Drones have undoubtedly changed the way we see the world, a boon for those who like to combine their adventures with a sense of scale and exhilaration. Despite associations with crime and deeds of more destructive natures, the last few years has seen drone technology for the photography enthusiasts reach new heights.
Advantages of Using Drone Cameras
What have drones brought to the table? Quite a lot, in fact. Here are some of the big reasons high-quality drone imagery have lit up the world of photography and cinematography.
Drones give you the best perspectives. There is no replacement for the high-level detail that one can get from an aerial shot. There were times when this was the domain of professionals with big budgets, usually involving aircraft. Now drones are accessible to most and you can enjoy taking videos and photos from the safe comfort of the ground.
When you take pictures from above, the landscapes look larger and have an added sense of scale. Drones are very convenient. You don’t have to find yourself perched uncomfortably in a ‘vantage point’ just to capture that perfect angle. A drone does everything for you.
Drones – Integrating with Science and Commerce
Scientific research has greatly benefited from drone technology. From pictures of wildlife behaviour to conservation related reconnaissance, drones help us literally get the larger picture. Environmental impact is best studied with high-definition overhead pictures which give the viewers a look at the contrasts of pristine nature and degradation in a single video or still capture.
The real estate industry has also found a lot of leverage in drone technology. Aerial photography helps present a site along with the surroundings – giving potential buyers the complete picture, and a rather impressively made one at that. Regular on-ground photography cannot capture the details of a quality aerial shot, so drone footage is now an essential marketing tool for real estate companies.
A Few Pointers
Having the tool does not guarantee a great video or image. There are some pointers you need to keep in mind. Remember that a lot of times the scenery you shoot makes your picture interesting, but if you want your work to stand out, you have to own some good techniques.
When shooting man-made landscapes like residential neighborhoods or other man-made locations, look out for repetition of tones or formations. These give your image a sense of continuity and some definition. It also helps viewers enjoy the patterns and layouts that on the ground seem unconnected.
Contrasting colours always help you create striking images and videos. Enjoy dramatic scenery with a well-taken drone shot – a very common example is coastal shots of azure waters and light shores.
From an aerial point-of-view, you will get to see the patterns of the location or landscapes. In fact, this is a core character of most drone footage. Think of the landscape as a fabric and find the patterns. When you are getting a bird’s eye view, look for symmetry. Urban landscapes are ideal for getting the perfect mirror image shots.
When shooting with a drone, transfer the sense of scale to the viewer by capturing the horizon along with the landscape. Play with the shadows of the objects. If you are taking a still, it is important that you frame the image well. Try to create a defined boundary for the patterns and landscapes you capture.
Use your imagination when it comes to drone shoots. It is also great fun to catch different videos online and get an idea of what the best drone photographers and video makers in the world are up to. A drone allows you to explore. The best footage can be the most unexpected. So charge up your drone and head out with an open-ended plan.
A Platform for Drone Enthusiasts
Drone photography is a complete segment in itself, requiring niche tech and skills to get the best out of the apparatus. The worldwide drone community is united by a love for the best aerial shots, of themes that span the entirety of natural and man-made landscapes. Adventurers are celebrating this revolutionary technology and newfound ability to document their activities in the most authentic way possible.
When it comes to capturing the action, water-based activities have always posed a challenge even to the most experienced of video producers. Drones have added a completely new dimension to dynamic aerial photography. You can browse through some amazing drone videos on a platform dedicated to the drone age. Watch surfers ride the waves across the world from Hawaii to the Maldives. Get a birds’ eye view. Get inspired.