Advantages of Drone Photography – Plus Bonus Tips!
When it comes to drone photography and videography, the only limit is your creativity. Well, your creativity and the FAA – Did you know that the certification to be a drone operator is nearly on par with the test they give pilots? In any case, drone videos will amaze you with their sheer quality and the polished look they give any video marketing piece.
Well here at MMC, we love drones (in fact, we have two FAA certified drone pilots on staff). In 2018, we want to start you off on the right track, and list the advantages of using drones to produce your next video, as well as some helpful tips to select the right company to work with you.
Advantages:
- Drone videos and photos are impressive and still feel new and remarkable, meaning they are more likely to be shared on social media than simple shots from the traditional perspectives.
- Often, traditional photography and tours offer a small, partially obscured view of an area or building. With drones, you can get a complete picture of the entire location – no more trees getting in the way.
- It’s inexpensive, considering the alternatives. How much easier is it to contract a drone photographer rather than a helicopter to get the same shots?!
- In addition to the area that’s the focus of your photo shoot, you can easily show the surrounding neighborhood and community.
- Most importantly, the dramatic and extremely cinematic shots from a full drone shoot have been proven to create a stronger emotional connection with the viewer than traditional photography.
If we haven’t convinced you of how awesome drone photography and videography is, here is a bonus – there is literally no better way to check the condition of your buildings’ roofs.
So now that you’re excited, make sure you follow our tips below when you hire a photographer/videographer for your very own shoot.
1 – FAA Certification is Required
When hiring a drone operator, make sure they are certified by the FAA. A company that doesn’t meet these requirements can open you to liability. Certified drone operators should be able to present you with their FAA issued Remote Pilot ID card.
2 – You Need a Spotter
Ask if the cost of sending a drone operator to your location includes a second person, or a “spotter.” This is a best practice for operating a drone. It’s important to have another person on the ground to help avoid collisions and other accidents.
3 – Check Your Airspace
Before committing to a contract, find out if your location is a legal airspace to fly in. Any drone company worth its salt should complete this research in the bidding phase, but understanding the rules will benefit you as well. Typically, heavily populated downtown areas and any location within 5 miles of an airport are a flight space no-go.
4 – Mix it Up!
When creating a showcase video, be sure to mix aerial drone shots with steady-cam or glidecam footage for a full, seamless view of your product.
5 – Ask for Demo Reels
Finally, review the demo reel of the companies you’re considering for this job. Get a feel for the style of the drone operator, and go with the one that most matches your needs.
Compelling video marketing is now at your fingertips! Get out there, and remember, have fun with it. When you have fun creating these pieces, it shows in the end product and makes people fall in love with what you’re selling.
Do you have a drone video? How did that work out for you? Do you have anything you would want to share with others? Or are you looking for more tips and information about drone photography? Let us know!
Interested in more information? Mixed Media Creations has two talented, FAA certified drone pilots waiting to help you with your next project.