Whether you’re a professional photographer or just getting started with drone photography, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best possible results. In this article, we’ll share our top tips that will help you take stunning photos with your drone.
Light is arguably the most important element in all photography. Light creates mood and tells stories, from inspiring sunrises to somber Atlantic coastlines, light evokes emotion that captures the essence of the moment.
The first thing to keep in mind when capturing light is that there are two types of light: natural and artificial. Natural light is the type of light that comes from the sun or from other sources such as candles, lamps, or fireplaces. Artificial light is created by electric lights like fluorescent street lights, cars, incandescent and LED bulbs. The second thing to keep in mind when capturing light is that it can be divided into two categories: hard and soft daylight.
When considering drone photography, natural light is the paint brush that creates contrast and interest in the landscape and your subject.
When taking drone photographs of landscapes, make sure to keep your drone an altitude that connects the layers and elements of the scene. The most common mistake new drone pilots make is to fly as high as they can and capture scenes of flat horizons with no point of interest. Part of the value of a drone is that it can actually fly at low altitudes to capture detail and compositions.
In digital cameras, the ISO number relates to brightness created by the camera. The lower the ISO value, the higher the image quality but the darker the image. Increasing the ISO increases brightness but also introduces 'noise' which reduces the image quality. The image below was shot at a relatively low ISO value of 390 and shows visible grain and reduced quality.
An increasingly popular use of drones is for capturing aerial shots of construction sites and real estate properties. While this can give potential buyers or renters a bird's eye view of the property, there are associated risks as photographers are usually operating in built up areas where the drone can crash and cause harm. It is important to know the laws of the country you are flying in and register with the appropriate authorities. As a rule of thumb when flying in urban areas, have a clear idea of what you want to photograph and how you want to capture it before you take off. This will help you make the most of your time in the air and get the best possible shots while minimising risk.
When taking aerial photos, be sure to keep the drone at a safe distance from any people or animals. You will also need to be aware of any obstacles that could be in the way, such as power lines or trees. Make sure to check the weather conditions before you fly, as strong winds can make it difficult to control the drone. If possible, try to avoid flying in bad weather altogether, especially when you're close to buildings and people.
Finally, remember to have fun and experiment with different compositions and angles. Aerial photography is a great way to get unique perspectives on the world around you.