From what I am seeing, operating UAS as a business takes business sensibilities.
Cost: capex and opex
Capex: Drone, insurance, batteries, spare parts, containers, cameras, software
Opex: Electricity, website hosting, vehicle operation cost, staff
Amortization: 2 years
Working days: 200
Flying days: 100
So, as a business, you have 200 working days a year. Realistically, only 100 flying days.
In two years, hardware needs to be cycled out. You have to recover the cost of all the CAPEX investments over 200 flights, and in a unique way.
Pseudocode
n=0
x=200
y=0
if y > n, if y < (x+1),(total $ of CAPEX)/2, else exit
This means that you assume 50% of the actual remaining cost of the flying hardware for every flight, for 200 flights. This model forces recognition of the hardware cost early, and if you run like a business, you can recognize a profit later.
OPEX is linear, recognized as actual cost for a time frame.
So, a $4,000 investment would have a $2,000 CAPEX cost for the first flight, along with OPEX costs. However, a few months into it, CAPEX costs are nominal.
This reinforces the only viable business model. Since costs have to be amortized over a short window of time, sales should include the same window.
Commercial operators cannot afford to sell 12 pictures for $250. Once you factor out costs, that flight could cost thousands before factoring in OPEX costs. So, sell builders on a program over time. Sell realtor on a service, with flight coupons, that is priced based on 200 flights.
Understanding this, any operator, even a realtor or builder, needs to do the same calculation. If you can discuss this, you can show a client how it is less expensive and a better choice to engage a professional rather than take on a large new liability.
In the end, price CAPEX + OPEX over 200 flights, times 1.40 (margin), and that gives you a number that is competitive. It is a business. This model works for trucking, airline operations and any business that has to amortize precious depreciating hardware but the fee per service is low.