Drones are a fantastic way to capture unique and awe-inspiring images that you simply can’t get from the ground. With the growing popularity of drones, it’s becoming increasingly accessible for anyone to start capturing stunning aerial shots. In this article, I’ll give you my top 5 tips that took my skill to the next level and I wish I knew earlier!
1. Experiment with Anything and Everything
One of the best things about drone photography is that it’s relatively easy to get started, and there are endless possibilities for experimentation. Don’t get caught up with the best way to shoot as there’s really no right or wrong way to capture a shot. It’s totally up to you to explore different angles and compositions to find what works best for you and your style. A good way to experiment is by playing around with different flying techniques and find what you like. Try flying low to the ground for a more intimate perspective or fly high to capture the grandeur of a landscape. You can also experiment with different camera settings to create unique and stunning images but I’ll talk more about them a bit more later.
2. Understand the Importance of Light in Drone Photography
Lighting is a crucial factor in all types of photography, and drone photography is no exception. The direction and intensity of the sun can significantly impact the look and feel of your shots. For example, if you’re shooting during golden hour, which is the hour just after sunrise or before sunset, the light will have a warm and soft quality that can create stunning images. On the other hand, if you’re shooting during midday when the sun is directly overhead, the light can be harsh and unflattering, but on the flip side, there’s also less shadows and the colors can be more pronounced. Work with the lighting conditions and adjust your camera settings accordingly, this will take some practice and experimentation to get good at but that’s half the fun!
3. Use AEB Bracketing
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) bracketing is my go to technique to help capture better images in challenging lighting conditions. In fact, I actually use it most of the time. It involves taking three or more shots of the same scene at different exposure levels, which can then be combined using editing software, like Adobe Lightroom, to create an HDR image (High Dynamic Range). This technique is particularly useful when shooting landscapes or cityscapes that have a wide range of brightness levels. By using AEB bracketing, you can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of your images. Most mid to high level ready to fly drones will have a setting for this built in so it’s super to select and use.
4. Learn How to Do Manual Panoramas
Manual panoramas are an excellent way to capture vast and stunning aerial landscapes. To create a manual panorama, take a series of shots while panning the drone from left to right or right to left. I typically incorporate AEB bracketing with my panos as well. Be sure to overlap each shot by around 30-50% because they need to be stitched together. Once you’ve taken all the shots, use editing software to merge them together and create a panoramic image. Again, Adobe Lightroom comes to the rescue and offers a super easy way to do this with their Merge Image feature. The resulting photo will be much higher in resolution than a single shot, and it will showcase the full scope of the landscape.
5. Understand Manual Camera Settings Like ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture
Understanding manual camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture is important to creating high-quality images in drone photography. These settings can significantly impact the exposure, focus, and depth of field of your shots. For example, using a low ISO setting will reduce the amount of noise in your images, while a high shutter speed can freeze motion in your shots. Experimenting here will help you create more creative and technically sound images beyond the standard auto settings (although I have to admit, the auto settings can be quite good too).
These are my top 5 tips, now let’s have a look at some FAQ’s.
Common FAQS About Aerial Photography
What is the difference between manual and auto camera settings?
Manual camera settings allow you to manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve a specific look or exposure. Automatic camera settings, on the other hand, use the camera’s built-in algorithms to adjust settings based on the lighting conditions and other factors. Manual settings provide more control over the final image, while automatic settings are more convenient and can be useful in situations where you need to take a photo quickly.
What is shutter speed, and how does it affect my photos?
Shutter speed refers to the amount of time that the camera’s shutter remains open when taking a photo. A faster shutter speed will freeze motion and create a sharper image, while a slower shutter speed will create motion blur and can be used to create artistic effects like light trails.
What is ISO?
ISO is a measure of the camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO will make the camera more sensitive to light, allowing you to take photos in low light conditions, but it can also introduce noise (graininess) into the image. A lower ISO will make the camera less sensitive to light, which can result in a sharper and cleaner image, but it may also require more light or a longer exposure time.
What is aperture, and how does it affect my images?
Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that allows light to enter the camera. A larger aperture (smaller f-number) will create a shallower depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject, while a smaller aperture (larger f-number) will create a deeper depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus. Depending which drone you have you may not have to worry about this as typically only the higher end drones allow you to adjust it.
What is exposure?
Exposure refers to the amount of light that enters the camera’s sensor when you take a photograph. It’s determined by three factors: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Together, these three factors determine how much light enters the camera and how bright or dark the resulting image appears. A well-exposed photo has the right balance of brightness, contrast, and detail, and it accurately represents the scene as you saw it.
Do I have to edit my drone photos?
Well, no. But I would highly recommend learning how to edit if you’re serious about pursuing a professional interest in aerial photography.
Which drone brand is the best for aerial photography?
Considering that I’ve only used DJI I’d have to say them. My opinion is that they are so good I don’t even want to try another brand. I’ve had no real technical problems other than user error (lol) and the quality of imagery that they can produce is unreal. The company is also continually updating and improving the technology.
In closing…
As a professional drone pilot and photographer, I certainly would agree that drone photography can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting hobby or profession. With the right techniques and tools, you can capture breathtaking aerial shots that will amaze and inspire people. The five tips that I’ve shared in this article are just the beginning and man I wish I knew them sooner. By continually experimenting and discovering your own distinctive style, you can unlock even more creative potential and take your drone photography to new heights. With practice, patience, and passion, you can become a skilled drone photographer and create stunning images that showcase the beauty of the world from your own unique perspective.