Video production has used drone footage to provide a new set
of outstanding aerial views that used to be only available on helicopters at
high prices. If you are a movie maker, a content creator or a business owner,
the addition of drone footage to videos brings a professional look, entices
the viewers, and gives a cinematic look. So to actually work with drone footage
you do need a plan, technical swinging and imagination. So this article will
talk about ways in which you can effectively utilize drone footage in your
videos to enhance them.
1. Plan Your Shots Strategically
However, before you fly your drone, you should plan your
shots first. When you have a good storyboard or shot list, the footage that you
gather will work towards the theme and objectives of your video. Consider:
i. Go ahead before the day of production. Take a look at the
location and see which angles work and which ones do not.
ii. Avoid windy, rainy or harsh light conditions that will
adversely impact the condition of your footage.
iii. Flight Path Opt: Plot flight paths to save battery and
smooth handovers.
iv. Lighting: It's best to take your photo during golden
hour — early morning or late afternoon — for soft and cinematic lighting.
2. Use Smooth and Stable Movements
Constant drone movement is a distraction and does harm to
your footage visually. To achieve professional results:
i. Fly Slow & Controlled: The key to flying your drone
with grace and control is to fly slow and controlled.
ii. At last mention, make sure your Drone’s gimbal is
calibrated, otherwise shake will come.
iii. Use Cinematic Modes: Almost all the drones come with
Cinematic Modes similarly, slow motion mode, and tripod mode to capture smooth
shots.
iv. Practice Flying Precision: With manual control, you will
be able to make precise maneuvers.
3. Vary Your Shot Types
Use several drone shots to make the video visually
appealing, for example:
i. Establishing Shots: A shot that helps set the place of
the scene as well as a wider view of where the scene is happening.
ii. Follow moving subjects, like a car or a person, to add
some dynamism.
iii. A 360-degree shot around something can result in
memorable and engaging shots.
iv. Capturing from directly above is an interesting and
abstract viewpoint, and can be done from a Top Down Shot.
v. Reveal Shots: From an object in the foreground, move the
drone slowly backward and so on to reveal a wonderfully picture-worthy
landscape.
4. Integrate Drone Footage Seamlessly
In order for aerial shots to have value instead of competing
with, the footage has to match up with all other videos. Achieve this by:
i. Color Grade Matching: Match the aerial shot color grading
to your main camera.
ii. Try Transitional Techniques: Add fades, speed ramps or
motion-matched cuts to ease from aerial footage to ground footage.
iii. Always Consistent Storytelling: No aerial shots should
conflict, they should either enhance or complement the story.
5. Enhance With Post-Production Editing
The difference between aerial shots that work and aerial
shots that don’t is editing. Key post-production enhancements include:
i. Smooth: Software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut
Pro will further stabilize the shaky shot.
ii. Speed modulations: Use slow motion or speed ramps to
create dramatic outcomes.
iii. Music and Sounds: Match up the shot with background
music and sound effects to bring the aerial shots to life.
iv. Crop and Reframe: For high resolutions (4K) capture, you
can crop footage and retain quality for multiple compositions.
6. Ensure Compliance With Regulations
Using a drone is subject to legal obligations. Before
flying, make sure you:
i. Obey Local Laws: You would not want to get a fine or be
in trouble with the law, so be informed of the aviation laws in your
location.
ii. If shooting on private properties, obtain the right
permits.
iii. Privacy: Respect the privacy of neighboring properties,
do not fly over them without their permission.
iv. Practicing: Stay safe by avoiding crowds and having a line
of sight to your drone.
7. Tell a Story with Drone Footage
Aerial shots are most successful when they’re used to
support a story.
i. Used Ariel shot to introduce a place for travel vlogs,
real estate videos or documentaries.
ii. Sweeping dramatic shots can help increase emotional
impact in storytelling.
iii. Unique Angles: Make your content unique by offering the
audience an angle they would usually not see.
Conclusion
Drone footage adds so many qualities to your videos when
used creatively and when there’s a purpose to it. With blended action and
better aerial shots, integrated into post-production, you can produce clean-looking videos that keep your viewers wanting more. Always remember that the
regulations must be followed and aerials must complement a story, and not
overpower it. You don’t need to be a Hollywood special effects maestro to take
your video production to new heights with aerial shots. With some practice and
your imagination, drone shots can really add an element of class to your video
work.
