Find Out How Hobbyists Can Get Started Capturing Amazing Drone Photography

It has NEVER been easier to capture stunning aerial images, especially with drones like the DJI Mini 2! As one of the drone industries leaders, we feel it’s important to educate hobbyists and those joining our exciting industry on how to get started taking awesome aerial images. Even experts might learn a thing or two! 

Choosing a Drone

When it comes to buying a drone dedicated to fulfilling your aerial photography needs, there are a lot of choices on the market. Our independent Drone Safe Store offers plenty of advice and support on purchasing a first drone and starting your drone journey.

We always recommend the DJI Mini 2 as the ultimate starter drone, especially for those looking to get started with aerial photography. The DJI Mini 2 weighs in at an astonishingly light ~242 grams, meaning that the DJI Mini 2 is able to be flown closer to people than 50 metres and you can fly above people; as long as you are not putting them in danger. 

The Mini 2 has an impressive camera with 4k/30fps capabilities as well as 4x zoom option. The Mini 2 also features an impressive flight time of 30 minutes, perfect for when your first getting started in the air. 

Remember the Rules of Photography

There are some fundamental rules of photography that every budding photographer should follow. Whilst this may seem intimidating at first, you will most likely already be subconsciously following these rules! The basics of photography are easy to forget when you're flying, but they're still relevant in the world of drones.

Beginner techniques include the rule of thirds, leading lines and the golden ratio. Whilst it’s important to learn these, there are a few basics that are easy to remember:

Symmetry & Patterns: 

While you're in the air, keep your eyes peeled for colourful, geometric, and repetitive scenes. You can see them in the most famous aerial photos and they make for a satisfying and engaging aerial experience.

Make Light Work: 

Even in low light, drone photographers benefit from long shadows and striking patterns created by the sun's rays. Also, lens flares, lens flares are cool.

Slow & Stable Wins The Race: 

These days, long exposure is possible with a variety of entry-level drones. This can be especially useful when capturing moving objects like trees or the ocean, resulting in seriously stunning results. 

Editing The Footage

Whether it's colour-correcting a batch of photos you're unhappy with or editing something out of the shot, what you do after the drone has been packed away can be just as important as the photo itself.

Software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are premium tools that can improve the potential of your photos. There are also opportunities to create full editing packages for potential clients by adding graphic design skills to your portfolio.

It takes time and is often tedious, but every good drone photographer is also a great editor.

Releasing The Content

After the editing, the next challenge is to distribute the content! When it comes to releasing aerial photography online there are a number of potential avenues: 

Social Media: 

Using social media platforms such as Instagram serve as the perfect means for distributing photographic content online. Build a following from your portfolio and you can rack up growth quickly. 

Make a Website:

Share your aerial imagery online by building your own website! Sharing and releasing your content online, on your own web platform will be very rewarding and beneficial for you and a potential client. 

Share as Stock Footage:

You can very easily share, and potentially make an income from, uploading your aerial photographs as stock images. There are a number of platforms out there but Drone Safe Stock is the only site to specialise in stock aerial imagery.

Drones, without a doubt, are a powerful tool for photographers, allowing them to shoot from angles and locations never before possible. Remember that mastering drone photography does not happen overnight. It can be extremely difficult, but with practice, planning, and patience, you too can take your shots from amateur to amazing.