A tricky question if one wants it to be by which I mean that it could be seen either way but you are not “flying for hire” so I would say no. No one is paying you to fly. If someone asked you to photograph something and you accepted pay for the flight that would require a certificate.
The images that you acquire from your drone are for your use even if some of the images find their way into your portfolio and thus on sale.
My experience asking the FAA questions (I hold a Commercial Pilot’s license) about drones and their use has not been productive or informative. I would say that as long as you are careful about observing all of the regulations (which are now clearly published and freely available) you are good to go.
You would be creating Art not flying for hire.
I hope that you have a good and productive trip and enjoy your stay here in the US.
Jaharrell provides a good approach to this conundrum, since the guidelines for commercial use can sometimes be in the gray area. Try to use your best judgement and wish you the best of luck.
Thank you so much for your good wishes. I totally agree with you. In our country rules are simillar except you have to pay between 500$ to 800$ for 6 day training to get certificate. Its really much for student who trying to make art projects with drone. Also they will never or rarely use drone in other projects. Finally i considered that its better to get comercial certificate in my country and try to use them in other countries. I just thougt its better to wait one more month for this trip untill i get my certificate. There must be also rules like driving licence. None US(Also for other countries) citiziens should use their drones for one month without getting local licance or something. I am sure US can get more benefit than other countries from this rule. Thank you so much for your best wishes again.