Top 10 Drone Photography Tips
The rise in the popularity of drone photography has been on the increase in recent years. Not only does it provide the opportunity to take incredible photos from unique angles, but drone photography also has the added bonus of being used to improve professional services.
Presently, drone photography is a niche industry that is definitely worth getting into, especially for budding photographers looking to explore new avenues. So what’s the best course of action to being successful in this up and coming sector? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We did some research so that you don’t have to, so here is the low down on the best ways to maximise your drone photography venture.
How can I take Incredible Pictures with my Drone?
#1 Get the Right Drone for the Job
As drones have become more and more popular, the market has been flooded with drones of all sizes, capabilities, and prices. The first step into drone photography is to choose the drone that best suits your requirements. We have recently launched THE Ultimate Drone Photography Package which combines all of the tech, tools and teaching to become an absolute talent at Drone Photography.
The Mavic 2 Pro – which is included in the bundle – has transformed Ariel Drone Photography completely. This iconic foldable, lightweight and affordable quadcopter has redefined what is possible thanks to its powerful 20MP Hasselblad camera. The Mavic Pro has a flight time up to 27 minutes, so you can take all sorts of photos and videos before the drone needs to be recharged. It flies up to 40 mph, so you can get from point A to point B in no time.
#2 Explore Location Options
Before you even step foot outside, you should spend some time scouting locations to fly. Drone photography involves knowing where you can fly in the first place, so it’s important that you spend some time conducting some research.
#3 Flip the Perspective
Drones provide a point of view that no other camera can – from above! Take full advantage and use that aerial view to create marvellous illusions. Thanks to the Mavic 2 Pro, ordinary, everyday items can become striking pieces of art. Use the ambiguous points of view to alter reality.
#4 Capture Unique Patterns
Be creative.
You are no longer plagued by the inability to use the right spot in the right location. Drones are unique in the sense that they can take your photographs literally to the next level. So stop thinking in traditional terms—experiment, be open to the new shooting possibilities drones open up for you. Take out your Mavic Pro, fly, and look for unique locations. You’d be surprised to find the kinds of interesting shapes and patterns that exist out there. The weirder, the better!
#5 Panorama Shots
Never underestimate the Mavic 2 Pro’s panorama feature (learn how to shoot a panorama)! Using a wider landscape, you can give the viewer an entire view of beauty, rather than an incomplete picture. To do this – Fly high, choose your spot, then shoot, rotate, and shoot again! It definitely a skill worth learning.
#6 Re-invent the Selfie
By having the Mavic 2 Pro in your hands you can ditch the selfie stick once and for all. Another plus is that you don’t have to worry about perfecting the backdrop, you look on top of the world wherever you are from an aerial perspective. How can you possibly beat a selfie from the sky? Just smile and wave, the magic of the shot will do the rest.
#7 Shoot Abstract
Let’s face it, unfortunately, we can’t all be Picasso with a paintbrush, but you can create abstract art through drone photography! Utilise the ability of the Mavic Pro and search for irregular shapes or curvy lines. Use your air time wisely and frame you shot in as many ways as you could possibly consider – capture EVERY unique view. There are visual stories everywhere – you just need to find them.
#8 Raw is Key
Almost every single professional photographer will tell you that the best way to shoot is in RAW format. Typically, they’ll always shoot in RAW in order to be able to correct any flaws in exposure or colour with greater precision.
This concept is even more applicable to drones. Since the camera resolution is only 12MP, it would be considered a crime to compress it into the .jpg format and not take advantage of the RAW format. Consider photographing in RAW (the camera’s native format for images as opposed to JPEGs) if you know how to process them in a programme like Lightroom. RAW gives me more latitude than JPEGs for fixing later.
If you are serious about trying drone photography (and I would assume that you are if you’ve made it this far through the article) then forget .jpgs and use RAW.
#9 Check the Weather
UAV Forecast provides drone pilots with the necessary information required to fly their drone safely within given time periods. It shows airports and restricted areas, weather forecasts, estimated GPS satellites available and, something which not many people are aware of, the Kp index. Utilise this programme to ensure you maximise the quality of your photographs and don’t get wet! Keep safe, don’t fly your drone in difficult weather conditions.
#10 Do NOT crash your drone. Do NOT crash your drone. Do NOT crash your drone!
Our final tip comes from our partner – Daniel Hughes, who provided us with the ULTIMATE drone advice. This is truly one to take note of. Stay safe, be cautious and avoid crashing your drone!
The Ultimate Drone Photography Package
Where form equals function, and that doesn’t happen very often. The Ultimate Drone Package is like no other. We have curated this collaboration with our partner Daniel, specially selecting all products included in the pack; from the tech to the training every asset will help you along the way to achieving sensational content with your drone.
If you’re interested in becoming a drone photography professional – check out the course & download our brochure that is jam-packed with all the information you need to become the best in the business.
What’s next?
Keep up to date with all Coptrz updates & features by following us on our social channels. Our Instagram has a wide range of drone photography inspiration, and we’ll be sure to keep on posting the coolest drone shots there are. You can check out our Instagram here.
