At one time, drones were solely a tool used by the military. Today, individuals everywhere can take advantage of their many benefits, including aerial photography.
When using a drone for aerial photography, there are a few things that can help make the flight easier and the photos more appealing. One of the best benefits of using a drone is that it can get you some incredible shots.
Are you looking for some tips for using a drone to capture that perfect shot? Let’s go over five tips that will help you out in the field!
1. Plan Out Your Shoot
One of the most important things to do to take your aerial photography up a notch is to plan your shoot.
Before you head out, search for a good place to go. One good way to do this is by using Google Earth.
While Google Earth may not have detailed or crisp photos of every place, it can reveal some interesting compositions that you would have never known about otherwise. Often, locations look much different and more boring to us here on the ground, but a drone reveals a whole new perspective.
Google Earth gives you that initial overhead view, showing you interesting features from above. A mountain range can become much more interesting when you take photos or videos at low altitudes. It can reveal much more about the area as well.
The same can be said for cityscapes. There may be a very interesting feature right nearby and Google Earth could reveal it. Your drone will give you a much different perspective.
You should also plan ahead for the weather. You want to ensure that the conditions are favorable for both flying your drone and for taking great photos.
The type of light can really affect the look and ambiance of a photo. You’ll want to plan accordingly to get the right look and feel for your photo. The time of day can also affect the type of light you’ll get.
2. Don’t Use Auto Settings
If you want beautiful aerial photos, consider switching from auto settings. Auto is great for beginners, but to take your photos to the next level you’ll want to play around with the settings.
To start, put your settings on manual. This will allow you to make adjustments for better photos.
Many aerial photographers recommend setting your ISO somewhere around 100. The ISO affects the light sensitivity of your drone. With the ISO at 100, you’ll have a good middle ground to work with on your photos.
In fact, a lower ISO is often better, as it can produce a higher quality image. The higher the ISO setting, the brighter the photo will be.
Your shutter speed can also impact the finished look of your photos. A higher shutter speed is usually optimal for daytime aerial photos. If you’re shooting at night, consider keeping your shutter speeds low.
A good mid-range shutter speed is 1/5000 of a second.
Don’t forget to consider using image stabilization. Drones can’t always be stable while in the air. There’s often turbulence or other factors that mean that it’s always in motion.
This can leave you with blurry photos. Turning on your image stabilization can help keep these photos more clear and crisp rather than blurry.
Remember that these are just mid-level settings. Playing around with them based on your specific conditions and needs can help you produce the best-looking photo possible.
3. Use RAW
When shooting aerial photos, you want to ensure that you capture everything in detail. It can add depth and definition to your photo.
To ensure that you get this, you want to be sure that you’re shooting your photos using the right file type. Not all file types are built the same, and some can compromise on important areas of the photo to save on space.
If you don’t mind losing some of this data, then you can keep your settings the same. If you want all of that extra detail that will really pack a punch, consider using RAW files.
With all of the extra detail, you can take your editing to the next level. Your editing will turn out much better as the smallest details become altered through the filters and effects that you choose.
This makes your photos look more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
4. Don’t Stop at One
Taking multiple photos is one of the best tips for using a drone for aerial photography. Taking multiple shots of the same thing can give you the opportunity to edit those photos even better.
You can layer the photos or combine them to make a photo even more interesting. This type of technique can really improve a shot, giving it more detail and definition.
You never know when a photo might not turn out the first time either. Taking more than one shot allows you to pick the best one out of the group.
You don’t want to leave the area just to find out that you didn’t get that perfect photo.
5. Use the Right Drone
Before you go out for photos, you need a drone that’s capable of all of the above. It will help you take the best photos and do it easily too.
A great drone to consider is the DJI Mavic 3. Not only does it take beautiful photos, but it has a gorgeous sleek design that makes it perfect for flying. It’s a drone that can do it all.
DJI has always been a trusted name in the world of drones, so this model is no exception to their quality.
Learn more about it to find out if it’s the perfect drone to take on your next aerial photography outing.
Enjoy Using a Drone for Aerial Photography
Aerial photography is best done when using a drone. Drones are capable of reaching areas that would otherwise be unreachable.
With these tips, you’re prepared to take your aerial photography above the rest and create amazing photos.
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