Primary Drone Photography Tips and Tricks| 18 Tips for Capturing The Sky

Ever wondered how those breathtaking aerial shots and cinematic views became so accessible? It’s all thanks to drones! Now! You capture stunning landscapes and dynamic scenes without needing a helicopter or expensive equipment. 

More so, you can do this with the right knowledge of drones. To transform ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art, you should know the drone photography tips and tricks. 

Welcome to the world of drone photos! It’s like a big adventure in the sky where you can be super creative. Drones, those flying machines without a pilot, have changed how we take pictures and videos.

So, you don’t need fancy and expensive stuff like helicopters anymore. With just $200, you can fly high and take cool pictures.

Moreover, this guide is here for you, whether you’re just curious or dreaming of being a pro. We’ll share lots of easy tips for taking great pictures and videos with your drone. 

It’s like finding a treasure chest of secrets to make you a perfect drone photographer. Get ready for a fun ride! Buckle up (or propellers), and let’s start this exciting journey to be a pro at drone photography. 

Ready to take off?

Drone Photography Tips and Tricks| Top 18 Tips for Better Aerial Shots

Here are some basic drone photography tips and tricks that every person who wants to fly a drone needs to know. So, let’s get started!

Select A Drone That Suits Your Needs And Skill Level

Alright, first I’ll talk about how to choose a drone for you. If you’re new to all this drone stuff, no worries – we’ve got your back. Starting with the basics, there are a bunch of cool drones out there, but for beginners, DJI is where it’s at.

Now, there are three DJI models you might want to check out: the Mavic Mini, the Mavic Air 2, and the Mavic Pro 2. These are like the stars of the beginner drone world. The Mavic Mini is super light and affordable, perfect for newbies. You don’t even need to register it with the FAA or the Civil Aviation Authority if you’re in the U.S. or the U.K.

But, if you’re on a budget, there’s the first version of the Mavic Mini. Still awesome, but without the fancy 4K video. You should also know the best drone under $100 with longest flight time that is good for beginners.

Further, if you’re feeling a bit more serious, there’s the Mavic Air 2. It’s like the popular kid in school, loved by beginners and hobbyists alike. Easy controls, loads of smart features, and it can shoot 4K video. Pretty cool, right?

Remember, if you’re all about the photos, that 20-megapixel camera is your go-to for high-quality shots with all the details. And hey, there are FPV drones too, but those are like the tricky daredevils of the drone world—not for everyone.

So, whether you’re just starting or aiming to be a drone pro, DJI has got you covered with a range of options. Ready to pick your flying buddy?

Stay Legal: Understand Drone Regulations| Aerial Drone Photography Tips

When it comes to flying drones, the laws can be different depending on where you are. Some places even say a big ‘no’ to drones. 

So, before you get a drone, it’s crucial to know the rules about flying it the right way.

There are lots of laws about stuff like where your drone can go, around homes and airports. They also say how high your drone can go and if it’s okay to fly over people. 

It might sound a bit boring, but it’s super important to understand all these rules before you start flying your drone. 

Get Certified For Drone Flying_Drone Photography Tips and Tricks

A drone pilot’s license might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Think of it as learning skills you’ll need, and it’s not that hard. Certifications give you the lowdown on drone rules in your area. 

In the U.S., for more than fun flying, you’ll need a Part 107 certificate. Every country has its own drone rules, so do some research. 

Also, consider extra online courses to boost your skills. Just remember, drone rules change, so staying qualified keeps you up-to-date with the latest.

Master The Skills Of A Proficient Drone Pilot

Hi, future drone pilot! Ready to take flight and capture some awesome shots? Becoming a good drone pilot is the secret sauce to snapping those stunning aerial views. 

It’s not just about buying a fancy drone and clicking buttons – there’s more to it.

See, the best drone photographers aren’t lucky with cool gadgets; they’re also top-notch pilots. Before you worry about getting the perfect shot, you’ve got to master the skies first. 

