Aerial video production that impresses your customers

Drone video production has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to the increased affordability and accessibility of drones equipped with high-quality cameras. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer a unique perspective and can capture stunning aerial footage that was previously only possible with the use of expensive helicopters or specialized camera rigs.

But while using drones for video production may seem straightforward, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account in order to produce professional-quality results. In this article, we’ll go over some of the key aspects of drone video production, including pre-production planning, camera settings and techniques, post-production editing, and legal considerations.

Pre-production planning is an essential part of any video production project, and this is especially true when it comes to using drones. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account before you even leave the ground, including:

• Location scouting: The location where you’ll be shooting your drone footage is a crucial factor that will influence the look and feel of your final video. Consider factors such as the time of day, weather conditions, and any potential obstacles or hazards that may be present. It’s also important to ensure that you have the necessary permissions to fly your drone in the chosen location.
• Storyboarding: Once you have a clear idea of the location and the overall look and feel you want to achieve, it’s a good idea to create a rough storyboard that outlines the shots you plan to capture. This will help you plan your flight path and ensure that you get the footage you need in a timely and efficient manner.
• Equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary equipment before you head out to shoot. This will likely include the drone itself, as well as any additional cameras or lenses you may need. It’s also a good idea to bring backup batteries and other spare parts in case of any equipment failures.

When it comes to actually capturing footage with your drone, there are a few key camera settings and techniques to keep in mind. These include:

• Shutter speed: Shutter speed refers to the length of time that the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. In general, you’ll want to use a faster shutter speed when shooting aerial footage to reduce motion blur and ensure that your footage is crisp and clear. This is especially important when flying at high speeds or in windy conditions.
• ISO: The ISO setting determines the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. Higher ISO values will result in brighter images, but can also introduce noise and grain into the footage. It’s generally a good idea to keep the ISO as low as possible while still maintaining a proper exposure.
• White balance: White balance refers to the overall color temperature of an image. Proper white balance is important in order to accurately reproduce the colors that are present in the scene. When shooting aerial footage, it’s a good idea to use a custom white balance setting or to shoot in raw format, which will allow you to adjust the white balance in post-production.

Once you’ve captured your footage, the next step is post-production editing. This involves assembling the footage, adding any necessary transitions or effects, and possibly adding music or voiceover. Here are a few tips for editing your drone footage:

• Stabilization: Drone footage can often be somewhat shaky, especially in windy conditions. To improve the stability of your footage, consider using a stabilization plugin or software such as Adobe Premiere Pro’s Warp Stabilizer.
• Color grading: Color grading involves adjusting the overall look and feel of your footage by adjusting the colors and tones. This can help to create a cohesive look for your video and set the mood.