How To Leverage Drone Photography For Your Live Event

Drone photography has emerged as a game-changer in the event landscape. An aerial perspective enables you to show off your event location, setups, and crowds of people like never before. Moreover, you can create compelling recaps and marketing videos to make it memorable. Truly, drones are elevating photography to the next level with the endless framing possibilities they offer. 

Not surprisingly, they have found a place in all kinds of live events, from concerts to festivals, outdoor activities, professional parties, and more. The best part is they are far cheaper than aerial photography options like hiring a plane. You spend a fraction yet get the best coverage. But everything boils down to using them in the right way. While you can trust your photographer, knowing your facts can put you in a better place for your event. Here are some tips to utilize drone photography for your next event. 

Define your objective

Large-scale outdoor receptions and trade shows require a great deal of planning, and aerial coverage is one of the aspects you cannot miss out on. Before anything else, you must define the objective of drone photography for your event. Everything boils down to the purpose of using the footage. It determines the coverage, from how much you want to film and which areas you plan to cover. For example, an event recap and marketing videos will have different coverage needs. With drone coverage, you can actually make your hard work stand out regardless of your objective. 

Decide the footage you need

Aerial photography gives you the opportunity to capture the best shots of your venue. Get a little more creative, and you can create the most incredible memories. Discuss your footage requirements and expectations with your photographer beforehand so that they have a fair idea about them. When hiring a professional, decide whether you want them to cover the entire event or only take aerial shots. Clear expectations enable you to fit services into your budget. For example, you will have to pay only a fraction to click a few aerial pictures and short videos. 

Hire a seasoned professional

This one is a no-brainer because operating a drone and taking overhead shots simultaneously is not an easy feat. The last thing you should do is consider a DIY job because you may end up ruining everything. Hiring a seasoned Drone photographer ensures you get the best coverage of your live event. Consider your options, seek recommendations, and check their work online. Most professionals have websites where you can check their credentials and portfolios. Moreover, you can check client reviews to get a fair idea of their expertise and service quality. Finding the right professional requires some effort, but it is a small price for perfect footage.

Consider weather conditions

The weather has a considerable impact on the quality of aerial photos and videos. Flying a drone in suboptimal conditions like reduced visibility, strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures is tricky. Taking the best shots is even trickier. The best you can do is to check the forecasts and time the program right. But you can never be sure about an unexpected hailstorm or fog hitting the location. Likewise, you cannot do much about visibility at night events, except for ensuring good lighting. Having an experienced photographer to cover the event is your best bet. They may have handled projects in similar conditions, so they probably know how to handle the weather challenges. 

Plan the shoot with your photographer

Having a seasoned photographer for the job is half the work. The other half is to plan the shoot with them before the event. You can expect them to scout the shoot location beforehand. They will do it in person or with a tool like Google Earth. Experts do it to make sure that an unwanted object is removed. If it is not possible, they ensure to avoid it when shooting. They will probably do it at the time of the real shoot to align with the lighting condition. They will also have a pre-flight checklist to get everything in place before the big day. Being present during this planning phase gives you an advantage as you can share your inputs and expectations with the professional. 

Follow the regulations

If you plan to get drone coverage for your event, you must understand the regulations and norms. Essentially, commercial pilots must register with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Even recreational drones have to follow some regulations while they do not need registration. Likewise, local laws may vary from state to state. For example, the machine must stick with a specific altitude limit. You can trust your photographer on the regulations front, but it always makes sense to do your due diligence. Knowing your facts helps you discuss these concerns with the professionals and ensure they follow the regulations while working on your project.

Discuss post-production requirements

The success of your drone footage project depends on the final outcome. Your photographer can deliver the best if they have a clear view of your expectations. They can integrate your vision in the entire process, right from storyboarding the event to its post-production. But most event planners forget the post-production part and end up in a fix. Ensure you discuss the editing requirements with the professional. A clear idea about the purpose and length of videos can help with coverage and editing. Expect the photographer to ask for extra time and money for handling the editing part. But it is worthwhile because a professional job is always better. 

Getting aerial coverage for your event should be a priority because it is trending. Moreover, you will not want to miss out on it after working hard to plan a great event. The best option is to hire a drone specialist who can help you with perfect footage. Look for someone with excellent credentials and experience in handling similar projects. You will not have to worry about missing out on the best shots. Even if you spend a bit on the service, it is worth paying for! 

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Cover photo credit: Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash