Module 6: Creative Aerial Photography and Videography

Welcome to Module 6 of the SARVision Drone Pilot Training Course! Having mastered advanced flight skills, you’re now ready to fully explore the creative potential of aerial imaging. This module focuses on developing your artistic vision and technical expertise to capture truly exceptional drone photography and videography.

Aerial imaging offers unique perspectives that can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual experiences. The techniques you’ll learn in this module will help you move beyond basic drone photos and videos to create compelling visual stories, professional-quality content, and imagery with genuine artistic merit.

We’ll explore both the technical and creative aspects of aerial imaging, from advanced camera settings and techniques to composition strategies and storytelling approaches. Whether your goal is to enhance your social media presence, develop a professional portfolio, or simply create beautiful memories, these skills will significantly elevate your drone photography and videography.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  • Develop a personal creative vision for your aerial photography
  • Apply advanced composition techniques specific to aerial perspectives
  • Utilize light effectively at different times of day
  • Master drone camera settings for various scenarios
  • Execute specialized video techniques for dynamic footage
  • Track subjects with precision while maintaining cinematic framing
  • Plan and capture compelling shot sequences
  • Create panoramas and spherical images
  • Use ND filters for enhanced image quality
  • Create professional-quality hyperlapse and timelapse sequences

Section 1: Developing Your Creative Vision

Finding Your Aerial Perspective

Cultivating a unique photographic voice:

  • Personal Style Development:
    • Identifying visual elements that resonate with you
    • Analyzing aerial photographers whose work you admire
    • Experimenting with different approaches and techniques
    • Recognizing patterns in your favorite images
  • Subject Matter Exploration:
    • Landscapes: Revealing patterns, textures, and scale
    • Architecture: Highlighting design, context, and relationship to environment
    • Abstract: Finding patterns, textures, and compositions not visible from ground
    • Documentary: Telling stories through aerial perspective
    • Action/Sports: Capturing dynamic movement from above
  • Storytelling Through Aerial Imagery:
    • Moving beyond single shots to narrative sequences
    • Creating visual stories with beginning, middle, and end
    • Using altitude and perspective to reveal context
    • Combining ground and aerial perspectives for complete stories

Pre-Visualization Techniques

Planning great shots before launching:

  • Location Research:
    • Using maps and satellite imagery to scout locations
    • Identifying potential subjects and compositions
    • Understanding light direction and timing
    • Researching access points and flight restrictions
  • Shot Planning Process:
    • Visualizing specific images before flight
    • Sketching compositions and flight paths
    • Planning altitude, angle, and camera settings
    • Anticipating potential challenges
  • The Shot List Approach:
    • Creating organized lists of planned images
    • Prioritizing shots based on lighting and conditions
    • Building in flexibility for unexpected opportunities
    • Ensuring efficient use of flight time

Creative Exercise: Vision Development

Activities to build your creative perspective:

  • The 20 Perspectives Challenge:
    • Choose a single interesting subject
    • Capture it from 20 different angles, heights, and distances
    • Explore how perspective changes the subject’s appearance
    • Analyze which approaches create the most compelling images
  • The Limitations Game:
    • Impose creative constraints (single altitude, one lens choice, etc.)
    • Work within these limitations to find creative solutions
    • Discover how constraints can spark creativity
    • Rotate through different limitations in subsequent flights
  • The Style Analysis:
    • Study the work of three different aerial photographers
    • Identify specific techniques and approaches they use
    • Attempt to recreate aspects of their style
    • Incorporate elements you connect with into your own work

Section 2: Advanced Composition Techniques

Beyond Basic Composition

Sophisticated approaches to visual arrangement:

  • Dynamic Symmetry:
    • Using diagonals and intersections to create energy
    • Applying the “golden ratio” for balanced compositions
    • Creating tension through controlled asymmetry
    • Building compositions with multiple balanced elements
  • Intentional Framing:
    • Using natural elements as frames (trees, mountains, structures)
    • Creating depth through foreground framing elements
    • Using negative space to isolate subjects
    • Frame-within-frame techniques for added dimension
  • Advanced Rule of Thirds:
    • Placing multiple points of interest at different intersections
    • Creating movement through strategic placement
    • Using the grid for balanced complex compositions
    • When to apply and when to intentionally break the rule

Composition by Altitude

How changing height transforms composition:

