Guide to Drone Videography: Top 10 Tips to Master Aerial Filming
So, you want to become a drone videography pro? Who wouldn’t! Capturing stunning aerial footage, like I do in Wilmington, NC, with your drone can really elevate your content. Ha, see what I did there. But, there’s a lot to consider before you can confidently send your camera into the air. Read through these drone videography tips, they could help you.
Luckily, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tips to help you level up your drone videography game. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your skills to the next level, these tips will set you on the right path. So, grab your drone, and let’s dive in!
1. Understand the Drone Laws and Regulations
Before you even think about taking off, you’ve got to know the rules. Drone laws vary from country to country, and they’re constantly changing, so it’s crucial to stay updated. In the U.S., for instance, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) sets the rules for flying drones, and they categorize them into two types: recreational and commercial. You can find out more info by visiting the FAA Drone Zone page: https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
Recreational Drone Flying
If you’re flying just for fun, you’ll need to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It’s free, online, and it helps ensure you understand the basic rules and safety procedures. Plus, the good news is you can’t fail it! Once you complete the corse, you’ll get a certificate that never expires, just make sure you save it somewhere safe like one your phone or on the cloud.
Commercial Drone Flying
Planning to make some money with your drone? You’ll need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This involves passing a test and knowing the ins and outs of airspace regulations. Trust us, it’s better to be safe (and legal) than sorry. This certificate is called the Part 107 certification. I would recommend that you download an inexpensive app and start taking the prep tests. This helped me pass the test without spending a lot on one of those online or in-person classes. I’m not saying they don’t help, it’s just it can be accomplished with a cheap app.
2. Keep Your Propellers in Check
Propellers might seem like a small part of your drone, but they’re incredibly important. Damaged or loose propellers can lead to crashes, so always inspect them before each flight. If you spot any damage, replace them immediately. Also, be careful when transporting your drone, bent propellers can mess up your flight. When checking, make sure they are securely in place. You don’t want them flying off during a flight.
3. Manage Your Battery Like a Pro
Drone batteries aren’t cheap, so taking care of them is a must. Always charge your batteries fully before flying and avoid letting them drop below 15% during a flight. Extreme temperatures can also hurt battery life, so keep them warm in the cold and let them cool down before charging. Like with all batteries, cold weather will decrees your flight time especially when going full throttle.
4. Use an App to Check on any Restrictions
Before taking off, I like to use apps like LAANC or AirMap to check the area I’m about to flying in. Maybe you’re close to an airport or about to enter a restricted zone. These apps will alert you and allow you to take the appropriate action in those areas. You can fly close to airports along as you receive the correct approval from the airports ATC. These apps will allow you to file your flight plan and get it approved.
5. Try Out ND Filters
ND filters are a game-changer for outdoor drone videography. They reduce the amount of light hitting your camera sensor, allowing you to get that cinematic look with a shallower depth of field, even in bright sunlight. NDs are must when using a camera that has a fixed aperture. You can use shutter speed to reduce the light hitting the camera sensor, but you would have to use a very fast shutter speed when it’s really bright out, and that could effect your footage in a negative way. Think of the 180 degree rule.
6. Check Your GPS
Before every flight, make sure to check your drone’s GPS. This simple step tells your drone where to return in case anything goes wrong. Forget to do this, and you might be in for a long (and expensive) search mission to find your drone. Make sure you have an adequate number of satellites and that the drone is oriented in the correct direction by checking it on the map.
7. Always Fly Line of Sight
It might be tempting to push your drone to the limits, but keeping it within your visual line of sight is crucial. Flying beyond your vision can lead to signal loss or, worse, a crash. So, play it safe and keep an eye on your drone at all times. Also, the FAA states you must maintain a visual line of slight at all times. You can also use a virtual observer to help with this.
8. Have Fun with Cinematic Modes
Drones are meant to be fun, so don’t forget to experiment with the built-in cinematic modes. These modes can help you pull off impressive shots with minimal effort. Whether it’s a smooth orbit around a subject or a dramatic reveal, these features are your ticket to professional-looking footage.
9. Switch to Sport Mode
Feeling confident? Give sport mode a try. This mode disables some of the drone’s safety features, allowing for faster and more dynamic flying. Just be careful, without obstacle avoidance, you’ll need to be extra vigilant. But if you’re up for the challenge, sport mode can help you capture those breathtaking, high-speed shots.
10. Use Active Track for Moving Shots
Active Track is like having an assistant who keeps your subject in focus while you fly. This feature is perfect for capturing moving subjects, like a person walking or a car driving, without having to constantly adjust the controls. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to up their game in dynamic videography.
Final Thoughts
Drone videography is an exciting and rewarding hobby (or profession), but it does require some skill and knowledge to do it well. By following these top 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning aerial footage like a pro. So, get out there, have fun, and don’t forget to fly safe!
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Conclusion
Drone videography offers endless possibilities for capturing stunning aerial footage, but mastering it takes some practice and know-how. By following the top 10 tips we’ve covered—like understanding drone laws, maintaining your gear, experimenting with cinematic modes, and always flying within sight, you’ll set yourself up for success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these tips will help you elevate your drone videography game. So, keep these pointers in mind, have fun exploring the skies, and get ready to capture breathtaking views like a pro!
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