Elite Aerial Images is collaboration between two of Erie's talented photographers, Paul Gibbens and Doug Duer.

Duer attended the University of Dayton to become an electronics engineer then flew as a business pilot for several years accumulating 2,800 hours of flight time. “Of course it then follows that one of the things you do while flying is to take pictures of all the beautiful things you see. So photography became my second love,” says Duer.

Ultimately, all of these elements came together to produce a radio controlled Hex Kopter that makes an ideal aerial photographic platform for taking photographs, utilizing Duer's experience as a pilot to get the machine where it needs to be to get the shot. With this unique aircraft, they are able to get photographs that are difficult to get with any other type of flying device.

Duer says, “I simply used my love of flying, my knowledge of computers, my love of photography and electronic gadgets to build a unique, highly evolved, aerial platform that just takes great pictures.” Paul Gibbens adds, “I've been in television and video services for over 28 years. With this new technology, I've rediscovered my love for photography. Just look at our gallery, and you'll see why.”.

Now Elite Aerial opens a new department to their growing venture. “Many people like our photography and are buying it for their homes and offices. That means they will want to present it in a nice frame,” says Gibbens. They also offer high quality framing at reasonable prices. “So now we can round out our unique photographic approach with photographs and frames we hope people will love to own,” says Duer.