  • Low Altitude Mastery (10-30 feet/3-9m):
    • Creating dramatic foreground-background relationships
    • Emphasizing subject details while maintaining context
    • Using subtle height to transform ordinary perspectives
    • Capturing the “elevated eye-level” perspective
  • Middle Altitude Techniques (30-120 feet/9-36m):
    • Balancing detail and context
    • Revealing relationships between elements
    • Finding the “sweet spot” for particular subjects
    • Creating depth through receding planes
  • High Altitude Approach (120-400 feet/36-120m):
    • Revealing patterns and systems not visible from below
    • Creating miniature-like effects with certain subjects
    • Using altitude to simplify complex scenes
    • Capturing grand landscape contexts

Specialized Aerial Compositions

Techniques unique to drone photography:

  • Aerial Leading Lines Mastery:
    • Identifying power of roads, rivers, and fences from above
    • Creating compositions with converging lines
    • Using natural patterns as directional elements
    • Positioning lines to guide viewer through the image
  • Reveal Compositions:
    • Using foreground elements to partially obscure main subject
    • Creating visual discovery as viewer explores image
    • Building curiosity through partial reveals
    • Balancing concealment and disclosure
  • The Layer Cake Approach:
    • Stacking distinct visual elements vertically in frame
    • Creating clear separation between layers
    • Using different textures and colors for each layer
    • Building complex yet organized compositions

Creative Exercise: Composition Challenge

Activities to strengthen compositional skills:

  • The Grid Mastery Exercise:
    • Practice placing key elements precisely at third-points
    • Create compositions with elements at multiple intersections
    • Experiment with central composition vs. rule of thirds
    • Review images to analyze which arrangements work best
  • The Altitude Progression:
    • Photograph same subject at 10 different altitudes
    • Note how composition changes at each height
    • Identify optimal altitude for different compositional goals
    • Create series showing transformation through altitude
  • The Abstract Hunter:
    • Seek out patterns, textures, and shapes visible only from above
    • Create compositions that obscure usual context
    • Focus on color, line, and form rather than recognizable subjects
    • Experiment with different altitudes to abstract familiar scenes

Section 3: Understanding Light and Time of Day

The Quality of Light

How different lighting affects aerial imagery:

  • Directional Light Analysis:
    • Side lighting: Revealing texture and dimension
    • Backlighting: Creating drama and silhouettes
    • Front lighting: Maximizing color and minimizing shadows
    • Top lighting: Minimizing three-dimensionality (often challenging)
  • Hard vs. Soft Light:
    • Characteristics of hard light (strong shadows, high contrast)
    • Soft light qualities (gentle transitions, lower contrast)
    • Best subjects for different light qualities
    • Seasonal and weather effects on light quality
  • Reading the Light Direction:
    • Identifying primary light source orientation
    • Planning flight paths in relation to light
    • Anticipating light changes during flight
    • Positioning drone for optimal light angle

Golden Hour Excellence

Mastering early morning and late afternoon light:

  • Golden Hour Characteristics:
    • Warm color temperature
    • Long shadows creating texture
    • Directional quality revealing dimension
    • Soft contrast with maintained detail
  • Morning vs. Evening Differences:
    • Morning: Often clearer air, different color quality
    • Evening: Typically warmer, often more atmospheric
    • Location-specific considerations
    • Seasonal variations in timing and quality
  • Golden Hour Planning:
    • Using apps to predict exact timing
    • Pre-planning shots for efficient use of limited time
    • Understanding how quickly conditions change
    • Arriving early to prepare equipment

Special Lighting Conditions

Capturing unique light scenarios:

  • Blue Hour Techniques:
    • Timing: Just before sunrise or after sunset
    • Exposure challenges and solutions
    • Balancing artificial lights with ambient blue
    • Creating mood through color contrast
  • Dramatic Weather Light:
    • Storm edges and cloud breaks
    • Sun rays through openings
    • Pre-storm and post-storm opportunities
    • Safety considerations in changing weather
  • Fog and Mist Mastery:
    • Flying above the fog layer
    • Partial reveals with elements emerging from fog
    • Creating depth through layered mist
    • Technical considerations for low-contrast conditions

Creative Exercise: Light Exploration

Activities to build light sensitivity:

