Drone Photography Guide: 7 Drone Photography Tips

Drone photography is a form of aerial photography that relies on remote-controlled drones to capture images. Drone shots allow photographers to find otherwise unattainable angles or positioning in the sky to shoot their photos from a bird’s eye view. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require all commercial drone users to obtain a certification to operate their drones in public. Drone hobbyists may not need certification to operate a drone, depending on how they are using it, how much the device weighs, and a few other conditions set forth by the FAA.

There are some benefits to using a drone for photography, such as:

• New views: With a drone, you can take pictures from angles or heights previously unreachable, allowing for new perspectives and more creativity. You can take your landscape photography to the next level, finding patterns, shapes, and symmetry you were unable to see from ground level.
• Low interference: A drone can quietly enter areas with wildlife, allowing you to snap photos without disturbing the native species. Drone photography is a friendlier alternative to nature photography that allows you to take multiple photos of animals or insects in their habitat without interference.
• Multiple uses: You can use drone photography to capture aerial images for your portfolio or commercial purposes like showing property for a real estate project or the aerial view of a home for sale.

Drones may be able to take new and innovative aerial photos, but there are a few challenges to drone photography, such as:

• Flying: Flying the drone is probably the most challenging part of drone photography. If you already know how to take pictures, your biggest hurdle will be learning how to keep the drone steady, avoid power lines, or move it in precise directions to get a perfect position.
• Weather: Weather can play a big part in how your photos turn out. Cloudy skies or strong winds can inhibit high aerial shots, leaving the photographer with less control over their pictures than if they used a handheld camera.
• Quality: The image quality from a drone’s camera may not be as high as a DSLR camera, which means it’s slightly more challenging to capture the perfect shot.

The equipment you need for drone photography depends on the specs of your drone:

• Remote control and memory card: The equipment you need for drone photography depends on your drone’s specs. For drones with built-in cameras, the only equipment you’ll need is the remote control accessory that comes with it and a memory card to store photos.
• Additional camera: Drones that don’t have built-in cameras often provide the capability to attach a camera. For these drone types, you’ll need a small, high-quality camera that is light enough to attach securely to the drone with a gimbal, which is a pivotal support that provides image stabilization for your device.

Whether it’s your first time taking drone shots or you’re looking for ways to improve, check out the following tips to make the most out of your drone photography experience:

1. 1. Know how to operate your drone. Understanding how your drone works is an integral part of this photography genre because it allows you to focus on capturing the shots rather than flying the device. As the drone pilot and photographer, you will be pulling double-duty, so preparation is key. You’ll need to get comfortable with your drone’s controls, speeds, and flight modes and know how to take off and land smoothly.
2. 2. Know your camera settings. Properly configuring your settings will help you capture the best drone photos. You should know how to adjust for low-light with ISO or change your shutter speeds to capture moving subjects. While auto mode can be easier, becoming adept in manual mode allows you to finetune your settings and capture crisp detail from high in the sky.
3. 3. Check the forecast. Before you head out for a drone shoot, look at the weather forecast to determine if the area you’re shooting is in the path of inclement weather. Additionally, you should also check apps and websites geared toward drone pilots that break down local wind speeds, solar activity, and cloud cover on an hourly and daily basis.
4. 4. Bring extra batteries. Most drones have short flight times. The more affordable drones can only fly for about 10 to 20 minutes, leaving you little time to explore and shoot interesting images. Bring extra batteries on your shoot to give you ample time to find the right shot without worrying about battery life.
5. 5. Shoot the right time of day. The sun’s location in the sky will affect the light in all of your images. If you’re planning on shooting for a few hours, note the outdoor lighting and how it will change throughout your shoot day. Learn more about outdoor photography in our complete beginner’s guide.
6. 6. Take advantage of your new angle. Drone photographers should use their new positioning and dynamic range to their advantage. Capturing the same shots with a drone as you would on the ground won’t produce exciting or interesting images. Step out of your comfort zone to capture distinct new angles and images from a bird’s eye view.
7. 7. Follow the rule of thirds. While you should be exploring the possibilities with your drone photography, adapt and follow the rule of thirds to compose your aerial shots. Create a balance and harmony in your bird’s eye view by properly framing your focal point and the surrounding scenery. Sometimes you can use artful cropping in post-production to frame an image, but it’s always best to capture the photo possible without relying on image manipulation in post-processing.
   

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