An aerial photography apparatus that comprises a remote controlled piloted
aircraft, a platform, a camera, and a remote wireless transmitter for
operating and controlling the apparatus. The remote controlled piloted
aircraft is attached to the top side of the platform. The camera is
attached to the bottom side of the platform using a rigid member having a
rotatable joint. The remote controlled piloted aircraft lifts and moves
the apparatus to a desired location at a specific altitude above a
particular property where the panoramic aerial photograph is to be taken.
Depending upon the wind forces exerted upon the remote controlled piloted
aircraft and the resulting orientation of the aircraft to maintain the
camera at the desired location, the rotatable joint enables the
gravitational weight of the camera to naturally gravitate to a vertical
orientation or position relative to the ground. Alternatively, cushions
in the platform or a suspension system may be used to achieve this
position for the camera. A counterbalance weight is provided on the
camera to counter the weight of the lens for maintaining the camera in a
level balance while rotating through the three hundred and sixty degree
rotation when creating the desired panoramic aerial photograph