Behind the Lens
Atticus Fair on storytelling, technology, and building a business
Based in Westmont, Atticus Fair is the founder of two emerging companies—SkyPath Productions and SkyPath Aerial Data—focused on video production and aerial data services.
Over the past four years, Fair has also contributed video work to Hinsdale Magazine Group, supporting its digital storytelling efforts across several western suburbs. His role has centered on documenting community stories through video, an extension of the skills he has continued to develop through his own businesses.
Now eighteen, Fair launched SkyPath Productions four years ago and has grown the company alongside his academic and professional pursuits. His work emphasizes careful planning, professional production, and thoughtful editing, with projects ranging from business profiles and interviews to commercial content.
In addition to filming, Fair oversees post-production elements including voiceovers, sound design, and music, shaping each project from concept through completion. These components have become a defining part of his approach to visual storytelling.
More recently, Fair expanded into drone mapping and aerial data collection through SkyPath Aerial Data. Using drones equipped with LiDAR technology, he provides services for construction and real estate projects, including site mapping, stockpile measurement, and the creation of 2D and 3D orthomosaics used by architects and engineers.
Fair discussed how his early interest in technology and aviation evolved into a growing focus on filmmaking and aerial data.
Hinsdale Magazine: When and how did you realize you had a flair for video production?
Atticus Fair: I realized I had a flair for video production when I got my first real drone. I’ve always been drawn to anything remote-controlled—drones, planes, boats, and vehicles. When I was younger, my uncle had a lake house in Wisconsin, and one of his neighbors owned a DJI Phantom 4 Pro. At the time, I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Eventually, my parents bought me a DJI Mavic for my birthday, which is what really got me into flying drones professionally. Not long after that, I did some free roofing photos for a friend’s husband, and when those photos reached their web developer, he reached out to see if we could work together.
HM: What was your first production job?
Fair: One of my first production jobs was filming a wedding for someone at our church. It was a great learning experience and gave me real-world confidence working with clients and live events.
HM: What influence did your parents have on your journey?
Filming content for a local company in downtown Chicago.
Fair: My parents and uncle have always been incredibly supportive. They’ve helped me in every way they could—whether that was encouragement, feedback, or even lending me money when I needed it. Having that support gave me the confidence to really pursue this seriously.
HM: What are your greatest strengths?
Fair: My biggest strengths are my motivation and drive. I’m always looking for ways to improve, and I never settle for something being “good enough.” I push myself to get better with every project.
HM: What are you most passionate about?
Fair: I’m passionate about woodworking, remote-control planes and boats, playing the saxophone, and of course, film.
HM: When do you feel most alive?
Fair: I feel most alive when I’m working on one of my projects—whether it’s an engineering-focused build or a film project. Creating and problem-solving is where I’m at my best.
HM: What are your core values?
Fair: I believe in treating others the way I want to be treated. Respecting people’s time, effort, and work is extremely important to me.
HM: What are you most proud of so far?
Fair: I’m most proud of having the opportunity to work with large companies and well-known names like Harley-Davidson, David Kaplan, Jim Peterik, Illinois Limousine, and Northern Lights Drone Shows.
HM: What concerns you most as you move forward in your business?
Fair: One concern is the rapid growth of AI and how it may impact creative work in the future. Another is choosing the wrong path and realizing too late that I need to turn around and start over. I’m focused on staying adaptable while making smart, long-term decisions.
HM: What are you most curious about?
Fair: I’m most curious about how things work—whether that’s figuring out how a specific film shot was created or understanding the inner workings of motors, engines, planes, technology, and drones.
HM: Who inspires you and why?
Fair: I’m inspired by people whose work I truly admire—creatives and builders who consistently push boundaries and raise the standard of what’s possible.
HM: What does your life look like in ten years if money were no object?
Fair: I’d be shooting high-budget commercials, with a major focus on drones for both filmmaking and mapping, and eventually working on movies as well.
The Graue Mill photographed by Atticus Fair.
