using a drone for business photography

[steveatesh]

We are considering going into the world of video and drones to go with still commercial photography. Complete novice though, I'm hoping a PH expert can help with are there any recommended training material/YouTube videos that I can access to help get started please?

Also, what sort of drone would be good to consider? (For example I was at an event (as a participant) a few weeks ago and the event Photographer was using two drones, a larger one for outdoor and a tiny one for inside the event hall)

I know there will be training, registration and extra insurance, its the technology side that we know nothing about!

Thanks in advance.

[Drogo]

Youtube have a look through the work of Ian in London
and this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xje3cqnG-Q

[leggly]

I’d start by making contact with Matt Harmsworth of ROVAR in Inverness. He’s the CEO of the company and will point in the right direction.

[steveatesh]

Thanks both

[Simpo Two]

leggly said:

I’d start by making contact with Matt Harmsworth of ROVAR in Inverness. He’s the CEO of the company and will point in the right direction.

'ROVAR Inverness' doesn't find anything on Google.

[acd80]

Simpo Two said:

'ROVAR Inverness' doesn't find anything on Google.

https://www.roavr-environmental.co.uk/uas-consultancy

[300bhp/ton]

steveatesh said:

We are considering going into the world of video and drones to go with still commercial photography. Complete novice though, I'm hoping a PH expert can help with are there any recommended training material/YouTube videos that I can access to help get started please?

Also, what sort of drone would be good to consider? (For example I was at an event (as a participant) a few weeks ago and the event Photographer was using two drones, a larger one for outdoor and a tiny one for inside the event hall)

I know there will be training, registration and extra insurance, its the technology side that we know nothing about!

Thanks in advance.

What sort of things are you wanting to photograph or video? i.e. are they moving or static? Will it involve long flight durations? What sort of environment? Will it be windy or in tight confines?


As a rule larger, heavier drones will be more stable and handle higher winds better. But they will also cost more on all levels and above a certain size may require even more licensing and running costs.

Many smaller drones are capable of very good video and photos these days. If you are filming moving targets you may need something more specialist and a higher degree of pilot skill will be needed.

[StevieBee]

steveatesh said:

We are considering going into the world of video and drones to go with still commercial photography.

This is exactly what I did about three years ago. I run a comms agency and started to bring a lot more in house including photo and video.

I went for the Mavic 2 Pro. I have no experience with any others but absolutely love the Mavic and does everything I need very well.

My advice is that (initially at least), you just treat it as you would a new lens; a means to capture an image from a different angle. Just take it out on shoots and stick it up to see what you get. You don't need to send it to the stratosphere either. I find that the most pleasing stuff I get from it is actually quite low level shots - the sort of stuff that's just beyond the reach of a step ladder.

A great addition for video too....though don't over do it. I do see loads of corporatey type videos that over use drone footage to such an extent that I actively look to use it sparingly and only if something really needs it - not for the sake of it.

Something I use it a lot for is low tracking shots in place of a dolly. Had a shoot recently where I had to film someone leaving a house, walking down a drive to a car parked along the road. Tried using a gimbal which worked fine but got a lovely one-shot take with the drone, flown at about head height.

As I say, I can't comment on other drones. My criteria when choosing was the camera and the Hasselblad on the Mavic fitted the bill for the money I was willing to invest.

When buying, I would recommend you budget for at least four batteries, a set of ND filters and either tablet for the controller or a controller with the display built in.

They're easy to fly. I spent a little time practising at a local football pitch - taking off from and landing on each corner, following the lines, etc.. The only thing I've found you need to keep an eye on is the speed when its at a distance from you. It's difficult to judge from looking at it or from the screen and you think it's pootling along until you bring it down for a low shot and it's at Mach3!

HTH

[steveatesh]

Thanks everybody for taking the time to answer and give advice, great responses, we shoot branding photography and events, really helpful info thanks.

[simonbrooks]

One thing that seems to have been missed. You may need a commercial drone pilots license you will certainly need permission from the CAA. It depends on how big your drone is. If it's less than 250g then all you need is an operator ID from the CAA, over that the rules change.

https://blog.uavhub.com/do-i-need-a-drone-license-...

Enjoy.