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it?
I currently own the original DJI Mavic Pro and I love how portable it is! The low light capabilities might not be as strong as the DJI Phantom, however I love the quality I get from the camera for both photo and video.
Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community?
There will be people who will doubt your ability to fly and to create. Ignore those and surround yourself with positive people who want to see you grow. Those in the Women Who Drone community lift each other up and will help you with any questions you have. If they don't know it, they will find someone to help you!
Whether it's from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far.
I love the sunsets in New York City and whenever I am able to fly during that time, it is amazing. To see the sun set between the buildings and the sky light up with different colors, is something that I will never be bored of.
What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved?
Drones are for EVERYONE to enjoy!! If you are into photography or videography, a drone is one of those things you should add to your list of tools to be able to get different vantage points.
What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry?
Women are thoughtful and supportive, which is what this industry sometimes needs. I am excited for more women to join us so that we can grow our community, which would create more opportunities for everyone!
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you?
It's not my aerial work, but I have photos that are in the permanent collection for the New York Historical Society!
Fallon is a Part 107 pilot who currently lives in New York. She loves to fly her drone for both photography as well as videography. Currently, her passion is with cinematic drone videos and wishes one day her work can be shown on the big screen. If you would like to get in touch with Fallon, you are able to contact her via email (fallon.chan@gmail.com), or private message to her Instagram account @chandemic.