Think of it like this: before you become a wizard at capturing breathtaking footage, you’ve got to be a pro at flying your drone.

To do this you should learn to control your drone, especially dodging obstacles, which is key to smooth video footage. But it’s not just about the tech stuff. 

To get those jaw-dropping perspectives, you need to think like a photographer in the sky. Landscapes, for instance, look different from up there.

Remember, it’s a journey. Each drone has its quirks, but the basics of photography still apply – exposure, composition, color, balance, and all that jazz. So, buckle up, and let’s start your adventure to becoming a top-notch drone pilot.

Understand The Ins And Outs Of Your Drone| Drone Tips and Tricks

Do you know your drone? Because it’s not just about flying it around. Knowing your drone means understanding all the cool stuff it can do.

For example, some drones, like those from DJI, have this awesome mode called ‘ActiveTrack.’ It’s like having a flying buddy that follows you around. 

You can create epic shots without doing much. The drone uses its fancy sensors to fly safely and keep the camera focused on you, even if you’re on the move.

Also, your drone has a camera, right? Know its limits. It’s not like those fancy cameras you see in movies. It might struggle in low light or not capture as much detail. 

But don’t worry, you can still make it work. Play around with settings like HDR mode for better photos or shoot in RAW for more editing options.

Understanding your drone’s camera helps you get the best out of it. So, when you’re out there capturing landscapes or anything else, you’ll be a pro at creating awesome photos. Let’s explore the cool world of drone knowledge!

Connect With A Drone Enthusiasts’ Community| Drone Photography for Beginners

Ever wondered how to stay in the loop with all the cool drone stuff? Well, joining a community is the secret sauce! With technology zooming ahead and drone rules changing faster than the wind, staying in the know is super important.

Check out awesome websites that spill the beans on new gadgets and updated certifications. Facebook groups are gold too! 

Being part of a drone-loving community, like these Facebook groups, is like finding a treasure chest of tips and photos.

So, jump in, share your drone adventures, and soak up all the awesome tips. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your drone game!

Weather-Check And Double-Check Before Flying| Best Time of Day for Drone Photography

Before sending your drone into the sky, check the weather—twice! Because rain can damage it, and wind can be tricky. 

For this, A weather station helps with wind. Rain is a no-go, and snow can mess with sensors. Some drones handle the weather better, or you can get kits.

But the weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan for those photo moments. Let’s keep those drones safe and flying high!

Carry Essential Drone Spares

Alright, do you know about packing spares for your drone adventures? Suppose your drone is like a superhero, but even superheroes need backup gear. 

Here’s the deal: drone batteries are getting better, but they still last around 20 to 30 minutes. That’s not a lot if you’re planning a big photo day.

So, what’s the trick? Pack some extra stuff! Batteries are the heroes here, but you need a way to recharge them. Your regular phone charger won’t cut it, so think bigger, like using your car’s power.

Also, those drone propellers? They’re a bit fragile. A small bump and your drone might take a break on the ground. Pack some spare propellers, just in case.

Craft A Thorough Preflight Checklist

Are you getting ready for a drone adventure? Well, you need a plan, and that’s where the preflight checklist comes in handy. 

Just like how photographers and moviemakers have their to-do lists before big gigs, drone enthusiasts like me have checklists too. 

I’ve got two: one for the night before and one for the morning of the flight. Believe me, without these, sleep is a rare thing!

Now, why are these checklists super important for drone flying? Because when you’re up there with your drone, time is short, and batteries can be tricky. So, having a detailed checklist is like a secret weapon to make sure you’re all set.

Moreover, this checklist isn’t just about packing stuff. It’s the whole deal, from making sure your gear is packed right to doing important stuff like checking the weather. 

Also, don’t forget the little things, like making sure your drone’s camera lens is clean and dry. 

Here’s a bonus tip: throw in some silica gel packs (those little things from pill bottles) to keep the lens from fogging up. So, get your checklist ready, and let’s make sure your drone journey is smooth and awesome!

