How to Be Drone Photographer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 28, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand for drone photography has led to a surge in the number of drone photographers in recent years. This rise in popularity is due to the fact that drones are able to capture a unique aerial perspective which was previously only available to professional photographers and filmmakers. The ability to capture a bird's eye view of landscapes, buildings, and other locations has allowed drone photographers to create stunning images that cannot be created any other way.

Furthermore, the advent of new technology such as GPS tracking and automated flight paths has allowed drone photographers to create even more complex and intricate shots. As a result, many businesses are now turning to drone photography to capture promotional and marketing content for their products and services.

Steps How to Become

Research drone photography. Learn about the different types of drone photography and what type of drone photography you would like to specialize in.
Get a drone. Purchase a drone that is capable of taking photos and videos.
Learn how to fly. Take a class or watch tutorials online to learn the basics of how to fly a drone.
Practice flying. Spend time practicing flying your drone before you take it out for a shoot.
Get the necessary permits. Depending on where you live, you may need to get certain permits or licenses to be able to operate your drone.
Get the right gear. Invest in quality lenses and other gear that will help you take better photos and videos from your drone.
Take photos and videos. Start taking photos and videos from your drone and get creative with it.
Begin marketing yourself. Create a portfolio of your work and start marketing yourself as a drone photographer.
Network. Attend conferences or events related to drone photography and make connections with other professionals in the industry.

Drone photography is a relatively new and exciting form of art and technology. To become a skilled and qualified drone photographer, one must have an in-depth knowledge of the technology, the regulations and laws governing the use of drones, and a creative eye for composition and angles. Firstly, a prospective drone photographer must become familiar with the technology, including the different types of drones available, their capabilities and limitations, and how to safely operate them.

Secondly, they must be aware of the legal regulations and laws concerning drone use, such as no-fly zones, privacy regulations, and airspace restrictions. Finally, they must possess an artistic eye for creating stunning compositions and angles that capture the desired subject in the best way possible. With these skills and qualifications, anyone can become a successful drone photographer.

You may want to check Real Estate Photographer, Photo Editor, and Staff Photographer for alternative.

Job Description

Aerial Drone Photographer: Responsible for capturing photos and videos from the air using a drone.
Post-Production Drone Photographer: Responsible for editing and enhancing drone photos and videos for professional use.
Event Drone Photographer: Responsible for capturing photos and videos of events from the air using a drone.
Commercial Drone Photographer: Responsible for creating professional-grade aerial photos and videos for businesses and corporations.
Landscape Drone Photographer: Responsible for capturing stunning aerial photos and videos of landscapes with a drone.
Wildlife Drone Photographer: Responsible for capturing photos and videos of wildlife from the air using a drone.
Real Estate Drone Photographer: Responsible for creating high-quality aerial photos and videos of real estate properties.
Sports Drone Photographer: Responsible for capturing high-action sports photos and videos from the air using a drone.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drone technology, including flight operations and equipment specifications.
Understanding of aerial photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and angles.
Expertise in post-production techniques, such as photo editing and color correction.
Familiarity with aviation regulations and safety protocols.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair drone hardware and software.
Attention to detail when framing shots and selecting locations.
Proven portfolio demonstrating a variety of aerial photography styles.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
Creative problem-solving skills to capture unique and interesting images.

Drone photography is an increasingly popular field, as it allows photographers to capture unique and stunning images from angles that were previously impossible. To be a successful drone photographer, it is essential to have a good eye for composition and an understanding of the technical aspects of aerial photography. strong technical knowledge of drone operations and FAA regulations is necessary to ensure the safety of the photographer, the drone, and other people in the vicinity.

Finally, having good post-processing skills is essential in order to turn raw footage into beautiful and captivating images. All of these skills combined can help a drone photographer create stunning visuals that will stand out from the crowd.

Headshot Photographer, Photo Retoucher, and Medical Photographer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with aerial photography using drones?
How comfortable are you operating and troubleshooting drone equipment?
How do you ensure safety and compliance when flying a drone?
Describe your approach to capturing the perfect shot from a drone.
How do you adjust your shooting style to different weather conditions?
What is your experience with editing and post-production of drone footage?
Are you familiar with FAA regulations and requirements for flying drones?
How do you adjust to changing lighting conditions for drone photography?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest drone technology?
How do you ensure quality control when shooting with a drone?

Common Tools in Industry

Camera. A device used to capture images or video [(e. g Nikon D850)].
Drone. A remote-controlled device used to capture aerial photographs and videos [(e. g DJI Mavic Air 2)].
Tripod. A three-legged support used to hold a camera steady [(e. g Joby GorillaPod)].
Image Editing Software. Software used to digitally enhance and manipulate photos [(e. g Adobe Photoshop)].
Memory Card. A storage device used to save pictures and videos [(e. g SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I Memory Card)].
Filters. Attachments placed on a camera lens to alter the light entering the sensor [(e. g PolarPro Cinema Series VIVID Collection Filter 6-Pack)].
GPS Unit. A device that uses satellite navigation to accurately track location [(e. g Garmin GPSMAP 66s Handheld GPS Unit)].
Backpack. A bag designed to hold a photographers equipment while on the move [(e. g Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack)].

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
International Society of Aerial Cinematography (ISAC)
Unmanned Aerial Systems Alliance (UASA)
European Association for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (EARPA)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
Professional Society of Drone Journalists (PSDJ)
Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA)
Small UAV Coalition
Drone User Group Network (DUGN)

We also have Concert Photographer, Social Media Photography, and Pet Photography jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drone. A small, unmanned aircraft or spacecraft controlled remotely or by onboard computers.
Aerial Photography. Taking photographs from a higher altitude, usually from an aircraft or drone.
Flight Plan. A detailed plan for a drone flight, including the route, altitude, location and other pertinent information.
UAV. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a drone used for aerial photography and other tasks.
Autopilot. A device that allows a drone to fly autonomously, following predetermined flight plans.
Camera Settings. The various settings on the camera of a drone, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO and white balance.
Post-Processing. Editing and retouching of digital photographs after they have been taken.
Editing Software. Software used to edit digital photographs, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.
Cinematography. The art of making motion pictures using various camera techniques.
Gimbals. A device used to stabilize a camera or other device on a drone, allowing for smooth footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drone photographer?

A drone photographer is a professional who uses a remote-controlled aerial device, typically a drone, to capture photographs or videos from unique angles and perspectives.

What equipment do drone photographers use?

Drone photographers typically use quadcopters, multirotor aircraft or other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are equipped with cameras and other sensors.

How high can a drone fly?

The maximum altitude a drone can fly depends on the regulations of the country or region in which it is operating, but typically drones are able to fly up to 400 feet (120 meters) above the ground.

What type of photography can a drone be used for?

Drone photography can be used for many types of photography, including landscape, architectural, wedding, real estate, aerial survey, and more.

What are the safety considerations when using a drone?

Safety considerations when using a drone include avoiding populated areas, maintaining line-of-sight with the drone at all times, and adhering to any local airspace regulations.

Web Resources

Drone Photography - mtsac.edu www.mtsac.edu
Drone photographer captures the world from above - Syracuse.edu www.syracuse.edu
University Photography | University Marketing & Communications www.washington.edu