  • The Golden Hour Sprint:
    • Prepare shot list before golden hour begins
    • Execute planned shots efficiently as light changes
    • Document time of each shot to analyze light progression
    • Review images to identify optimal timing for different effects
  • The Day-Long Study:
    • Photograph same location at 4-5 different times of day
    • Maintain similar composition and altitude
    • Note how light changes the mood and appearance
    • Create series showing transformation through light
  • The Light Direction Challenge:
    • Photograph same subject with light from different directions
    • Capture front-lit, side-lit, and backlit versions
    • Compare results to understand impact of light direction
    • Identify which direction best suits different subjects

Section 4: Drone Camera Settings for Different Scenarios

Advanced Exposure Control

Mastering technical image quality:

  • The Exposure Triangle Revisited:
    • ISO: Balancing light sensitivity with noise
    • Shutter Speed: Controlling motion and light
    • Aperture: Understanding fixed vs. adjustable options
    • Exposure compensation for challenging conditions
  • Metering Strategies:
    • When to use different metering modes
    • Spot metering for high-contrast scenes
    • Dealing with bright skies and darker ground
    • Creating custom exposure solutions for difficult scenes
  • Exposure Bracketing Techniques:
    • Setting up automated bracketing
    • Determining appropriate bracket intervals
    • Hand-blending vs. HDR software
    • When bracketing is essential vs. optional

Specialized Photo Settings

Technical configurations for specific scenarios:

  • Landscape Optimization:
    • Ideal settings for maximum dynamic range
    • Capturing detail in both shadows and highlights
    • Polarizing filter use for enhanced sky and reduced reflections
    • Focus techniques for optimal sharpness
  • Portrait Subject Settings:
    • Focus considerations for human subjects
    • Exposure settings for natural skin tones
    • Depth of field management with fixed aperture
    • Safe distance guidelines while maintaining detail
  • Low Light Configuration:
    • Maximum usable ISO determination
    • Longer shutter speed considerations with stabilization
    • Noise reduction techniques
    • Exposure settings for sunset/dusk conditions

Video-Specific Settings

Technical configurations for motion capture:

  • Frame Rate Selection Guide:
    • 24fps: Cinematic feel, traditional film look
    • 30fps: Standard video, good for most situations
    • 60fps: Action and sports, smooth slow-motion potential
    • 120fps+: Dramatic slow-motion effects
    • Regional considerations (25/50fps for PAL regions)
  • Shutter Speed Guidelines:
    • The 180° shutter rule explained (shutter ≈ 1/(2 × frame rate))
    • Creative effects with different shutter speeds
    • Balancing motion blur with clarity
    • Adapting to lighting conditions while maintaining proper motion
  • Resolution Considerations:
    • 4K advantages for cropping and reframing
    • 1080p benefits for specific situations
    • File size and storage implications
    • Delivery medium considerations

Creative Control Techniques

Advanced approaches to camera operation:

  • Manual vs. Automatic Modes:
    • When each is appropriate
    • Semi-automatic options (shutter priority, etc.)
    • Auto with exposure compensation techniques
    • Building confidence in manual control
  • White Balance Creative Use:
    • Standard settings for accurate color
    • Creative temperature adjustments for mood
    • Mixed lighting challenges and solutions
    • Custom white balance for consistent series
  • Creative Exposure Techniques:
    • Deliberate silhouette creation
    • High-key and low-key aesthetics from above
    • Exposure for dramatic cloud detail
    • Balancing bright sky with darker ground

Section 5: Specialized Video Techniques

Dynamic Movement Techniques

Creating sophisticated camera movements:

  • The Reveal:
    • Starting with subject obscured
    • Slowly bringing subject into frame through movement
    • Altitude changes for vertical reveals
    • Combining with gimbal movements for complex reveals
  • The Orbit:
    • Perfect circle around subject of interest
    • Maintaining consistent altitude and distance
    • Speed consistency throughout
    • Focal point maintenance
    • Manual vs. automated approaches
  • The Dolly Zoom (Vertigo Effect):
    • Simultaneous zoom and movement to create perspective distortion
    • Technical execution with drone platforms
    • Subject selection for maximum impact
    • Practical limitations and workarounds
  • The Push-In:
    • Smooth approach toward subject
    • Maintaining perfect centering
    • Speed consistency for professional look
    • Combining with gentle altitude decrease for dramatic effect

Cinematic Techniques Adaptation

Applying traditional film techniques to aerial platforms:

