As we are getting used to more and more camera drones covering various events, airsoft included, some of us want to dabble in Aerial Photography/Videography. Having a camera drone is of course, a very good start, but having such cool toy does not mean you can just go out there and shoot some amazing and breathtaking videos taken with drones that we see on YouTube these days.
It still takes skill and the priority really is to have your video/filming skills honed by constantly practicing. In terms of sources, the internet is awash in tips, tutorials howtos, videos, and forums where people share knowledge on how to take great videos, that you may just not need to go through a video/film school. The best really is a combination of theory and practice, plus some budget but good equipment. Take inspiration from already some nice videos posted online and find out how they did those. You'll be surprised that a lot are not taken with some expensive equipment that big companies can afford. It just takes a lot of imagination, some cheap but effective contraption, and a lot of trial and error. The last one meaning having the virtue of patience.
Once you're confident with your video taking skills, then your second step will be of course having the skill a flying a drone, unless it's already a hobby of yours, flying a drone might look easy, but will also need a lot of practice. Once you are piloting drones well on instinct, then you're ready to take it to the next level --- aerial drone photography.
Flite Test writes and has a video on the tips on taking good footages from the air:
To sum up, here are the tips you will need to consider according to Flite Test:
- Have a gimbal for the camera for smoother video footage. The gimbal helps in image stabilisation.
- Consider the time of the day. Most cameras take good footage "at the golden hour" which is usually right after sunrise and before sunset. But events such as airsoft happen on all hours so plan your video taking according to available light and be creative of the effects of light at certain times of the day (or perhaps night).
- To show movement in the air, tracking trees and objects in the foreground will be important.
- Having the sun flare into the video lens can give a dynamic effect.
- Practice makes perfect. Try different camera drones with multi-rotors.
- Get used to taking footages whilst flying line-of-sight. FPV screens are very helpful, but due to transmission lag you, it best to use the screen for reference and framing.
- Weather is important. It's best to take footages when the weather is calm.
- Play with the horizon and angles to capture some unique footages/shots.
- Try shooting some drone footages you have watched that you think are creative.
- Creating nice scenes is very much dependent on how you move and manoeuvre the drone.
- Position the drone to catch sunlight and try to make backlighting work for you.
- Always try to be at the right place at the right time.
Always keep these in mind, but always feel free to experiment. The sky's the limit (though maximum ceiling and battery capacity may limit your drone) in taking video footages with drones.
But there's one thing you should never forget, always check national and local regulations on the use of the drones. Some may require licensing before you can operate one, and there are "no go areas" for drones and knowing where these are will be helpful. Even in airsoft events, there will be areas like these.
Happy flying and filming!