Drones have completely changed the filmmaking game. Once upon a time, getting those sweeping, cinematic aerial shots required a Hollywood budget and a helicopter. Now, all you need is a solid drone, a bit of patience, and some practice. But before you take off and start capturing epic footage, there are a few things you absolutely need to know.
If you're an aspiring drone pilot or a small business looking to incorporate aerial shots into your video content, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get started. So grab your drone, buckle up, and let’s dive in.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Drone
Before you start capturing breathtaking aerial shots, you need the right gear. There are hundreds of drones on the market, and choosing one can feel overwhelming. So, let’s break it down.
Things to Consider When Buying a Drone:
Budget: Entry-level drones start at around $500 while professional rigs can go well over $5,000.
Camera Quality: Look for at least 4K resolution for professional-looking footage.
Battery Life: Most drones last 20-30 minutes per battery, so plan accordingly.
Obstacle Avoidance: Crucial if you don’t want to crash into trees, buildings, or even people.
Portability: If you’re traveling around Maine for video shoots, a compact and foldable drone like the DJI Air 3 is a great choice.
Side Note:
You don't have to spend a crazy amount of money to get going with a quality 4k drone. For example at the time of writing this article, the DJI Mavic Mini package which shoots 4k video, over 30 minutes of flight time per battery and packed tons of features all for $299.
Step 2: Understanding Drone Laws and Regulations
I get it—rules aren't the most exciting thing to talk about. But if you ignore drone laws, you might end up with a hefty fine or, even worse, legal trouble.
Important Drone Rules in the U.S.:
If your drone weighs more than 250g, you must register it with the FAA.
If you’re using your drone for business (like real estate or Maine video production), you need a Part 107 license.
Flying over people or beyond line of sight is prohibited without special permissions.
Keep your drone under 400 feet and away from airports.
Pro Tip:
If you’re shooting in Portland, Maine, or anywhere near protected landmarks, always check for local drone restrictions. Some areas, like national parks, have strict no-fly zones.
Step 3: Mastering the Basics of Flying
Flying a drone is part skill, part patience, and part knowing when not to panic. Before you start filming, take the time to master the basics.
Beginner Drone Maneuvers:
Hovering: Get comfortable keeping your drone steady in one place.
Slow Movements: Smooth, controlled shots look way more cinematic than quick, jerky ones.
Simple Tracking Shots: Follow a subject at a slow, even pace.
Orbiting: Circle around a subject while keeping it centered in the frame
We drone a lot of real estate videos for a beautiful coastal homes in Maine. At first it made us a little nervous, but sticking to simple, slow movements made the footage look way more professional. Pro tip—never rush your shots.
Step 4: Capturing Cinematic Footage
Now that you know how to fly, it’s time to make your shots look like something straight out of a movie.
Tips for Cinematic Drone Footage:
Shoot in 4K – Higher resolution means sharper, more professional-looking footage.
Use ND Filters – These reduce glare and make your shots look smooth and natural.
Fly Slow and Low – Slower movements add an epic, cinematic feel to your shots.
Plan Your Shots – Don’t just fly aimlessly. Think about composition and storytelling.
Golden Hour is King – Early morning or just before sunset gives you that soft, dreamy light.
Pro Tip:
If you're filming a live event in Maine, use drone footage to establish the location before cutting to close-up shots. It instantly makes your video look more professional.
Step 5: Editing and Enhancing Your Drone Footage
Your drone footage is only as good as your edit. Even the best shots can look dull without proper color grading, stabilization, and music.
Editing Tips:
Stabilize Your Footage: Even with a gimbal, some drone shots can look shaky. Use stabilization tools in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
Color Grade for Maximum Impact: Adjust contrast, highlights, and shadows to make your footage pop.
Add Music for Emotion: The right soundtrack makes a huge difference in how your video feels.
Use Cuts and Transitions Wisely: Too many fancy transitions can look cheesy—keep it simple.
Like a lot of people just starting out, I overused slow motion for everything. While it looks cool, not every shot needs to be slowed down. A mix of regular speed and slow motion creates a better story flow.
Ready to Elevate Your Video Content with Drones?
Drone videography opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Whether you're a beginner looking to level up your skills or a small business in need of stunning aerial footage, getting started the right way makes all the difference.
At Henry Riley Productions, we specialize in cinematic drone videography, commercial video production, and live event coverage in Maine. If you need professional drone footage for your brand, real estate listing, or social media campaign, we've got you covered.
Let’s make something incredible together! Check out our work at Henry Riley Productions and reach out to bring your vision to life.
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