The low hum starts as the drone rises above the rooftops of Yankee Trace. The moment is familiar to Ryan Kara; it’s when people start to notice and ask questions about how the drone works and what he’s capturing. Those brief interactions matter to him. They signal interest, engagement, and the beginning of a story taking shape from above.

Ryan is the owner of Kara Aerials, a local aerial photography business built around a simple idea: perspective matters. He has always been interested in photography, but everything changed when he first saw drone aerial images. “What really stood out to me was how a drone could completely change perspective and tell a story you cannot see from the ground,” Ryan describes. That realization stuck with him and transformed photography from something he enjoyed into something he wanted to explore more deeply.

In September of 2024, Ryan decided to take that curiosity public. He started a TikTok account, @inflightwithryan, and began posting content regularly. The platform became both a classroom and a motivator. At the time, he had minimal experience with video. Learning editing, movement, and pacing pushed him outside his comfort zone, but the response surprised him. People watched. They commented. They inquired. 

As interest grew, Ryan took the next step. He studied for and obtained his FAA Part 107 Certificate in October of 2025, allowing him to fly commercially. “The FAA testing process requires a lot of studying and preparation, but it’s very doable with the right resources,” Ryan shares. “It also helps you become a safer and more confident pilot.” Shortly after earning his certification, he worked with the Beavercreek Parks Department to capture aerial photos of Owen’s Place Park. The project reinforced his interest in documenting places that matter locally and working with organizations rooted in the community.

Today, Kara Aerials provides aerial photos and videos for real estate, landscapes, commercial projects, and events. Ryan focuses on clean, professional visuals that highlight scale, layout, and location. Whether he is showcasing a property or documenting a project, his goal remains the same. He wants the footage to feel polished and intentional. “I approach aerial work with the mindset of a storyteller, not just a pilot,” he says. Before each flight, he thinks through angles, lighting, and motion so the final result feels purposeful rather than elevated.

Kara Aerials is, by design, a solo operation. “Being a solo operation allows me to stay hands-on with every project and ensure consistency from planning through delivery,” he comments. It also gives him the flexibility to work closely with clients and tailor each shoot to specific needs. 

Ryan’s path into aerial photography began with curiosity, but his connection to Yankee Trace started with family. He grew up in the Columbus area and later lived in Cleveland. When a job opportunity brought his wife back to the Dayton area, they moved to Kettering. Eventually, they outgrew that home and found the right fit in Yankee Trace. “It’s been a great place for our family,” he states. He and his wife, a professional quilter, are raising two girls. Their household also includes three cats and two dogs, one of which is a golden retriever puppy who adds plenty of energy to daily life.

Ryan’s drone often comes along for family walks or local projects, blending work and everyday life, which shapes how he sees his business. “I’m local, approachable, and always happy to chat, whether about drones, photography, or how the FAA rules work,” he notes.

Looking ahead, Ryan feels energized by possibility. “I’m just getting started, which is what excites me most,” he mentions. He enjoys learning as he goes and sees potential in where aerial photography can lead. Whether Kara Aerials remains a side project or grows into something larger, the journey itself matters. Support from neighbors plays a role in that growth. “Sharing my work with others or following my TikTok account is a huge help,” he comments. “Even liking or sharing a post helps a local business gain visibility.”

If you see Ryan out capturing the world from above, feel free to stop and chat. You can also connect with him through the following methods:

Phone: 614-202-0549

Website: https://karaaerials.com/