Brian wrote:
I think, one would have trouble "selling" this to the FAA. Because
the
result is different when using an aircraft.

Probably not. The FAA has long held that aerial photography (i.e.
snapping photos and selling them) is not a commercial pilot activity.

Keep in mind that the compensation rules are primarily designed to
discourage private pilots from flying passengers for hire.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)