As creators, we live for perspective — and few companies have given us more of it than DJI. From small-town storytellers to major production teams, DJI has become the heartbeat of modern creative work. In this letter, I want to thank DJI for their courage, acknowledge the challenges they face, and remind them that the American creative community — myself included — stands firmly behind them.
Dear DJI,
From one American creator to a company that changed how we see the world — thank you.
When I lift a drone into the air, I’m not just taking a picture. I’m connecting people to places, telling stories from above, and capturing the kind of magic that once required helicopters and Hollywood budgets. That’s what you gave us: flight, perspective, and freedom.
You’ve given us wings
In America, DJI isn’t a brand — it’s a verb. “Grab the DJI.” “Send up the drone.” It’s muscle memory for creators, farmers, firefighters, and business owners alike. Your drones have captured the heartbreak of hurricanes and the beauty of first dances.
You hold over 85 % of the U.S. consumer drone market , fueling everything from wedding coverage and social media content to search-and-rescue missions and agriculture. Around the world, you’ve inspired an entire generation of creators.
Without DJI, there’s a silence in the sky.
A small town with big feelings
I live and work in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — a midwestern city that’s creative at its core. We may be small compared to Los Angeles or New York, but our passion for storytelling is just as big. Out here, we rely on tools like yours to make small-town stories look world-class.
When I’m shooting for local businesses, families, or couples on their wedding day, DJI gear helps me bridge that gap between a local story and a cinematic experience. I know I’m not alone — across the U.S., there are thousands of creators like me who depend on your tools to make art, build careers, and bring pride to our communities.
So when we see headlines about DJI being pushed out, it feels personal. Because you’re not just a brand we use — you’re part of how we create.
The fight you’re in
Now, as your team returns to court to appeal the ruling labeling you a “Chinese Military Company,” I want to say something simple: we see you, and we stand with you.
You’ve repeatedly shown that you’re not a government-controlled defense company — you’re a global creative-tech brand. You’ve refused to weaponize your tools. You’ve supported transparency, opened up your code to auditors, and stayed focused on creativity, not conflict.
And yet, you’re being pulled into a political battle that has nothing to do with art, innovation, or truth.
We are the real American creators
We are not lobbyists. We are not executives.
We are creators — the ones shooting at sunrise, editing past midnight, and dreaming of new ways to see our world.
We are the American storytellers who love DJI.
We don’t see an enemy; we see an ally.
We don’t see politics; we see possibility.
Your drones have documented America’s heart — from Midwest farmland to New York skylines, from concerts to construction, from parades to protests. You’ve made it possible for us to tell stories from 400 feet above, safely and beautifully.
That’s not politics. That’s storytelling. That’s America.
Please, don’t give up on us
We know this is a hard moment — the court cases, the restrictions, the scrutiny. But please, don’t turn away from the United States or from the creators who depend on you.
Your technology doesn’t divide people. It connects them.
Your cameras don’t spy. They see.
Your drones don’t threaten. They inspire.
Keep building. Keep fighting for your integrity. Keep reminding the world that creativity can transcend borders — and that art, when powered by innovation, is worth defending.
Because we’re here — loyal, grateful, and ready for whatever you launch next.
With respect, support, and gratitude,
Michael Woolheater Photo + Video + Digital Marketing Proud DJI User, Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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