Around 500,000 Americans own a drone as a hobby. This means tons of people in the US know how awesome drone photography is!
Drones allow amateur photographers to capture stunning images they could never dream of capturing 10 years ago, at least not without a helicopter and lots of money in the bank!
And since it is an exciting new medium, want-to-be drone experts might struggle to find the information they need when flying a drone to take pictures. Well, here are some top drone photography tips to get you started.
1. Find the Right Equipment and Insurance
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Becoming a great drone photographer starts with getting the best drone for photography, and after that, any extra kit and insurance you might need.
Here is everything you should have in your drone photography camera bag:
- Drone
- Charged batteries
- Lens filters
- Launchpad
- Memory cards
- Charged control device with software
When buying a new drone, consider the best drone for photography and your needs. Find a drone for sale that captures crisp 4k videos so you can remove single frames to turn into photographs when you edit.
And if you travel a lot, you will need a lightweight drone. This site, for example, sells lots of drones so you can compare weights and functions.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Before you jet off to an exotic locale to use your drone, practice in your own backyard first! Drones are expensive and can be difficult to operate.
Read the instructions for your specific drone and watch YouTube videos of demonstrations. Keep the drone low and slow when you fly for the first time. Practice as much as you need in private before you go public.
3. Check Local Regulations and Laws
Many countries and places do not allow drone photography or any hobby drones at all. It is important you do your research before traveling with a drone or flying it in a public place. It is not only a security matter but an environmental one, as they can disturb birds and other wildlife.
Here are some notable places you cannot fly drones:
- US National Parks
- Government and restricted buildings
- Airports
- Stadiums and sports events
Some notable countries where you cannot bring drones are Cuba, India, Morocco, and Nicaragua.
4. Plan Your Photography Sessions
Before using your drone to take photographs, plan your sessions. Double and triple-check the weather beforehand because you do not want to fly your drone in rainy or windy conditions.
Also, plan your location well. Be mindful of people’s privacy and which locations will look great in a drone photograph. Google Earth is a fantastic tool that can help you plan shots.
5. Get a Drone Pilot Certification
If you want to get serious with drone photography and sell your photos, get a drone pilot license. You will be able to fly your drone in more places with a license too.
You can get a Part 107 certification from the Federal Aviation Association if you are in the US so you can fly a drone for business purposes.
Use These Drone Photography Tips for Stunning Pictures
Drone photography is not the easiest photographic form, but it is the latest and one of the most satisfying. You will not only wow your friends and family on social media with your stunning pictures, but you might be able to make some money from it too.
Want to read more articles about the latest tech? Browse Best Digital Updates for more top tips and advice!