Enhance Photos With Google Earth Insights

Are you planning to get awesome drone shots on your next adventure? Here’s a trick: Use Google Earth before you go!

It’s like having a sneak peek at the place you’re going to explore. With Google Earth, you can check out cool stuff and even plan where to fly your drone. 

Everyday scenes look super cool from up high, and this helps you save your drone’s battery by figuring things out ahead of time. Ready to take your aerial photos to the next level? 

Learn About Hdr (High Dynamic Range) Photography

Learning about HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography isn’t about making crazy. It’s more about creating smart, balanced photos that catch details in the sky and shadows.

When it comes to drone photos, HDR can be super handy. It helps even out scenes with lots of contrast, making them look more like what you see with your own eyes. Drones have small cameras, so HDR lets you go beyond their limits.

To do HDR with your drone pics, you’ll use something called bracketing. That’s taking a bunch of quick photos, each with a different brightness. Usually, you do this by changing how fast the camera takes the picture.

Later, you put all these pictures together into one awesome photo. You do this after taking the pics, using special software like Lightroom or Photoshop. You can do it manually by changing settings yourself or let your drone do it automatically with its bracketing feature, which takes three or five pics in a row.

Capture In Raw For Top-Notch Photos

When you take pictures with your drone, it can save them as JPEGs, but here’s the cool part: shooting in RAW is even better. 

Why? Because RAW files have loads more information than JPEGs. It’s like having a treasure chest of details.

Here’s the trick – shooting RAW needs a bit more work. You have to use special software like Lightroom or Luminar to do some editing. 

But guess what? With RAW, you can fix things like the color balance even after you’ve taken the photo. Also, you can make the picture look even more awesome by playing with the dynamic range. It’s like having superpowers for your drone photos!

Edit Your Shots Like A Pro Photographer

We all want our photos to be perfect from the start, right? But here’s the secret: learning how to edit your photos can turn a good shot into something that wows people.

So, there’s cool software like Lightroom and Luminar. With these, you become the boss. You can fix how your photo looks by cropping it, brightening dark spots, changing colors, making things pop, and even getting rid of stuff you don’t want in there.

Adobe Lightroom is perfect for photo editing. It’s the go-to for erasing power lines or tweaking how bright or dark your photo is—super easy stuff.

Then there’s Skylum Luminar 4. It’s like a magician, letting you change skies and do other wild things with your landscape shots.

Wait, there’s more! Skylum just dropped Luminar Neo. It’s like the next-level cool kid. It makes editing your drone pics even simpler with ‘Templates’ that tell you where to start.

No matter which editing tool you pick, don’t forget to learn how to fix lens stuff. Drones use wide-angle lenses, and they can make things look a bit wonky. Fixing it makes your photos look just right.

Ready to make your photos shine?

Explore The Art Of Mastering Light

When you’re taking pictures with a drone, light matters a lot. Whether you’re up in the sky capturing awesome views or zipping around to grab cool videos, light is super important. 

It’s one of those key things for drone photos that people don’t talk about much.

Guess what? The best light usually happens in the morning and evening. That’s when you get these beautiful shots without those annoying dark shadows. 

We call it the ‘golden hour’ or ‘blue hour.’ They don’t stick around for long, so it’s smart to be ready once your drone takes off.

Now, here’s the deal: using your drone in low light is doable, but it’s not the best idea, especially with regular drones. They have smaller sensors that don’t handle low light well. 

However, if your drone isn’t super steady, your pictures might turn out blurry with a slow shutter speed.

Stick to flying your drone when the sun is shining bright. You’ll up your chances of getting awesome, clear photos. 

Play With Filters And Extended Exposures

Do you ever experiment with filters and long exposures in your drone photography journey? With new technology, the latest drones don’t always need extra tools like neutral density filters in bright settings. 

But it’s good to know what these filters do and when to use them.

When you’re up in the sky capturing scenes, with moving things like traffic or water, longer exposures can add a cool effect. If it’s too bright, neutral density filters come to the rescue. 

