I’m an Emmy-winning aerial cinematographer with a background in television, film, and drone operations. Over the years I’ve operated everything from FPV drones and DJI systems to heavy-lift and custom-built aircraft in fast-paced professional environments where safety, communication, and reliability are essential. Along with flying drones, I’ve spent my career creating visual content that tells a story. Whether it’s documenting a construction project from start to finish, capturing progress updates, or creating short-form content for social media, I enjoy finding ways to showcase the work being done in a clear and engaging way. I own and regularly operate a variety of drone platforms, including the DJI Mavic series, which are ideal for job-site documentation, inspections, and day-to-day content creation. I’m comfortable working independently, coordinating with crews in the field, and adapting to changing conditions while consistently delivering high-quality photo and video content. Above all, I take pride in being dependable, easy to work with, and producing content that helps companies highlight their projects, their people, and the quality of their work

GABRIEL DE LA PARRA

I’m an Emmy-winning aerial cinematographer with a background in television, film, and drone operations. Over the years I’ve operated everything from FPV drones and DJI systems to heavy-lift and custom-built aircraft in fast-paced professional environments where safety, communication, and reliability are essential. Along with flying drones, I’ve spent my career creating visual content that tells a story. Whether it’s documenting a construction project from start to finish, capturing progress updates, or creating short-form content for social media, I enjoy finding ways to showcase the work being done in a clear and engaging way. I own and regularly operate a variety of drone platforms, including the DJI Mavic series, which are ideal for job-site documentation, inspections, and day-to-day content creation. I’m comfortable working independently, coordinating with crews in the field, and adapting to changing conditions while consistently delivering high-quality photo and video content. Above all, I take pride in being dependable, easy to work with, and producing content that helps companies highlight their projects, their people, and the quality of their work

Available to hire

I’m an Emmy-winning aerial cinematographer with a background in television, film, and drone operations. Over the years I’ve operated everything from FPV drones and DJI systems to heavy-lift and custom-built aircraft in fast-paced professional environments where safety, communication, and reliability are essential.

Along with flying drones, I’ve spent my career creating visual content that tells a story. Whether it’s documenting a construction project from start to finish, capturing progress updates, or creating short-form content for social media, I enjoy finding ways to showcase the work being done in a clear and engaging way.

I own and regularly operate a variety of drone platforms, including the DJI Mavic series, which are ideal for job-site documentation, inspections, and day-to-day content creation. I’m comfortable working independently, coordinating with crews in the field, and adapting to changing conditions while consistently delivering high-quality photo and video content.

Above all, I take pride in being dependable, easy to work with, and producing content that helps companies highlight their projects, their people, and the quality of their work

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder / Chief Pilot / Cinematographer at DLP Aerials
January 1, 2009 - Present
Operated drones professionally for over a decade in residential, urban, and controlled environments. Captured aerial imagery and video for commercial clients while maintaining safe and compliant flight operations. Worked closely with clients, crews, and local agencies to coordinate flights and complete projects efficiently. Performed routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment management across multiple drone platforms. Built a reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and calm under pressure in fast-moving environments.
UAS Test Pilot / Freelance Consultant
January 1, 2018 - Present
Operated safely around homes, structures, and active job sites while following FAA guidelines. Used mobile applications and digital workflows to organize and deliver project information. Maintained and transported drone systems, batteries, and support equipment for reliable field operations.
Cleared UAS Vendor Support at Anduril Industries
January 1, 2024 - Present
Supported Anduril marketing and operational programs involving platforms including Bolt, Ghost, Pulsar, and Fury. Operated in professional defense-industry environments while maintaining an active Air Force security clearance. Coordinated with internal teams to support mission execution and program objectives.
Contract UAS Test Pilot at Aerofex Corporation
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2021
Conducted operational testing of gasoline-powered aircraft platforms designed for agricultural applications. Evaluated aircraft behavior, system reliability, and operational performance under varying field conditions.
Camera Operator at IATSE Local 600
January 1, 2014 - Present
Worked as a union camera operator supporting large-scale television and film productions. Operated in fast-paced collaborative environments requiring high levels of communication, coordination, and professionalism.

Education

Part 61 Private Pilot at Pacific Air Flight School
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Part 107 Remote Pilot at Pacific Air Flight School
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Chapman University — Percussion Performance Program at Chapman University
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Long Beach City College — Recording Engineering & Jazz Studies at Long Beach City College
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Lakewood High School — ATM Computer Science Program at Lakewood High School
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Part 61 Private Pilot & Part 107 Remote Pilot at Pacific Air Flight School
January 1, 2015 - June 16, 2026
Percussion Performance Program at Chapman University
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Recording Engineering & Jazz Studies at Long Beach City College
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
ATM Computer Science Program at Lakewood High School
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Part 61 Private Pilot & Part 107 Remote Pilot at Pacific Air Flight School
January 1, 2015 - June 16, 2026
Percussion Performance Program at Chapman University
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Recording Engineering & Jazz Studies at Long Beach City College
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
ATM Computer Science Program at Lakewood High School
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026

Qualifications

Active Air Force Security Clearance
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
AMA Member
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 61 Private Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Active Air Force Security Clearance
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 61 Private Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Active Air Force Security Clearance
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
AMA Member Education
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Pacific Air Flight School — Part 61 Private Pilot & Part 107 Remote Pilot
January 1, 2015 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 61 Private Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
Active Air Force Security Clearance
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026
AMA Member
January 11, 2030 - June 16, 2026

Industry Experience

Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Transportation & Logistics, Other