How do you plan and scout a location for stunning aerial shots?

1 Know the rules

Before you take off, make sure you know the local laws and regulations for flying a drone. Some areas may require a license, a permit, or a notification to the authorities. Others may be restricted or prohibited for safety, privacy, or environmental reasons. Check the official sources, such as the FAA in the US or the CAA in the UK, and use apps or websites that show you the no-fly zones and the weather conditions.

2 Research the location

Once you have a general idea of where you want to shoot, do some research to find the best spots and angles. You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Google Earth, or Instagram, to scout the location and get a sense of the terrain, the features, and the lighting. Look for interesting patterns, shapes, colors, and contrasts that will make your photos stand out. You can also use a compass or a sun calculator to plan the optimal time of day for your shots.

3 Pack your gear

Before you head out, make sure you have everything you need for your drone flight. Besides your drone, your controller, and your batteries, you should also pack some essential accessories, such as a landing pad, a microSD card, a sunshade, and a filter. A landing pad will protect your drone from dust and debris, a microSD card will store your photos and videos, a sunshade will reduce the glare on your screen, and a filter will enhance the colors and contrast of your images.

4 Check your settings

When you arrive at your location, do a quick check of your drone and your camera settings. Make sure your drone is calibrated, your battery is charged, and your GPS is working. Adjust your camera settings according to the light and the subject. You may want to use a lower ISO, a higher shutter speed, and a smaller aperture for sharper and clearer photos. You can also experiment with different modes, such as HDR, panorama, or timelapse, to create dynamic and creative shots.

5 Fly with care

Now that you're ready to fly, be careful and respectful of your surroundings. Avoid flying too high, too fast, or too close to people, animals, or buildings. Follow the rules of the air and keep your drone in sight at all times. Use your screen and your controller to frame your shots and adjust your altitude, angle, and distance. Try to capture different perspectives and compositions, such as top-down, diagonal, or wide-angle shots.

6 Edit your photos

After you land, don't forget to edit your photos to make them look even better. You can use software, such as Lightroom, Photoshop, or Snapseed, to crop, rotate, adjust, and enhance your images. You can also apply filters, presets, or effects to add some style and mood to your photos. Remember to save your original files and export your edited ones in high quality and appropriate formats.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?