From vloggers to feature filmmakers, drones have become an essential part of videographers’ filming equipment. The high-flying technology allows creators to capture a wide variety of shots that can help improve the overall production quality of their videos by light years. Drones are a key way to create exciting new content so if you’re a new user, we’ve shared some tips and tricks below.
Tips for Shooting Drone Video
As Hollywood-esque aerial shots become the new bar for content creators, more will choose to adopt drone technology. However, creators that are new to using a drone should brush up on the best practices before showing up to a shoot. If you need ideas for your next project, we’ve highlighted the top five basic shot types for you to try out:
- Scanning: To achieve this effect, face the camera forward and fly the drone horizontally to shoot a skyline/coastline or vertically to shoot a tall building.
- Bird’s Eyes: Point the camera straight downward and fly the drone to get a bird’s eye view of the area. Some creative uses for this are panning over a city to show the layout, or filming a formation that can only be seen from the air.
- Low Altitude: Fly the drone close to the ground to shoot a unique angle for your video. It’s best to fly over clear ground in an open area.
- The Hump: If there are structures in your flight path, use the drone to climb over the top of the object at a relatively close altitude to reveal whatever lies behind the object.
- Obstacles: Aim the camera at an obstacle and continue to move around the camera/drone until you suddenly reveal the subject you want to capture.
For the full list featuring the unique capabilities of most drones check out this video by Filmora MVP, a YouTube channel dedicated to providing insightful filming and editing tips.
Two New Drone Video Technologies
While most drones are capable of doing the above mentioned shots, we’d like to update you on two new advancements that can help make your content stand out from the crowd. The first is the SwellPro Splash Drone 3, a waterproof drone that floats on water. Users can add another dimension to their videos by filming or taking photos on and under the surface. Simultaneously, content creators can capture bolder shots while flying close to the water without worrying about incurring damage to their expensive device.
The second technology is the new Spark drone. DJI’s tiny, compact device allows video creators to capture high quality footage while on the go. Another feature unique to Spark is that it can be controlled by hand gestures, allowing creators to operate hands free during shoots. Not to mention that at a price point of $499, Spark is a highly capable, inexpensive option for video creators on a budget.
It’s a brave new world for video creators. One where they are constantly challenged to push the boundaries of their content. Incorporating drone technology, like the Splash Drone 3 or Spark, seems like a no-brainer for creators looking to tread in uncharted waters with their content.
But keep in mind that practicing with your new drone before breaking it out on a shoot will only help you get more acclimated and produce a better finished product. Let us know if you use a drone in a video you submit to Vydia! In the meantime, check out this awesome drone video of our company softball team killing it!