AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 101

How to shoot exciting images with your drone

- 

Camera drones are available from many sources and the quality of their control systems and their onboard digital optics are at an all-time high. Often you can purchase a brand name camera drone for about the same price you would have paid several years ago for a digital sport camera. This combination of high quality and consumer-friendly pricing has driven a mini-revolution in the production of aerial photography and videography. So with simplified camera setup and drones getting easier to fly, what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at what’s involved in getting the best results from your airborne digital camera platform.

FLYING MODES

Any flying mode will work well when shooting still images from the air. Photographs can be taken just as easily while the drone is moving as they can while it’s hovering. If your drone is so equipped, it is a good idea to fly it in GPS assist mode. This mode allows the drone to remain stable in three-dimensional space without drifting or moving around. This makes it much easier to plan your shots because you can just position the drone where you want it and take the photos.

FLYING TECHNIQUES

When taking photographs with a drone, fly your drone to your designated location and then let it hover there to take the shot. To improve your image quality, always be aware of your position relative to your subject and the position of the sun. Another way to improve the chances of capturing good images is to think ahead and shoot while on the fly. Start at the initial hover position and then slowly move toward your subject. Continue to take photos every few seconds and the different flight positions will produce slightly different camera points of view. Also, consider taking photos from differing altitudes. Usually the higher your drone is, the more impressive the images will be.