Do you want to know what it takes for you to capture excellent pictures and videos of Singapore from up in the sky? Drone videographers in Singapore are using drone videography these days to do the unthinkable and this is becoming increasingly common.
And what’s even better is that you too can now learn how to fly drones and take stunning shots from the sky. This guide will walk you through seven key steps to help you excel in drone videography. Each step is easy to understand and will help you explore the exciting world of drones.
What's Drone Videography All About?
Drone videography is the practise of capturing video and photographs while in flight using unmanned cameras. It is a viewpoint that conventional cameras can never provide. Singapore, with its picturesque sights and modern skyscrapers, offers drone videography as a new perspective.
But why is drone videography so special? It helps create wonderful images for all sorts of purposes, from selling a property to promoting places of attraction. Is it hard to think that one can get a bird’s eye view of lovely attractions like Marina Bay? Or film a big event from above? Drone videography can make any project stand out.
Step 1: Know the Rules and Get Permits
Before one can take their drone on an aerial adventure all around Singapore, there are rules to be observed. This includes obtaining the necessary permits for different types of drone activities, adhering to no-fly zones, and ensuring compliance with height and weight restrictions. Understanding these guidelines is essential for both safe and legal drone operation, whether for leisure or professional videography.
If you’re going to fly your drone commercially then you need to apply for an Unmanned Aerial Pilot Licence (UAPL) licence. This shows that the holder/pilot possesses the capacity to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle and is also able to operate by the legislation.
Hobbyists don’t need to get the UAPL licence. However, if you’re a hobbyist, you need to ensure your drone is registered and not above 1.5 kg. If your drone is above 1.5 kg then you’re required to undergo a one-time UA Basic Training and stay away from No Fly Zones.
Step 2: Pick the Right Drone
Your first task is to choose a good drone. In the market, you will find varieties, with each type servicing different needs. Some drones are designed for the sole purpose of shooting pictures at high altitudes while some are more effective for filming purposes.
If you are looking at drones you should ask important questions such as how effective is the camcorder? And how long can it stay in the air? Or is it too difficult to operate? Do you want a camera that does not compromise on the pictures and video footage?
One answer to all these questions, especially for newbies, is the drones from the DJI Mavic series. Because these drones are simple to operate and the cameras are very effective.
Also, it's important to know whether flying a drone is legal. In Singapore, you need to follow the set guidelines when flying a drone. A licenced drone operator will have all the necessary documents to operate and fly drones legally.
Step 3: Learn How to Take Photos From an Aerial Perspective
Now that you have your drone, it's time to learn how to take good photos from above. This skill is important for making your videos look amazing.
How can you get better at aerial photography? You can try different things such as taking pictures from different angles and heights. Or you can move your drone close to objects, and then fly it high up to see how the pictures change. For example, what happens when you take a picture of a park from way up high?
Did you know that the time of day can change how your photos look? Early morning and late afternoon often have the best light for taking pictures. Once you learn about light, you can take beautiful aerial shots that will wow everyone who sees them.
Step 4: Practice Makes Perfect
In order for you to create the best drone videos, you have to be an experienced pilot. But how do you gain experience?
You can start by practising basic moves: taking off, hovering, and landing. Find an open space away from trees and buildings to practise. As you improve, you can try more advanced techniques like executing complex flying patterns while staying safe.
Did you know that wind can make flying tricky? Learning how wind affects your drone is important. When you know how to manage flying in a temperate zone, there are no worries about keeping your drone stable when it becomes all breezy outside.
Step 5: Use Video Tools and Technology
Do you want to make your drone videos even better? Use video editing tools and new technology. Professional editing services are available which would help you transform your unedited materials into something presentable.
Video editing is a fun and exciting activity as it allows one to use video editing programmes to insert some nice effects, do sweet transitions, or add music to the videos. These touches can make your work more exciting to watch. Finally, adding VR to your projects can create new ways to tell stories from the air.
Step 6: Build a Collection of Drones
As you get better at drone videography, you might need more than one drone. Having different drones lets you choose the best one for each job.
But why would you need more than one drone and is it really important? The answer depends on you. Some projects might need a fancy drone that can shoot very high-quality videos or do special tricks like hyper-lapse sequences. While others are basic and can only carry out functional videos that aren’t too risky or professional. However, when you have different types of drones, you can handle all kinds of jobs.
Remember to take good care of your drones. Check the batteries, propellers, and cameras often to make sure everything works well. This will help you have successful flights every time.
Step 7: Keep Learning and Getting Better
The last step to becoming great at drone videography is to never stop learning. New technologies and techniques are always coming out in this field.
How can you keep improving? Try going to workshops or classes about flying drones. In Singapore, many places offer training programmes. You can learn everything from basic flying to professional video-making skills.
Meeting other drone pilots can also help you learn new things. When you share tips and experiences with others, you can become better at what you do. You'll also help the whole drone community grow.
Wrapping It Up
Becoming great at drone videography in Singapore takes hard work and practise. But if you follow these seven steps, you can get good at it. Remember to choose the right equipment, learn aerial photography skills, understand the rules, improve your flying, use technology well, build a collection of drones, and keep learning.
Drone videography gives you a chance to show Singapore in a whole new way. It can also be employed for various purposes such as assisting in the marketing of real estate, providing tours of beautiful places and regions, or producing attractive advertisements.
And when you make incredible videos from the sky you end up creating works that will remain in people’s memories for a very long time.
Comments