Shooting aerial photography is an experience in itself. You have the chance to see the world from a completely different perspective, and you have the opportunity to show those perspectives and shots with the rest of the world.
One of the most popular aerial photography shots you may have seen involves an aerial overhead view of the ocean, and how it contrasts beautifully with the land. However, this is not an easy shot to take and is definitely one that beginners should try unless they’re confident with their drone flying skills.
If you’re flying a drone over water, and you lack the experience to fly it properly, you risk crashing your drone into the water, losing a very expensive piece of technology. If you’re interested in taking some overhead water shots, here are some tips to help you and your drone stay safe when doing this.
Always plan your shots ahead of time
One of the biggest ways that you can protect your drone is by planning out your intended shots ahead of time. This helps save you time and helps you avoid anything that might hurt your drone out in the water.
It also helps to get a few test shots in so that you’re sure that the angle and perspective is right, so you don’t end up wasting time out there.
Keep your drone in sight
It may be tempting to fly out your drone as far as it can go just to see if there are any amazing shots you can score from that distance, but tread lightly. Not only are you violating American drone laws, but the farther your fly out your drone, the higher the risk is.
Always fly your drone within your line of sight, so that you don’t accidentally run into any kinds of obstacles that you hadn’t anticipated because you couldn’t see them.
Practice extensively before you even get close to the water
Practice will always be one of the biggest things that you should do, even before you start your journey into aerial photography.
If you’re not yet comfortable with your drone flying skills, and you end up taking shots near large bodies of water, the risk of something happening to your drone is very high. Practice basic maneuvers to have a stronger grasp of your flying skills.
Watch out for any obstacles in the water
One of the major reasons why water aerial photography can be so dangerous for first-timers is because of the number of obstacles that you may encounter out there that are impossible to anticipate. Birds, waves, shifts in the wind, these are just a few of the potential dangers your drone might encounter out there in the water.
As much as possible, stick to your planned shots, and avoid flying too close to the water. Also, avoid boats or lighthouses as these might interfere with your drone’s signal.