Drone technology is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after in terms of gifts to loved ones and in tech circles around the world. It’s novel, it’s fun and it’s great for all kinds of purposes – including photography. It is estimated that in the USA alone there will be at least one million drones sold this year, most of which will be over the Christmas period. So our guide on how to make the most of a drone will put you in the best position possible for getting to grips with your drone in the best way possible.
- Get yourself some natural density filters
When taking photos and videos with your drone, it is super disappointing when you check through the footage and the lighting is just all wrong. One way of solving the problem is by purchasing some natural density (ND) filters.
ND filters basically balance out the exposure on your drone by filtering the natural light that enters the drone sensor. It means you don’t need to increase the shutter speed of the drone which would create unstable and poor video quality. They are a great way to make the most of a drone and make your photography and videography look more professional.
- Move and pan the camera yourself. It’s all about control
A lot of people feel like the whole point of buying a drone is so that it can fly itself (to some extent). Otherwise, you’d either buy a quadcopter or check out a guide on how to assemble a quadcopter to make your own. However, if you’re in the drone life because of photography, you should exercise your control and use it wisely.
We’d recommend moving and panning the camera yourself when filming with your drone if to really make the most of the experience. This way, you can make sure your photos and videos are at the right speed, height and quality. Having the control of the movement and panning of the camera also increases the professionalism of your drone footage, so we would absolutely recommend doing it when you head out on your next flight. After all, if you want a job done properly, you should always just do it yourself, right?
- Get the flying conditions right
One of the best ways to make the most of a drone is to ensure that you have the optimum flying times and weather conditions nailed down. You can do this yourself by finding the predicted weather conditions, or by downloading some of the best drone apps out there.
Some great apps will allow you to check your flight time while being aware of any other aircraft flying nearby and they will even give you a verdict on whether it is advisable to fly at that specific time, in that specific place or not.
It is important to have an awareness of the weather conditions when flying your drone. If it’s too windy, there is no point in flying it, unless you want the flight to end in disaster. The best weather conditions to make the most of a drone are always sunny days with little cloud and virtually no rain. If you want to be a bit more adventurous when flying your drone, you can trial it in empty spaces in different weather conditions, but be prepared for a few scares along the way.
- Think business opportunities
Drones cost a lot of money, so you might as well try and make a profit. You can open your own freelance company on the side of your day job to offer services in aerial surveying.
This would allow you to carry out drone observations of particular landscapes, usually for those making maps, in the archaeology industry and topography. There are a whole range of options when it comes to aerial surveying, and a drone is exactly the device to use for it seeing as helicopters are no longer really needed for this purpose if you have a high quality drone.
- Think more business opportunities – and weddings!
A cool weekend job would definitely be a wedding photographer – and your drone can actually allow for that to happen. So many couples are looking to make their wedding unique and the best of all weddings that year. Why not help them achieve that by setting up a bespoke and completely unique wedding photography experience with your drone?
You can take fantastic aerial shots in some of the best natural landscapes the country has to offer with your best digital friend, all while making some money. Weddings are always brilliant too, and so will the photos of two lovebirds taken on top of a river while they stand on a bridge. Honestly, what’s not to love? There is an idea in here you should pursue. We promise you that.
Happy flying folks!
