Drone photography basics - choosing a drone for photography - DIY in 5 Ep 221

Опубликовано 21 апреля 2024, 13:00

In the last 10-15 years, drone tech for the consumer market has really taken off. Work-a-day photography and videography enthusiasts can routinely capture images that used to cost thousands of dollars to simply attempt. It’s very cool! However, getting into drone photography can feel overwhelming, so this video is intended to demystify things.

The first step is picking the right drone for your needs. Where and when do you plan on shooting? Some drones are meant for indoor flight. Others have built-in lighting for low-light or nighttime conditions. Some have larger range. These are all important considerations. Some drones come with attached cameras. Others let you attach your own, like a GoPro. If you have a preferred tiny camera that you know how to operate, a compatible drone may be a great call so you can focus on the flight instead of learning a new camera. That said, drones with included cameras can offer extra features.

Drone shopping may lead to the discovery of features you want like smartphone feed, which will show you the footage your drone is capturing on your phone, or geofencing to keep your drone within a certain area. That can be incredibly helpful, depending on the local regulations where you’re filming. Some drones have tracking features that use visual recognition and your phone’s GPS to help you take the best shot. Tripod mode can keep things steady. Extra sensors can help newbie flyers avoid collisions. Keep in mind you don’t have to shill out for the best specs: there are drones for every budget, and the one that’s right for you might be at a lower price point.
Once you have your drone, know the rules and regulations of where and how you can fly. In the US, drones between 0.55lbs and 55lbs must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and you can’t fly around airports, natural disasters, or large unprotected crowds, among other places. Check the rules in your area. Also check the weather before taking flight. A strong wind can ruin your shot. The UAV Forecast app (uavforecast.com/) has info such as cloud cover, wind speeds, rain chances, and more. Plan accordingly, then get packing!

Accessories you may want include batteries. Typical drones will fly for 10 minutes. Higher-end options can reach 20-25 minutes. Extra batteries will therefore be helpful. Propeller guards can protect not only your propellers but anything they might run into, in case of a collision or rough landing. Propeller lights help if you plan on flying at night (they look cool too). Of course, drone shots take up a lot of space, so be sure to have extra microSD cards too. The Kingston Canvas Go! microSD comes in capacities up to 1TB, and is a perfect pairing for many drones on the market.
All that said, it’s best to start small, with test flights and practice. Don’t try to shoot your magnum opus immediately. Remember the fundamentals: composition, light and shadows, rule of thirds, etc. We have plenty of videos about the basics of photography on this channel (youtube.com/watch?v=rO54icGIDJ...

Have a great flight, and if you have any drone photography tips, please share them in the comments!

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