  • Shot Types from Above:
    • Establishing shots: Setting scene context
    • Detail shots: Focusing on specific elements
    • Sequence building: Combining wide and close perspectives
    • Transitional movements: Connecting different scenes
  • Visual Storytelling Elements:
    • Creating narrative flow through movement
    • Building tension through height and distance
    • Revealing and concealing elements strategically
    • Connecting ground and aerial perspectives
  • Cinematic Conventions:
    • Rule of thirds in motion
    • Leading room for moving subjects
    • 180-degree rule considerations in aerial context
    • Screen direction consistency
  • Advanced Framing Concepts:
    • Dynamic composition during movement
    • Maintaining headroom and leading space
    • Foreground elements for depth
    • Frame within frame techniques from above

Working with Subjects

Effective techniques for filming people and objects:

  • Human Subject Techniques:
    • Directing people from above
    • Communication methods during flight
    • Safe distances while maintaining visual interest
    • Flattering angles for human subjects
    • Group formations that work from above
  • Vehicle Tracking:
    • Maintaining position relative to moving vehicles
    • Anticipating movement and path
    • Safety considerations and legal requirements
    • Speed matching techniques
    • Dynamic shots entering and exiting frame
  • Wildlife Considerations:
    • Ethical approach to wildlife documentation
    • Minimum disturbance techniques
    • Safe distances for different species
    • Anticipating movement patterns
    • Legal restrictions regarding wildlife

Specialized Shot Styles

Unique aerial video techniques:

  • Hyperlapse Creation:
    • Waypoint programming for consistent path
    • Interval and movement speed calculation
    • Post-processing stabilization techniques
    • Subject selection for maximum impact
  • Timelapse from Above:
    • Stationary positioning for extended periods
    • Battery management for long sequences
    • Subject movement considerations
    • Exposure changes during extended shoots
  • Long-Exposure Effects:
    • ND filters for slower shutter speeds
    • Capturing motion blur with stable drone
    • Light trail documentation from above
    • Technical limitations and solutions

Section 6: Subject Tracking and Dynamic Shots

ActiveTrack and Subject Following

Making the most of automated tracking features:

  • Selection Techniques:
    • Choosing appropriate subjects for reliable tracking
    • Optimal conditions for tracking performance
    • Touch screen selection best practices
    • Re-selection when tracking is lost
  • Tracking Mode Selection:
    • Trace mode: Following behind subject
    • Profile mode: Following from side angle
    • Spotlight mode: Free flight while keeping subject centered
    • When to use each mode for different effects
  • Obstacle Awareness During Tracking:
    • Environmental scanning while focusing on subject
    • Setting safe altitude for obstacle clearance
    • Anticipating subject path and potential obstacles
    • Manual override when necessary
  • Common Tracking Problems:
    • Subject similarity issues (tracking wrong object)
    • Background confusion challenges
    • Subject speed limitations
    • Maintaining visual distinction

Manual Subject Tracking

Developing skills for tracking without automated assistance:

  • Control Coordination:
    • Simultaneous flight and gimbal control
    • Maintaining smooth movement matching subject
    • Anticipating direction changes
    • Developing hand-eye coordination for tracking
  • Positioning Strategies:
    • Leading the subject vs. following
    • Maintaining optimal distance
    • Angle selection for best composition
    • Height adjustments for different perspectives
  • Constant Framing Techniques:
    • Keeping subject at rule of thirds intersection
    • Maintaining consistent composition during movement
    • Adjusting for subject speed changes
    • Compensating for wind effects on positioning
  • Practice Exercises:
    • Predictable path tracking drills
    • Random movement response practice
    • Increasing difficulty progression
    • Two-person practice scenarios

Dynamic Transitions

Creating smooth movement between different shot types:

  • Height Transition Techniques:
    • Smooth altitude changes while maintaining subject
    • Vertical movement with purpose
    • Combining with horizontal movement for diagonal paths
    • Consistent speed for professional appearance
  • Perspective Shifts:
    • Transitioning from wide to close framing
    • Moving from above to side perspectives
    • Revealing new elements through movement
    • Combining drone movement and gimbal adjustment
  • Complex Path Execution:
    • Planning multi-point movements
    • Maintaining smooth curves between points
    • Consistent speed through entire sequence
    • Beginning and ending with stable framing

Point of Interest Techniques

Making the most of orbit and circling features:

