FIELD LESSON
Briefing
Contracts reduce friction
A contract should answer the obvious questions before conflict: what is being delivered, when, for how much, who provides access, who owns/uses media, what happens if weather stops the job, and what safety authority the pilot has.
Client obligations
The client may need to provide site access, permission, contacts, induction, hazard information, nearby property constraints, and payment timing. Put it in writing.
Keep it practical
Small jobs may use short-form terms; enterprise jobs may need formal agreements. Either way, do not rely only on DMs for paid work.