Aerial Photography: Getting Started

So you’re looking to get started in aerial photography, but you’re unsure where to start.

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide is going to help you go from someone who is wondering what the heck am I doing to

becoming a pro quicker than you think.

We’ll go through some tips on finding the right copter for you, getting the copter off the ground, how to practice your trade and some general photography notes that you should keep in mind.

Let’s get started.

Finding the right equipment

Obviously, you need to find some equipment to get yourself started.

I’ve always been a huge supporter of DJI Phantoms.

These quadcopters are high performance and are also very durable (something that is extremely

important when you’re just starting out).

First, you need to figure out what your purpose is for the quadcopter.

Are you simply doing still photography, or do you want to capture video as well? While all of the copters listed will be capable of

video, that does not mean that it will be quality video.

If you’re looking to capture quality video, I must note that you’re going to have to spend around

$900.

I would recommend the DJI Phantom 2 with Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal.

You’re also going to need a GoPro camera to go with this.

If you’re looking to go a bit cheaper, you can settle for the earlier model - the H3-2D.

The difference: the newer model stabilizes on three axes; the older model only stabilizes on two.

The main difference between using a copter for video versus still photography is the stabilization.

Stabilizing the copter is what allows seamless video that is high quality (if you’ve practiced an adequate

amount of times).

Stabilizing helps prevent the copter from bouncing all over the place - even in moderate wind.

However, if you want to really kick still photography’s butt, I would recommend the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+.

This model also has 3-axis brushless gimbal and allows you to shoot DNG raw as well as integrating

with your iPhone, iPad or Android device.

This gives you a first-person view as well as the ability to control the camera.

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, I’d recommend the DJI Phantom FC40 Quadcopter.

At $499, this is a quadcopter that will give you a quality flying

machine that will also be able to endure your beginners crashes.

Practice

It’s smart to practice flying before you take your quadcopter outside.

That’s why I would recommend buying an indoor flying machine

such as the Blade Nano QX.

This copter is priced at under $100 and will allow you to get a handle

on just how these quadcopters maneuver.

Although it’s some extra money to spend right off the bat, realize that flying indoors first will significantly reduce the amount of crashes you

have.

And when you’re dropping over $500 on a DJI Phantom, you want to

keep those crashes to a minimum (no matter how durable they might

be).

Notes for Photography

When it comes to photography, there are a bunch of things to consider.

This will give you a quick breakdown of different aspects of photography to get you started.

Light

First, you want to start with the lighting.

Overcast days will provide you with a much softer light.

Shooting when the sun is overhead on a clear day will provide you with a minimum amount of

shadows.

If you’re looking to shoot one side of an object in particular, go at a time of the day when the sun is casting light on that side of the

object.

Moisture

When photographing from the sky, realize that the further you elevate off the ground the further you’re moving away from the object that

you’re capturing.

Mist can create a very dramatic shot - or it can ruin a long-distance shot.

Be mindful of how clear the air is before you go out and shoot.

Plan Your Shots

Don’t just go out there without a plan.

One thing that I would recommend is doing a fly-over with your

quadcopter and scoping out the area.

Investigate what images you want to capture.

When the copter returns, look over the film and plan out a route for

you to take.

Be specific.

Take note of how long you want to hold shots, how close you want to

get to the subject, and where you’re moving next.

This way, your videos will have a distinct direction to them.

Make sure you check back regularly.

I’ll be posting more tips on how to get your aerial photography skills off the ground.