To our esteemed clients, partners, and the wider community,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the formal closure of Cascade Aerial Photography.

Our journey began with a shared passion for capturing the world from a unique perspective and providing unparalleled aerial photography services. However, as with many ventures, we faced our fair share of challenges. In 2019, my co-founder and dear friend, a driving force behind our vision, fell ill, prompting them to step away from our shared venture. Their absence was deeply felt, but with determination and hope, I endeavored to keep our vision alive and continued to serve our clients with the same dedication and professionalism, honoring our commitments and the trust you all placed in us.

Then, the world was hit by the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. The world changed, and so did the dynamics of our industry. Like many businesses, we felt the impact keenly, but our commitment to our clients remained unwavering. While we continued to fulfill our existing contracts, the slowdown was palpable. We made the conscious decision to halt the onboarding of new clients, focusing on delivering the quality and commitment we were known for to our existing ones.

In the spirit of resilience and adaptation, I explored avenues to rebuild and re-brand Cascade Aerial Photography, even considering bringing on additional personnel. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, these plans did not materialize.

The landscape of the aerial photography industry has transformed dramatically over the years. The increasing sophistication of consumer drones has blurred the lines between hobbyists and professionals, making it harder for dedicated businesses to differentiate themselves. With the growing accessibility of advanced aerial platforms, the need for seasoned experts like us has become less apparent, and consequently, less sought after in all but the highest end markets.

Furthermore, the ever-changing legal landscape surrounding drone operations has presented its own set of challenges. As a fully licensed and insured entity, we have always been committed to adhering to all regulations. However, these growing restrictions have limited our operational scope, and hampered our ability to take on projects that we once would have embraced with open arms. It's disheartening to note that while many of these restrictions applied to commercial ventures like ours, hobbyists often faced fewer constraints, further tilting the balance away from professional providers, and inadvertently driving potential clients towards DIY solutions.

All these factors, combined with personal and professional considerations, led me to transition to a new career path, focusing on my education and my passion for IT infrastructure, programming, and cyber security.

As we close this chapter, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. We have had the privilege of working with incredible individuals and organizations over the years, spanning from real estate professionals to first responders, and those in the aerospace sector – your trust, collaboration, and support have been the cornerstone of our success. Working with you all has been the highlight of this voyage, and the memories we've created together will forever remain etched in our hearts.

For any inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. While this chapter of Cascade Aerial Photography concludes, we carry forward the memories, invaluable experiences, and relationships we've built. Whether our paths cross again under this banner or another, the legacy of our work and the bonds we've formed will always endure.

Thank you for being a part of our story.

Warm regards,

Dalen Catt
Co-Founder, Cascade Aerial Photography