The drone—a sky-high camera—is without a doubt the most bizarre photographic breakthrough in recent memory. Never before has it been so simple to take aerial photographs of some of the world’s most beautiful (and often difficult to access) locations. Drones are as much fun as they are innovative, almost like a remote-controlled toy for the photo-obsessed.
As demand for drones has grown, so has the cost, making it easier than ever to get a camera in the air. But, with so many aspects to consider, whether you’re new to drone photography or have one already, getting started might be difficult.
Take these nine recommendations with you on your road to Drönarfoto, from selecting a setup to post-processing photos:
Select a drone based on your demands and abilities.
A simple Google search for “drone” will astound you with the staggering amount of drones available. But what factors should you take into account while purchasing one for yourself?
The two most prevalent varieties of drones include a built-in or onboard camera and those that allow you to connect your own. Drones with built-in cameras are often more significant, and their cameras may not have a high resolution, which might degrade the quality of your images. Smaller drones that enable you to connect your camera, such as a GoPro, may be easier to control because you already know how to use your camera and need to learn how to fly. Read more about How to Choose Accessories for Travel Vlogging?
One of the most significant factors to consider is your ability to fly a drone. Drones that are stronger, lighter, and less expensive are available for novice drone photographers. They are also less costly than heavier and more complex drones since they have fewer functions. Look for a drone that suits your level of expertise.
You should also be aware of what your drone is capable of. Some drones, for example, can only be flown indoors. Some drones are also outfitted with illumination that may utilize for nighttime shooting. Some people can fly farther than others. Decide what you want to do with your drone, compare the characteristics of the drones you’re considering, and then select the one that best meets your requirements.
YouTube channels such as That Drone Show and Drone Camps RC test, evaluate, and compare various drones and accessories. You should view the videos before purchasing your drone.
Carefully read the instruction handbook
Reading the instruction manual isn’t quite as thrilling as flying your camera over the ocean, but if you want to give yourself the most excellent chance of mastering drone photography, get to work.
Everything you need to know about your new drone is in the instruction handbook. It will answer a slew of questions you may not have even realized you had. You’ll spend less time experimenting with your drone and more time perfecting your pictures if you know what it can and cannot accomplish.
Learn about your drone’s features
Drones have a variety of functions that might help you maximize your flight time. Learning these can help you shoot more effectively with your drone.
While each brand and kind of drone has its own set of characteristics, the following are the most common:
- Feed from a Smartphone
This feature is excellent for novices since it allows you to see what your drone is collecting, enhancing your chances of taking a spectacular photo.
- Intelligent Mode
Bright mode is virtually synonymous with “beginner mode.” This invention was implemented to essentially assist newcomers in getting the most out of their shots.
For example, if you’re untrained and it’s a windy day, you probably won’t be able to fly your gadget without your images seeming like in an earthquake. The intelligent mode will include some stabilizing tools to aid with this.
- Tracking
Drones may also include a “follow-me” feature. Blends futuristic visual recognition with the GPS on your smartphone to assist you in taking the perfect snap.
If you want to be in the photo, just put your phone in your pocket and switch on the “follow-me” option, and the drone will make sure you’re constantly in the frame.
- Geofence
A geofence will limit how far and how high your drone can fly. It essentially imprisons your drone in an unseen prison, and the moment you try to escape, you’ll get into problems.
Drone photographers have mixed feelings about these capabilities; some think they’re beneficial, while others don’t. Discover which features you can utilize to maximize the potential of your drone.
Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local drone rules
For example, in the United States, UAVs weighing between 0.55 and 55 lbs. must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Implies that, similar to writing a vehicle, you must make your aircraft known before taking to the skies. It’s a straightforward procedure: give over a little charge as well as your name, address, and email address.
There are additional rules about where you may fly your drone. For example, you can’t (obviously) fly your drone over another aircraft, so airports are out.
The rules governing registration differ from one nation to the next. While most laws and regulations are clear and straightforward to follow, there are a few exceptions, particularly when it comes to fines. Before you launch your camera, the most significant thing you can do is check the legality of drones (which you can do online).
Create a pre-flight checklist
Knowing what your drone can do and where you can fly it could make you believe it’s time to get it in the air finally, but before you do, create a pre-flight checklist. A pre-flight checklist will not only guarantee that you have everything you need before flying, but it will also protect the safety of everyone around you, including your drone.
Check the following items off your list before flying:
Fly Zone: Where will you be flying? Is it in the public or private domain?
Is the weather favorable for flying? Will you have to employ anti-stabilization due to the wind?
Surroundings: Will there be people around at this hour? Is it safe to fly low or high? Will they mind if a drone hovers over them?
Have you charged all of your batteries? How long can you hold your breath in the air?
What resolution do you require? How bright should you make your camera? What frame rate, shutter speed, and ISO settings are appropriate for the results you desire from your photograph?
Propellers: How do your propellers appear? Are they straight and attractive, or do they need to be replaced?
Are the motor and its mounts still in good condition?
Controls: Is it charged and ready to go if you’re flying with a smartphone or tablet? Have you switched off any other apps? Is the battery fully charged? Is there a battery in the remote control if you’re using it? Is it responding to your drone?
Become acquainted with drone photography techniques.
It’s pointless to drive to a beautiful place and get your camera in the sky to get a strangely-framed, indistinct shot. Panning over gorgeous surroundings is an art that can only learn through practice and patience.
Here are a few pointers to remember:
Remember the “rules: ”
When flying, it’s easy to lose sight of the foundations of photography, yet they all apply to the world of drones. If you’re unfamiliar with basic principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and the golden ratio, go back to the basics and study up.
