“In Vermont, beauty can be found in almost every direction. You only need to open your eyes. If you’re not seeing it, turn your head. But, from the sky, it’s even more apparent and beautiful. You have a bird-eye view with a drone; flying one in Vermont is like nothing else. It’s breathtaking and unequaled.” – Steve Mermelstein

Steve Mermelstein
Vermont Drone’s founder and Director of Photography is Steve Mermelstein. He’s an award-winning commercial, event, and aerial photographer based in Williston, Vermont. Additionally, he’s an photography workshop instructor.
Diverse Knowledge and Skills.
Steve worked as a stringer and photojournalist for several newspapers in South Florida while attending college. After his studies, he ‘refocused’ on his love of photography and cinematography.
Recognized Experience.
You might have seen some of Steve’s photography/cinematography used by small businesses, large corporations, and nonprofits. From commercials, news programs, newspapers, magazines, billboards, TV shows, and movies to even Samsung TV boxes and TV demo reels in box stores, Steve’s photography has also been published in books, brochures, advertisements, corporate reports, and on many websites.- Samsung USA named Steve one of the Top 50 US Photographers in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
- Steve was contracted as a Samsung Imagelogger, a sponsored staff photographer and brand ambassador.
- Steve’s company, Vermont Photo Tours, was named one of the “14 Can’t-Miss Places to Visit in Vermont” by NECN.
An Innovator and Trailblazer.
As a pioneer in unmanned aerial systems, aerial photography, and live streaming tech and production, he has worked for or consulted for Samsung, GoPro, Sony, DJI, Facebook, Google, YouTube, Ustream, various movie/TV studios, TV networks, music labels, and others.As soon as technology allowed, Steve started experimenting with cameras mounted on radio-controlled helicopters and quadcopters to further explore his love for photography. Steve has been a responsible model aircraft pilot since 1989 and continues his perfect safety record. He sees drones quickly becoming an indispensable photography tool that is as ubiquitous as tripods and monopods.
So Steve can concentrate on “making/getting the shot,” Steve prefers to utilize dual-operator drones. These drones have a dedicated controller for the pilot flying the drone and a separate screen/controller just for his professional camera, allowing him to focus solely on his photography and cinematography. He even custom-built these drones long before it became a standard feature on modern professional and enterprise drones and a common practice in the industry.
Steve has been recognized for his expertise in small Unmanned Aerial Systems, aerial photography, cinematography drones, search and rescue, and innovative unmanned projects. He has received grants and distinguished industry awards. The media and press regularly rely on him for his insight and expertise on drones and unmanned aircraft.

Steve Mermelstein teaches Mister Chris how to fly a drone on PBS children’s show, Mister Chris and Friends


