Photography has reached a new level with the introduction of the drone. For the past two years, aerial photography using drones has become an exciting new activity for many photographers out there. Photography was limited to just the photographers perspective and now with the evolution in the area of drone photography, it has become easier to capture a huge area with a common perspective. This makes aerial photography an amazing technological advancement. Recently with the prices of drones coming down has also lead to many enthusiasts owning their own piece for getting a better shot of nature. Here are some tips to take stunning aerial pics using drones.
1. Find the Right Gear
Aerial photography in the UK and many other countries are becoming widely popular. Before entering this arena of this new group of aerial photography enthusiasts, you have to get the right gear. Most people start with DJI drones which are good for first-time users. The camera comes in the range of 16-20 mp and 4K videos can now be shot with drones too. They are nothing compared to ground cameras when it comes to taking a single shot. They have wide angles and fixed focal length. They lack the low-light performance and the dynamic range is limited. But there are several tricks to perfecting single shots in aerial photography which are mentioned in coming sections. The cost of an ordinary drone can check the regulations before flying your drone.start from $1000 and can go even more than $6500.
2. Know the Regulations in your Area
The limitations of flying drones in different countries are different. It is therefore advised that you check the regulations before flying your drone. Some general rules include, not flying it above 400 ft. It is also illegal to fly it above a group of people. We should protect others privacy.
3. The Lighting
The golden rule of ground photography is also applicable to aerial filming in Hampshire like sunny places it gives better pictures. Look for bright sunlight when planning for an aerial photography session.
4. Views
The views and transitions are very crucial. You are presenting something only a small group have seen before. This gives you a unique view that you have never seen. It adds some extra aspect to your picture.
5. Set it to Automatic Mode
As the drone cameras are not very good for manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. It can but capture time-lapse, reverse video and superzoom. It is better to set the drone camera into automatic to get better shots. The in-built auto-mode is good at taking the perfect shot with AI enabled technologies now being developed.
6. Try Bracketing
Bracketing is a technique used in drones which captures 3 shots of the same view so that you can decide which one to finalize. One overexposed, one underexposed and a standard image. The 3 photos have its own light settings and shutter speeds. You can blend the captured pictures in post-processing software.
7. Add Filters
A drone camera has its own unique filters that you can apply through the drone controlling app installed in your phone. Only a single aperture setting is available and very limited control on the speed. Some neutral density controls are also operable by the user. Polarising filters which are in-built can cut into the reflecting surfaces and can give you a vibrant image of the skies.
8. Avoid Capturing Drone Blades
When you are capturing pictures with drones there are chances your blade can get into your shot. Make sure you avoid this before getting your shot. To do so you can keep your drone camera a little tilted towards down for a clear shot.
Drone technology is going to get better and in no time the numbers are going to increase and we might need to start controlling air traffic even below 400ft. In the future, we are expecting better pixels and manual controls over the drone cams, shutter speeds management and legalizing it in every country. Just like ground photography, you can see aerial photography also getting popularised.