Drones are high flying cameras and one of the most exciting developments in photography in the last couple of years. Drones enable you to capture unique viewpoints. Drone photography not only gives you amazing images that you can capture, but you also end up enjoying everything.

Range of drones

Like all advanced technology, there is a vast range of drones, or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), on the market. Drones are similar to camera equipment in features, but your budget determines the quality of camera on-board, and also the characteristics of the drone. The low-cost models take very basic images. But the really expensive ones can lift your DSLR up into the skies. Phantom range of drones are very much in demand and the Phantom 3 series models are also popular.

Getting started

Drones have features that provide ease of operation. Drones can fly straight out of the box. All you have to do is charge the battery, download the app to your smartphone, fire it up, and let it go.

However, common sense and care is a major part of aerial flying. It is better to take small steps and set up some limitations on the smartphone app that runs the drone. Like limiting the maximum height you can fly, and also the distance you can send the drone. It is sensible to choose an open location for a start. You should study the location in relation to what’s around you.

Rules and Regulations

Most countries have rules to follow, usually, they are along the lines of these:

The drone must always be in Line of Sight (LOS) , you should always be able to see it
Maximum Height 133 metres (400 feet)
Never fly over groups of people
Respect the privacy of people
No flying near airports and other no-fly zones.

Amazing Technology

Today drones are the next generation in technology. Drones can be connected to your smartphone and can be controlled through the remote control unit by hand. You can also see on-screen exactly what the drone is viewing.

Drones have extensive Camera controls, auto or full manual control, RAW capture, even time-lapse. The drone is designed to hover in one spot with incredible stability, like an aerial tripod!

Drones are efficient

With an average 20 minutes flight time per battery charge, the drone can detect when your battery is getting low and will go into RTH mode (automatic return-to-home, thus the drone comes back to you!

If the lightbridge connection is lost (this can happen when flying behind buildings or trees), once again RTH is activated. By pressing the RTH button your flying camera will happily return to you before you know it.

Aerial Photography

Aerial photography is like other forms of photography – it’s still all about the light and angles! Therefore, rather than heading out without plans, you should start to chase the light and conditions, the strength of landscape photography. You should always be aware of weather conditions. Drones should not be used in high wind areas.

Unique Views

You will love the amazing patterns you find in the landscape when viewed from above. Drones can easily get views of areas where other aerial vehicles like planes of helicopters can’t get through. Most drones shoot high-quality video, even up to 4K, which produces stunning aerial footage.