ABOUT
Hi, I’m Craig, your drone pilot!
I have been interested in photography and drones for many years, but it wasn’t until I traveled to Turkey that I decided to purchase a drone. I went to Turkey to visit archeological sites connected to the Bible (ask me about it - it was an amazing trip!). While I was there I had many opportunities to watch and learn from a professional drone pilot. The photos and footage communicated our experience on the trip differently than I could ever imagine. I knew immediately that I needed a drone (if I could convince my wife).
Craig Bertram
highergrounddrone@gmail.com
651-470-3028
As a full time pastor for many years, I know the power of communication that is based on sharing an experience rather than just information. Adding photos or video footage of a business or work place, development, house for sale, park or attraction in your community allows you to share an experience of a site or location in a different way.
I developed Higher Ground Drone Productions because of my passion for sharing experiences. The name communicates two things:
First, who I am as a person who believes in Jesus. I hope and pray my faith, values, morals, and my professional and personal life reflects the “Higher Ground” of Christian Faith. Of course that doesn’t mean that I expect to take footage of just churches or religious archeological sites, but it is who I am, even if it never comes up in conversation!
Secondly, I like the idea of “Higher Ground” meaning the perspective that a drone provides. Even if it is just checking on the roof damage of an apartment building or monitoring the progress of a building site, the perspective allowed by a drone is incredible. Adding the beauty of the horizon, sunlight, the tops of trees, or getting a whole property in a picture allows you to see and experience a location in a new way. Drone footage can also call attention to a highlight of a setting that maybe can’t be noticed from the ground.
In August of 2021 I became a FAA Certified and Licensed Drone Pilot (renewed July 2023). I have insurance as a drone operator. My drones are registered and are compliant with all requirements for the USA. I also am registered and EASA certified to legally fly in the EU. I am working on permits/authorization for Israel and Turkey.
The Western Wall - Temple Mount, Jerusalem
The “Via Tauri” (ancient Roman Road) St. Paul would have walked. Turkey.
I like to think of myself as having a good eye for photography, and being creative, reliable, fast, and efficient.
I stay current with technology and can offer footage and pictures in different formats (edited or raw files, a completed product or individual files). My schedule is very flexible. I have lived in the north-metro of the Twin Cities for many years, where I have raised my family and know my way around. I am happy to travel to different locations, within reason.
My family:
I am married and have four adult children, who live in beautiful locations where I love to fly my drone, therefore I am looking for any excuses to travel to Texas and Colorado. Also, if anyone wants to fund a drone trip to any international biblical sites, I am your guy!
My wife, Margery, and me at the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul
Our family at Lake Superior
Bear Creek in Lakewood, Colorado (near my daughter’s house)