It’s not that long since I’ve stepped into the “airborned” league purchasing a drone. Starting way before that moment i was attracted by the concept of “having wings” that allows you to see the world from that unique angle, things we only experienced on the big screen until few years back. So, fast forward until today, here we are standing in front of a huge market that offers something for almost every pocket for you to start a new visual journey.
My very first advice for your first steps into this adventure is very simple: use your drone as much as possible. That is the only way to get to know every aspect of it and get to control it the way you want. Once you get over that step you can start focusing on achieving the images/videoclips you want and for that, the sky’s the limit, literally.
Reviewing videos for a year now, i’ve noticed a few techniques that are used more than others when it comes to aerial videography. A few of them are below with some examples.
Bird’s Eye View (very suitable for photography as well):
With your camera pointing downward, move your drone in whatever direction you want or even change altitude while rotating it for some exciting shots.
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-video-footage-aerial-flight-over-polo-field-large-sprinklers-watering-grass-forming-rainbow-drone-footage-fields-sunset-camera-video97931387
Tilt reveal:
The initial position of the camera on the drone must be facing towards ground and while the drone is moving forward or backward tilt your camera upward to reveal the surrounding landscape/subject. Very useful technique for opening scenes.
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-video-footage-ski-resort-alps-aerial-reveal-fast-showing-off-piste-area-beautiful-swiss-distance-video82940987
Crane/Jib:
A crane/jib is a videographer tool that allows for horizontal and vertical moves of the camera while being on the ground. The obvious limitation to that is the radius of the movement it allows, limitation that with a drone is heavily reduced.
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-video-happy-couple-hugging-kissing-edge-cliff-aerial-shoting-incredible-sea-view-joy-happiness-sunset-video98086237
Flyover:
This is one of the most basic drone movements. At least in early stages, all you do is fly your drone around and over subjects. Choose a main subject and the right altitude and then fly towards it making sure that once you passed it you reveal more to the viewers eye.
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-video-footage-aerial-footages-north-spain-drone-flies-next-to-standalone-mountain-peak-desert-dry-windy-sunny-day-video98321870
Panoramic aerial photography:
Imagine having a really tall tripod and an motorized panoramic head. That’s it, your drone can simulate both of those so all you need is to find a location you like, make your shots paying attention to overlap their edges and there you go, 360 view in no time.
There are many other techniques that can lead to incredible footage or stills but i will leave some for you to discover. Last but not least, make sure you abide by the laws regarding drone flying where you wish to deploy your aircraft and ensure you and eveyone else are safe at all times.
Feel free to share your most used techniques in the comments section and have an incredible flight.
This article has been published on my Dreamstime Blog: Aerial Videography Photography Tips – Stock Photography Blog
