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Date: 11/20/2019
CHESTER – A Westfield Technical Academy Aviation Maintenance sophomore has started his own business, and has set his goals high.
Samuel Mazzaferro, 16, of Chester, has launched West Branch Aerial Photography, which offers professional drone aerial photography and videography.
“I always liked remote control planes, since I was eight,” Mazzafaerro said, explaining that he started taking aerial photos by putting a GoPro on his remote control planes. He said he has always preferred to spend his time doing anything outdoors, including riding four-wheelers and all-terrain vehicles.
When drones came along, he bought a cheap one to learn, and started capturing photographs of the hilltowns, soon becoming obsessed with the fundamentals that make up a great photograph, including light, shadows, composition and emotion.
He now has his FAA Part 107 license, and is professionally taking photos and video of houses, businesses, and properties with a DJI Mavic Air, while staying up-to-date with the latest and finest DJI equipment. His clients have included Gateway Hilltowns economic development, U.S. Historic Route 20, Dog Pals Sports Park in Huntington, and area realtors.
Mazzaferro’s flying aspirations are not limited to drones. Besides learning the mechanics of airplanes at school, he is taking flying lessons at Northampton Airport on Piper Warriors.
“I really love flying. I want to be a pilot,” Mazzaferro said, but his goals are even more specific. He is interested in learning to fly flow, or seaplanes, and opening an air taxi and tour business once he gets his license. He has already been speaking to an organization in Maine that gives out scholarships to pilots. His father, Tony Mazzaferro is currently training to be a registered Maine guide for hunting and fishing, and Sam is hoping to fly his father’s clients into remote areas one day.
For now, he has compiled some of his most beautiful photographs of Russell, Blandford, Chester and Huntington into a calendar, which he is selling for $20, shipping included, on his website at wbaerialphotography.com. Calendars must be ordered by Thanksgiving.
Prints of his photos may also be ordered online, and appointments booked for aerial photographs and videos. Samuel Mazzaferro may also be reached by cell or text at 667-7816, or by email at westbranchap@gmail.com.