Summer is a great time to shoot scenic footage, and drones are very popular among photographers and cinematographers, and for good reason! They are quite literally a great way to expand creativity and look at things from a new angle. Whether you already own a drone or you’re considering investing in one, consider these 5 tips for improving your drone footage:
Tips for Better Drone Footage
1. Plan Ahead
There are plenty of things in life that can be winged, but drone flying is not one. To get the best aerial shots possible, it is important that you think ahead. Ask yourself what shots you would like to get. Consider your location and the time of day; plan for interruptions or extra people walking into the shot. This will help you stay a step ahead of possible disturbances.
2. Walk Through
After you’ve outlined a plan, share it with anyone who will be working with or actually in the shot. Walk them through the angles and the lighting. Ask them if they have questions. Ensure that everyone is clear on what the goal is and how to achieve it.
3. Start Close
Regarding the actual filming, a great tip is to use the “in-out” method. This simply refers to starting with the drone close to the object of the shot (such as someone’s face) and then moving outward, as opposed to starting far out and flying in close. This is generally more appealing to the eyes and provides a more dramatic effect.
4. Exaggerate
Since the purpose of a drone is to take aerial shots, often from far away, it stands to reason that certain actions and expressions might be more difficult to see than they would up close. Don’t be afraid to use bright colors and exaggerated movements to provide clarity to the shot.
5. Be Prepared
Generally speaking, the charge on a drone does not last long. Chances are high that you’ll need more than one charge time to get the best shots. Bring backup chargers and a backup drone if you can. That way, you don’t run out of charge before reaching the desired goal.
Owning a drone is a lot of fun, but don’t forget to protect it by investing in drone insurance. Protect your equipment from damage or loss.
Here at Equipment and Production Insurance, we want to help you see your business succeed. Call us today with any questions you have, and let us help you choose the insurance that is right for you.