They help control the light going into your drone’s camera.

Why does that matter? Well, it lets you slow down the shutter speed and make things in your photo look smooth and dreamy.

Also, if you’re into shooting videos with your drone, filters are your pals. Without them, your footage might get too bright and lose its charm. Imagine filming at midday – that’s where a mini filter for your drone’s camera steps in. It helps keep just the right amount of light.

The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank. You can grab variable ND filters for under $100. These are awesome because you can tweak how much they do without swapping them out. 

Grasp The Basics Of Photography Principles

Now! Take a look at learning the basics of photography. You know, those rules about making pictures look good? Well, they apply when you’re flying a drone too. 

So, it’s a good idea to remember what makes a photo awesome and how to use a camera.

With drones, you’re diving into a world of shapes, colors, textures, and cool patterns. It’s like a creative playground up there. But spotting all the cool stuff takes practice. So, the more you fly your drone, the better you’ll get!

Cameras on drones are smart, but sometimes you gotta take control. Especially if you’re into shooting fancy HDR photos. You might need to tweak some settings for the perfect shot.

Alongside knowing how to make a photo look good, it’s handy to understand how a camera works. 

Also, figuring out the right exposure without relying too much on automatic stuff. It’s all about making your drone shots top-notch. 

Now! Are you ready to capture some amazing views?

Optimize Shots Using Drone Tripod Mode

Do you know something cool feature– it’s Tripod Mode? Most drones have it, and it’s not as tricky as it sounds. It’s super handy for a bunch of reasons. Tripod Mode slows your drone way down, giving you mega control.

Why is that a big deal? Well, when your drone moves slower, you can dodge stuff better, especially when things get tricky. And if you’re flying close to the ground, Tripod Mode is like your secret weapon.

Using Tripod Mode is like having superhero precision when you’re taking still pictures. It’s your ticket to getting the perfect shot. 

However, if you’re into time lapses or hyper-lapses, Tripod Mode brings the rock-solid stability you need. So, next time you’re up in the air with your drone, don’t forget to unleash the power of Tripod Mode.

Using A Flight Simulator

Last but not least, let’s talk about using a flight simulator. So, here’s the deal: some smart people noticed there aren’t enough skilled drone pilots around. That’s where flight simulators come in. 

They’re like video games that help you learn how to fly a drone. Super handy, especially if you’re getting ready for tricky jobs like checking power lines.

But here’s the catch – the excellent simulators are usually for big companies, not for regular folks like us. It’s a bit of a bummer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drone Photography?

Drone photography is using flying cameras to snap pics and videos from the sky, offering unique views. It’s super popular, especially with affordable drones available, even underwater ones! People love sharing drone shots, especially for landscapes.

How do I start drone photography?

Start with a budget-friendly drone with a good camera, like the Ryze Tello. Learn the rules, register if needed (like FAA Part 107 in the U.S.), and practice flying. It’s a must if you want to do drone photography professionally.

How much should I charge for drone photography?

It varies based on your experience, the job, and the client’s budget. Construction surveys might start at $50 per hour, going up to $500 with experience. Real estate gigs can be $25 per hour or $200-300 per project. Check out websites like DroneBase for job opportunities.

What are some popular drones for photography?

Check out DJI’s Mavic Mini, Mavic Air 2, and Mavic Pro 2. They’re great for beginners, with the Mini being light and affordable, the Air 2 having smart features and shooting 4K, and the Pro 2 having a killer camera. There’s also the Mavic 2 Zoom if you’re into zooming. Each has its cool features, so pick what suits you!

Final Words

Lastly, drone photography and videography is a vast field, but the results can be spectacular.

So, that’s the scoop on drone photography tips and tricks! It might seem like a big world up there, but don’t worry – it’s all about having fun. 

With the above tips, you’ve got a good starting point for flying your drone and snapping cool photos from above. There’s always more to discover, but for now, just enjoy the ride and the awesome shots you’ll capture!