Flying drones is so much fun and can be rewarding if you can get some great footage while you are in full flight. It can be tricky at first but the more you practice the better you will be. In this tutorial, we will cover some drone tips and how to shoot great drone videos.
There are some difficulties that almost everyone will encounter when handling the drone from the remote control down on the ground.
- Firstly, it’s tricky to get some great drone videos and keep your eyes on the drone and the controls at the same time.
- Secondly, once you are up in the air, it’s a tricky task to not only keep the correct bearings and altitude, but if you have lost vision of your drone, will may not know what obstacles may be in your way that can obstruct your flight path.
- Lastly, and more to the point, it can be extremely difficult to record high-quality drone videos. Sure, most of us can manage to get the drone off the ground and the video camera rolling but it can take practice to control the camera and move the camera smoothly without sudden movements or jitters.
The last thing you want is to be disappointed with your drone video footage when you sit down to view it. You may think you are taking some really great footage, only to find the sunlight was bleaching out the entire scene you were trying to capture, or you are not happy with the angle or speed of the camera motion. It’s also not uncommon to find that your video can be shaky, to the point you can feel seasick just watching the horizon bouncing up and down. There are a number of other common problems, like drone videos taken too high up, so you can’t really see what’s happening on the ground.
In this tech tip we will cover simple drone tips to record truly impressive drone videos with your drone.
Plan Your Flight Path
Before you launch, have a plan. Whether you’re filming a real estate listing, a construction project, or just enjoying scenic views, a pre-planned flight path ensures smoother results. Fly your route once without recording to map out the best angles and waypoints. With many drones, you can even save automated flight paths that keep your drone steady while you focus on capturing the footage.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Lighting can make or break your video. Always aim to fly with the sun behind the drone, not facing into it. Shooting directly into sunlight can overexpose your footage and wash out important details. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as “golden hours,” provide soft, warm lighting that can dramatically enhance your footage.
Get a Spotter for Better Control
Trying to fly, frame shots, and avoid obstacles all at once is a big ask. A second set of eyes can help track the drone while you focus on smooth camera movements. It’s a simple tip that makes your shoot safer and more productive.
Start Recording at Ground Level
Begin recording before take-off. Capturing the drone lifting off or gliding into motion adds cinematic flair and ensures you don’t miss anything. Ground-level footage can be surprisingly dynamic, especially when you pull away or approach a subject in motion.
Upgrade Your Storage
Running out of space mid-flight is frustrating. If your drone uses microSD cards, consider upgrading to 256GB or more. High-resolution video takes up a lot of space, and larger cards mean fewer interruptions.
Shoot Multiple Takes
Don’t rely on a single shot. The more clips you capture, the more flexibility you’ll have during editing. You can pick the best angles, eliminate mistakes, and piece together a seamless final product.
Invest in a Quality Camera and Gimbal
Shaky footage is a surefire way to ruin a great aerial shot. Invest in a drone with a quality gimbal and 4K camera for smooth, professional-grade footage. A 3-axis gimbal is essential for eliminating vibration and keeping your footage level, even in windy conditions.
Keep It Smooth and Simple
Your audience should feel like they’re floating through the sky. Avoid sharp turns, sudden stops, or rapid altitude changes. Use gentle movements and slow pans to create cinematic flow. Practice flying in straight, stable lines for longer shots.
Choose the Right Location
Scout your location ahead of time. Pick open areas with minimal interference and few people around. Avoid restricted zones like airports, power stations, and private properties unless you have permission. Safety should always come first.
Respect Privacy and Safety
Just because your drone can fly somewhere doesn’t mean it should. Be mindful of people’s privacy, avoid crowded areas, and always obey local laws. If you’re working under pressure or for a client, know when to say no to unsafe requests.
Final Thoughts
Capturing stunning drone footage takes practice, planning, and a solid understanding of your gear. With these expert drone tips, you’ll be well on your way to producing smooth, cinematic aerial videos that leave a lasting impression. Now get out there, take flight, and start shooting like a pro!
