Mastering Drone Photography: Secrets to Shooting Stunning Aerial Shots Like a Pro
Soar through the skies like a pro and snag breathtaking aerial shots! Taking to the skies with a drone has never been more accessible or affordable. No more splurging on heli-rides or pricey airplanes—with the right drone, you'll command a bird's eye perspective at a fraction of the cost.
Eager to join the phalanx of sky-scouring photographers? Buckle up and check out this comprehensive guide to capturing jaw-dropping drone pics. We've got you covered from selecting the ideal drone to mastering the basics of flight, shooting modes, post-processing, and even the steps to becoming a professional drone shooter.
Make the Right Drone Investment
So, what's the best hunk of metal and wires you should park in your garage? Well, that depends on your needs. Sure, a drone capable of flying your bulky DSLR may be tempting, but most of us begin with a consumer-grade drone sporting a built-in camera. And it's crucial to become an ace pilot before taking fancy shots.
Examine prospective models by considering the following:
Need Raw Capability?
As a shooter, the ability to capture images in Raw can be a lifesaver. Raw files offer greater editing leeway, and this comes in handy when editing high-contrast aerial scenes. Look for models offering the Raw file format, as some older and less expensive models may shoot only in jpeg.
Sensor and Megapixel Tally
The more megapixels a drone sensor can churn out and how well it can handle low-light situations are critical to the quality of your shots. Ranging from 30MP in top models like the Inspire 2's Osmo camera down to 2MP in the Force1 Quadcopter, a drone's sensor has a profound impact on the cost and quality of the images it produces.
If you're aiming to print large-format images or cater to professional clients, go for a model that permits 20MP stills or higher. Devices with larger sensors like the Mavic 3's 1-inch CMOS sensor also provide better low-light performance.
From Purchase to Safe Flying
The daunting day for any remote pilot is the day the drone leaves the ground for the first time. Fly with caution and follow these guidelines:
- Always keep an eye on your drone—it can be easy to get engrossed in the view on the remote's monitor and not notice the drone veering dangerously close to a tree.
- Watch out for the weather, particularly wind. Each model has its own wind tolerance, so familiarize yourself with the specifics from the manual. Even if your drone can stay airborne, it may become uncontrollable in unpredictable conditions.
- Stay calm and composed, especially if you lose the video signal. Most models come with a return-to-home button that can rescue your buzzing buddy.
- Stick to the regulations— always maintain a line of sight on your drone and operate it under 400 feet to keep it safe.
Aim for Beautiful Aerial Shots—But Don't Forget to Fly First
Once you're comfortable with the basics of flight, it's time to up your photo game! Get ready to tweak your drone's shooting modes, master exposure settings, and dazzle onlookers with your skill.
Shooting Modes and General Exposure Settings
Before the drone even takes off, choose your shooting mode, set the camera's exposure settings, and ensure the gimbal is calibrated for level shots.
Shooting Modes
Master the automatics, then graduate to aperture, shutter speed, and manual modes as you gain expertise.
Shutter Speed
As with handheld photography on the ground, shutter speed plays a significant role in image sharpness in the sky. Calm days with limited wind allow for exposures up to several seconds, thanks to certain drones' tripod modes. Your shutter speed might also determine an appropriate exposure when your drone's aperture can only reach an f/stop of 11 or less.
Aperture
Drones boasting variable apertures are a recent innovation, as models with a fixed aperture of f/2.8 once limited depth of field and let in too much light for long exposures. Polarizing filters can help minimize glares, making them an essential addition to your drone photography kit.
Post-Processing Protocols for Drone Photos
Get your images looking just right with these post-processing tips. Of course, this is not a guide on how to edit, but here are some essential editing steps to remember:
- Applying an unsharp mask— Distance can blur details in drone shots, so sharpening up close details is crucial.
- Clone-stamping out unwanted objects— Drone photography captures vast scenes with unexpected elements. Use Adobe Photoshop’s clone-stamp tool to erase distractions efficiently.
- Don't forget to crop and straighten— Rotated or crooked horizons are common in drone pics, so be sure to rectify them promptly.
- Selective noise reduction— Drone shots can be noisy, especially in dimly lit conditions. Employ a brush tool to selectively apply noise reduction to those vexing spots without over-smoothing the overall image.
Join the Drone Photography Movement
Embrace the sky—the world of aerial photography awaits! Sooner than you think, you too will be customizing complex flying patterns, captivating jaw-dropping vistas, and innovating new visual storytelling techniques. Happy flying and snapping!
- To excel in drone photography, start with a drone that meets your needs, considering factors like the ability to capture images in Raw format, sensor and megapixel count, and wind tolerance.
- Always keep a watchful eye on your drone during flight to avoid accidents, and be aware of your drone's weather tolerance and wind resistance limits.
- Stick to safety regulations such as maintaining a line of sight on your drone, operating it under 400 feet, and being cautious during flights in windy or unpredictable conditions.
- Become proficient in the basic flight operations before focusing on enhancing your drone photography skills, mastering shooting modes, exposure settings, and understanding how shutter speed and aperture affect your images.
- Utilize editing software such as Adobe Photoshop to refine your drone photos with tools like unsharp mask, clone-stamp, cropping, and selective noise reduction.
- Continuously educate yourself on the latest drone gadgets and technology, as well as drone regulations and safety practices, to stay up-to-date and advance your drone photography business.
- Aspire to join the community of skilled drone pilots and capture stunning aerial shots, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and drone technology.