  • POI Mode Optimization:
    • Setting precise center point
    • Radius selection for different subjects
    • Height and angle optimization
    • Speed adjustment for desired effect
  • Manual Orbit Techniques:
    • Executing perfect circles without automated features
    • Maintaining consistent distance and height
    • Combining yaw rotation with circular movement
    • Focus lock on central subject
  • Creative Orbit Variations:
    • Ascending/descending spirals
    • Varying distance during orbit
    • Changing speed for dramatic effect
    • Partial orbits as reveal techniques

Section 7: Planning and Executing Shot Sequences

Storyboarding for Aerial Photography

Preparing effective shot plans:

  • Shot List Development:
    • Building comprehensive shot inventories
    • Categorizing by type, location, and conditions
    • Prioritizing based on lighting and timing
    • Creating flexible execution order
  • Visual Planning Methods:
    • Simple sketching techniques for flight paths
    • Using maps and satellite imagery for planning
    • Shot visualization exercises
    • Digital storyboarding tools and apps
  • Technical Notation:
    • Documenting altitude, angle, and movement
    • Camera settings for each planned shot
    • Estimating time requirements
    • Equipment and accessory notes
  • Contingency Planning:
    • Alternative shots for weather changes
    • Simplified versions of complex movements
    • Battery management across planned sequence
    • Adaptability for unexpected conditions or opportunities

Location Scouting for Aerial Work

Finding and assessing ideal shooting locations:

  • Remote Scouting Techniques:
    • Using Google Earth and mapping tools
    • Satellite imagery analysis for potential
    • Topographic map evaluation
    • Online research for existing aerial content
  • On-Site Assessment:
    • Identifying takeoff and landing zones
    • Obstacle and hazard mapping
    • Signal interference evaluation
    • Sun position and lighting analysis
    • Identifying unique features and compositions
  • Permission and Access:
    • Property ownership research
    • Permission acquisition process
    • Public land usage rules
    • Restricted airspace identification and authorization
  • Logistical Considerations:
    • Equipment transport to location
    • Power availability for charging
    • Team positioning and communication
    • Weather protection and contingencies

Building Narrative Sequences

Creating story-driven aerial content:

  • Establishing Context:
    • Opening with wide establishing shots
    • Providing geographical orientation
    • Setting mood and atmosphere
    • Introducing key elements
  • Progressive Revelation:
    • Moving from general to specific
    • Revealing details in logical sequence
    • Building visual interest through discovery
    • Creating moments of surprise or emphasis
  • Sequence Structuring:
    • Beginning, middle, and end planning
    • Creating visual rhythm and pacing
    • Mixing shot types for variety and interest
    • Considering attention span and engagement
  • Emotional Storytelling:
    • Using altitude to affect emotional response
    • Movement speed for different emotional tones
    • Light quality to enhance mood
    • Revealing or concealing elements for dramatic effect

Execution Strategy

Turning plans into successful footage:

  • Pre-Flight Preparation:
    • Equipment checklist for planned shots
    • Battery strategy for sequence completion
    • Camera setting presets for quick changes
    • Location arrival timing for optimal conditions
  • Efficient Execution:
    • Prioritizing shots based on lighting and conditions
    • Minimizing battery changes and setup time
    • Execution order optimization
    • Quick review process between shots
  • Team Coordination (if applicable):
    • Communication systems and protocols
    • Roles and responsibilities
    • Hand signals and terminology
    • Subject coordination for complex shots
  • Adaptation and Problem Solving:
    • Quick decision making when plans change
    • Simplifying complex shots when necessary
    • Creative alternatives when obstacles arise
    • Weather and light adaptation strategies

Section 8: Advanced Creative Techniques

Panoramas and Spherical Images

Creating immersive wide-view compositions:

  • Standard Panorama Technique:
    • Level drone positioning importance
    • Overlap percentage for successful stitching
    • Exposure consistency across frames
    • Manual vs. automated capture
    • Recommended software for stitching
  • Vertical Panoramas:
    • Multiple altitude technique
    • Capturing extreme height range
    • Proper overlap for vertical stitching
    • Creating unique perspective impossible in single shot
  • 360° Spherical Capture:
    • Complete environment documentation
    • Technical requirements for full coverage
    • Multiple row capture technique
    • Specialized software for spherical stitching
    • Output options for various platforms
  • Common Stitching Problems:
    • Parallax issues and prevention
    • Moving object challenges
    • Exposure variation correction
    • Distortion management

ND Filter Mastery

Leveraging neutral density filters for creative control:

