Drone photography is becoming increasingly popular among landscape photographers, and for good reason. Drones offer a unique perspective of the world we live in, which can be used to capture stunning landscape images. If you’re new to drone photography or if you’re looking to improve your skills, here are 10 tips to help you capture stunning landscape shots with your drone and accessories to consider.
1. Plan your shots
Before taking off, take some time to plan out your shots. Check local laws and restrictions (you can use the app airmap to check this information). Look for interesting angles and compositions, and think about how you want to use the landscape to create a visually appealing image. Also, take a look at the pictures that have been taken before so as not to duplicate what has already been done. There is nothing worse than getting the same photo with about 20 other photographers when you can create something new and interesting.
2. Use the Right Settings
Your drone’s camera has a number of configurable settings that can affect the quality of your photos. Make sure you understand how these settings work well ahead of time to maximize your battery life and time in the air, and how to use them to your advantage to get the shot you want. Choose the right shutter speed, ISO and f-stop. In addition, the DJI drone has several options including HDR, Panorama, etc. Use these to your advantage. If possible, save your settings to a profile so you can load it in instead of changing every setting while the drone is in the air.
3. Shoot in Raw
The raw file format gives you more control over the editing process, so you should shoot in raw whenever possible. JPEG is a lossy format, so you will always get a compressed image, which is okay if the photo will be on your phone, but if, like me, you want to print your photo , the raw image will give you the highest possible quality with the largest and widest editing and adjustment capabilities.
4. Be patient and aware
Be patient, but also be mindful of your time in the air and battery life. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take your time if you have a spare battery. The best drone photos often come from patience and persistence. Sunset and sunrise photos are really about turning around and waiting.
5. Safe and Legal
Always fly your drone safely and responsibly. Follow all the rules and regulations for drones flying in your area. If you are going to sell your images, make sure you have the correct license for your country. Basic UK information can be found on the CAA website This. You will need to register a flyer and pilot ID. It is against the law to operate a drone or model aircraft without the required ID. You can also be fined for breaking the law while flying. In the most serious cases, you can be sent to jail (although this is very rare unless it is the most serious offence).
6. Get the right equipment
I own two drones. I have DJI Mini 3 Pro with DJI RC Remote & Fly More Kit Plus, this is great for most cases, as you don’t need a commercial license to fly this type of aircraft in the UK, although it does need to be registered with the CAA. I also own a DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone Quadcopter UAV with smart controllerthis is still a lovely drone and as a fully licensed pilot I use it for most commercial work that requires better cameras and more options for planning as well as at higher wind speeds. i also have DJI Neutral Density Filter for Mini 3 Pro and DJI Mini 3 Pro wide-angle lens, plus spare batteries for everything.
7. Take a Video, Then Take a Photo
Recording video with your camera can help you get great photos that you otherwise might miss out on. Think about the time it takes to react to what’s going on and then take a photo versus sending a drone into the air and then filming and capturing stills from the video. It’s also very easy in Adobe Lightroom. You just need to move the clip to the point you want, click to the right of the bar and select Snap Frame.
Here is an example:
8. Share your photo
Once you’ve captured some amazing drone shots, don’t forget to share them with the world! Post them on your social media channels, enter photography contests or even print them out and hang them on your wall. DJI’s app has a place where you can upload your favorite images for people to view, rate, and comment on, and most photography competitions these days have a drone or drone category. plane.
9. Remember to have fun
Drone photography is a great way to get creative and explore the world from a new perspective. So get out there and start flying! Try goggles too. It’s weird and really exciting to be able to see the world as if you were flying a plane or a helicopter. Check out the DJI Avatar Pro-View Combo with RC Motion 2. It’s a great way to take part in flying FPV (first-person perspective).
10. Learn from others
There are many helpful resources to help you learn more about drone photography. View tutorials online, read photography magazines and follow other drone photographers on social media. Mr. MPW is a great resource and can be found online This.
Following these tips, you can take stunning landscape photos with your drone. What are you waiting for? Get out there and start flying!
