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Capturing MoCo From Above: The Story of Pedro Silva and ‘Drone by Dro’ article by The Moco Show

Pedro Silva’s journey to becoming one of the area’s leading drone services providers, as the founder of ‘Drone by Dro,’ is a story of resilience, creativity, and growth. His work can frequently be seen in collaboration with The MoCoShow, making everyday scenes appear as works of art and transforming familiar Montgomery County landmarks into breathtaking visuals that highlight the community in a new light. From sweeping aerial shots of local neighborhoods to dynamic fly-throughs of businesses and events, Silva has built a reputation for capturing the essence of the region from a perspective few get to see.




Born on June 5, 1996, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC, Silva grew up in Wheaton, where his connection to Montgomery County life took root. He attended Highland Elementary, Chevy Chase Elementary, Newport Mill Middle, and ultimately Albert Einstein High School, graduating in 2014. His upbringing was deeply shaped by the community around him, and his journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities that come with growing up in the county.


After a brief period at Montgomery College, Silva turned his attention to creative pursuits. What began in 2017 as dabbling in podcasting and YouTube content with longtime friend Brooks Warren eventually set him on a path of discovery. Around that same time, Silva purchased his first drone, sparking an unexpected passion. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a serious pursuit, leading him to earn his FAA Part 107 license in 2019. By 2020, he launched Drone by Dro, turning a pandemic-era investment in equipment into a full-fledged business.


Early projects ranged from real estate listings to community events, but Silva’s persistence and willingness to learn propelled him forward. Even setbacks, such as a challenging Nike Running commercial shoot in Baltimore in 2021, became opportunities for growth. Instead of letting the experience discourage him, Silva studied, practiced, and refined his skills, making sure he would be ready the next time a big opportunity arrived. That mindset soon paid off, with contracts from DOXEL AI, Marriott International, and local hospitals like Suburban in Bethesda.


As Drone by Dro grew, so did Silva’s presence in the community. His work with The MoCoShow introduced thousands of local residents to his aerial perspectives, helping turn everyday moments into visually stunning snapshots of life in Montgomery County. Whether documenting a bustling Rockville festival, capturing the vibrancy of Wheaton, or creating polished marketing content for local businesses, Silva’s ability to merge technical skill with artistic vision has made him a trusted partner for both clients and community organizations.

By 2024, Silva reached a milestone year, producing work for the University of Maryland, Under Armour, Carnival Cruise Lines, and transportation agencies across the region, while also expanding into projects in New York, Denver, and beyond. Yet even as his reach grows, Silva remains anchored in Montgomery County. Now back in Wheaton to support his family, he takes pride in contributing to the same community that raised him. Recent contracts with Montgomery County Recreation and the Wheaton Urban District have given him the chance to bring his art home in the most personal way.


For Silva, Drone by Dro is about more than just business. It is a creative expression rooted in the values of persistence, connection, and local pride. His story reflects the ups and downs of pursuing an unconventional path, but also the rewards of staying true to both passion and community. From Wheaton streets to national campaigns, Silva continues to prove that with vision and determination, even the sky is not the limit.

 
 
 
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