  • ND Filter Fundamentals:
    • Filter strength ratings explained
    • When different densities are appropriate
    • Stacking considerations and limitations
    • Quality differences between brands
  • Creative Applications:
    • Motion blur effects with moving subjects
    • Water smoothing techniques from above
    • Long exposure effects while hovering
    • Maintaining ideal aperture in bright conditions
  • Filter Management:
    • Storage and transport protection
    • Cleaning procedures
    • Quick changing techniques
    • Adapting to changing light conditions
  • Common Mistakes:
    • Color cast identification and correction
    • Vignetting with wide-angle lenses
    • Focus challenges with very dark filters
    • Exposure calculation errors

Hyperlapse and Timelapse Techniques

Creating time-manipulation effects:

  • Drone Hyperlapse Fundamentals:
    • Defining parameters (distance, intervals, speed)
    • Manual vs. automated techniques
    • Path planning for smooth movement
    • Frame rate and interval calculations
  • Static Aerial Timelapse:
    • Positioning for maximum stability
    • Interval selection for different subjects
    • Battery management for extended sequences
    • Day-to-night transition techniques
  • Advanced Processing Methods:
    • Stabilization in post-production
    • Frame blending for smoother motion
    • Color consistency correction
    • Speed ramping effects
  • Creative Applications:
    • Urban transformation documentation
    • Weather pattern capture
    • Traffic flow visualization
    • Natural event documentation

Light Painting from Above

Unique long-exposure techniques:

  • Basic Setup Requirements:
    • ND filters for daytime long exposures
    • Stability requirements for clean results
    • Light source options and intensity needs
    • Camera settings for optimal capture
  • Execution Techniques:
    • Coordinating ground light movement
    • Communication methods during exposure
    • Timing considerations
    • Multiple exposure layering
  • Creative Applications:
    • Ground-based light trails with aerial perspective
    • Drone movement with lights attached (where legally permitted)
    • Combining ground and aerial light sources
    • Creating geometric patterns visible only from above
  • Technical Challenges:
    • Drone stability during long exposures
    • Light intensity requirements at different altitudes
    • Focusing in low-light conditions
    • Exposure calculation for desired effects

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding with these questions:

  1. What is the “golden hour” and why is it particularly valuable for aerial photography?
  2. Describe the difference between a reveal shot and an orbit shot in drone videography.
  3. When would you choose a higher frame rate (60fps or higher) versus standard frame rates (24/30fps)?
  4. What is the 180° shutter rule, and why is it important for natural-looking video?
  5. Name three composition techniques specifically enhanced by the aerial perspective.
  6. What types of subjects typically work best for drone tracking features, and which may cause problems?
  7. Explain the purpose of ND filters in drone photography and provide two specific creative applications.
  8. What is a hyperlapse and how does it differ from a standard timelapse?
  9. Describe the process of planning a narrative-driven sequence of drone shots.
  10. What are the advantages of shooting in RAW format versus JPEG for aerial photography?

Click here to check your answers

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing Module 6 of the SARVision Drone Pilot Training Course! You’ve now explored the creative possibilities of aerial imaging and developed techniques to transform your technical flight skills into compelling visual content.

The creative approaches you’ve learned—from composition strategies and lighting techniques to dynamic movements and specialized effects—will help you develop your unique style as an aerial photographer and videographer. Remember that technical mastery serves creative vision; the advanced flight skills you’ve developed in previous modules now become tools for artistic expression.

As with all creative disciplines, development comes through practice and experimentation. We encourage you to implement these techniques systematically, analyzing your results and refining your approach with each flight. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and develop your personal style within the framework of these fundamental principles.

In the next module, we’ll explore post-processing techniques to enhance your aerial imagery, from basic editing to more advanced manipulation that can elevate your work to professional standards.

Practice Goals Before Next Module

Before proceeding to Module 7, aim to:

  • Create a series of images demonstrating at least 5 different composition techniques
  • Execute all four basic video movements with smooth, professional quality
  • Capture the same subject in different lighting conditions to compare the effect
  • Plan and execute a short narrative sequence of at least 5 connected shots
  • Experiment with different altitudes to demonstrate how they affect visual impact
  • If you have ND filters, practice creating long-exposure effects from the air
  • Attempt a manual panorama sequence and stitch the results

Additional Resources

Next Steps

When you feel confident in your creative aerial photography and videography skills, proceed to Module 7: Post-Processing and Sharing Your Aerial Content.

Have questions about this module? Visit our community forum or contact our training team for support.

Last updated: March 2025