Best Practices for Drone Photography and Videography in the Wilderness
Capturing the beauty of the wilderness from above is an incredible experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Whether you're new to drone photography or looking to refine your skills, here are some best practices to ensure you get the best shots while respecting the environment and staying safe.
Know the Rules and Regulations
Before you take off, make sure you’re familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding drone use. Many national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected areas have strict no-fly zones. Check for any permits you might need and always follow the rules to avoid fines and ensure everyone’s safety.
Plan Your Flight
We usually find that this isn’t necessary but it can be helpful! Scout the location beforehand, either in person or using online maps (our favorite is googles’ satellite map), to identify interesting features and potential obstacles. Consider the time of day for optimal lighting and be aware of weather conditions, as strong winds and rain can make flying difficult and dangerous.
Respect Wildlife and Nature
Drones can be disruptive to wildlife, so it’s crucial to keep a respectful distance from animals and sensitive habitats. If you see wildlife, we recommend to keep the drone far away from them. Never use your drone to chase or harass wildlife. Your goal is to capture the beauty of nature without disturbing it.
Master Your Equipment
Get comfortable with your drone and its features before heading into the wilderness. Practice basic maneuvers, learn how to adjust camera settings, and understand battery limitations. Bringing extra batteries and memory cards can save you from missing out on perfect shots due to technical issues. Also, if your drone has sensors on it that can detect objects around you, keep those on at all times! We have lost 2 different drones to unexpected tree branches. But that is a story for another day.
Use GPS and Return-to-Home Functions
Many drones come with GPS and return-to-home (RTH) features. Use these to your advantage by setting a safe home point before you start flying. This ensures that your drone can return safely if it loses signal or runs low on battery.
Capture a Variety of Shots
Mix up your shots to create a dynamic and engaging video. Combine wide-angle landscape shots with close-ups and different angles. Experiment with different heights and movements, such as panning, tilting, and orbiting, to add variety to your footage. You can never get to many videos and pictures so experiment and over time you will learn what your style is and the best ways to captures certain areas!
Edit Thoughtfully
When editing your drone footage, aim for a natural look that enhances the beauty of the wilderness without overdoing it. Use color grading to correct any exposure issues and to bring out the best in your shots. Smooth transitions and thoughtful pacing can help tell a compelling story. At the end of the day, editting can make or break a video or image. Its just as important as actually capturing it!
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Safety should always be a priority. Carry a first aid kit, extra supplies, and a map of the area. Know your drone’s emergency procedures and have a plan in case you need to land quickly or retrieve your drone from a difficult spot. We would recommend bringing a compact landing pad (we’ve had to land it in some sketchy spots so learn from our mistakes), extra propellers, screws, and a phone repair kit.
Leave No Trace
Lastly, adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all your gear and any trash, and try to leave the area better than you found it. Preserving the wilderness ensures that it remains beautiful and accessible for future generations.
By following these best practices, you can capture stunning drone footage while respecting the natural environment and staying safe. So get out there, explore, and create some breathtaking aerial visuals! Happy flying! 🚁🌲
