Know your camera controls

Professional-looking aerial photos and video don’t just come from a good camera. They come from how you handle it in flight. Get to know the manual camera settings your drone offers:
  • ISO: Low ISO keeps images cleaner. Start around 100-200 outdoors.
  • Shutter speed: Faster shutter speeds (1/200s or above) help prevent stutter in video and blur in stills.
  • White balance: Set to ‘sunny’ or ‘cloudy’ – don’t leave it on auto, or clips and photos might look mismatched.
  • Image format: Shooting photo in RAW gives you more to work with in editing than JPG alone.
Take test shots at different settings. Review on a big screen at home to see which settings work for you.

Practice smooth flight paths

Jerky movements ruin professional footage. Before you care about shot composition, drill these stick moves until they are smooth and even:
  1. Slow forward and back: Hover at eye height. Fly forward slowly for about 20 feet, then stop and reverse, keeping the altitude and direction steady. Watch for jerking.
  2. Gentle turns: Practice yaw (twisting left/right) while moving forward slowly. Keep your turning smooth and at a steady pace. Combine a slow turn with forward motion to create reveal shots.
  3. Side slides: Slide left and right using the roll stick, keeping the drone's camera pointed straight ahead, not letting it drift.
Drill these moves in an open field until you can fly them smoothly every time. Video yourself practicing so you can spot bumps, shakes, or drift.

Frame your shots before you fly

Strong aerial photos and video use the same rules as ground photography:
  • Rule of thirds: Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid over your screen. Put points of interest where the lines cross, not dead center.
  • Leading lines: Use roads, rivers, fences or treelines to guide the viewer’s eye into the scene.
  • Layering: Fly where you can include foreground, middle ground and background to add a sense of depth.
Walk your flying site before takeoff. Plan at least two shots you want to try, based on what features you see.

Pre-flight checks for a safe shoot

Safety comes first—even a small mistake can ruin your footage. Before every flight:
  • Check battery levels for both drone and controller – low batteries risk a forced landing.
  • Format your SD card before you start so you don’t run out of space halfway through.
  • Check for obstructions: wires, trees, buildings, people, and dogs.
  • Know local rules. You may need LAANC authorization if you’re close to an airport.
  • Have your FAA TRUST certificate handy—it’s required for all recreational pilots.
  • Register your drone if it’s 250 g (0.55 lb) or more and ensure it broadcasts Remote ID per FAA rules.
If you want everything in one checklist—with the basic rules and simple drills—visit our free flight plan guide .

Shooting technique: reveals, orbits and fly-throughs

The difference between basic and professional aerial footage often comes down to special camera moves that create feeling and context. Practice these techniques:

1. The reveal

Start behind a tree, wall or hill, then fly up or sideways to reveal your subject (like a lake or building). Use slow stick movements. The unveiling draws in the viewer.

2. The orbit

Circle a subject by gently combining right-stick roll and left-stick yaw. Keep the subject in the middle of the screen. Start with low speed—speed comes with practice.

3. The fly-through

Fly slowly through a gap, such as a row of trees or between two rocks. Practice with very wide gaps until you are comfortable. Always scout for wires and branches first.

Adapting to changing conditions

Conditions like sun, wind and temperature matter more with aerial shooting than ground photography.
  • Wind: Wind gusts will shake the drone and bump footage. For smoothest video, fly in light wind, lower to the ground. If wind picks up, try flying into the wind on the way out, so your return is easier.
  • Sun: Golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) gives softer light and longer shadows. Avoid high noon if you can, as it creates harsh, flat light.
  • Cold: Batteries drain faster in the cold. Keep spares warm in your pocket and check voltage before taking off, especially in winter.

Editing tips for natural results

Professional results come from editing as much as from flying. When you get home, look for these:
  • Pick only the smoothest sections. Cut out shaky or jerky moments.
  • For photos, adjust contrast and color carefully—don’t push too far or things look fake.
  • Level the horizon in each shot for a straight, natural look.
  • Try basic color correction before fancy filters. Simpler is usually better.
If you shoot RAW, start with the drone maker’s own editor, then move up to something like Lightroom or DaVinci Resolve as you improve.

Keep it legal and polite

Remember, you are responsible for flying safely and respecting others’ privacy. Always:
  • Keep your drone within your visual line of sight.
  • Stay under 400 feet above ground level in Class G airspace.
  • Never fly over crowds or moving traffic.
  • Ask permission if filming near private homes or gatherings.
Brush up on recreational rules any time at the FAA recreational flyer page .

Stepping up: regular practice for progress

You only get truly smooth, professional results by practicing regularly. Try this plan:
  1. Pick one move: Work on a single maneuver or shot type for a whole session—such as orbits, reveals, or slow sideways slides.
  2. Raise the challenge: When you can perform it smoothly 10 times, try at a higher altitude, near a feature (like a tree or building), or with different wind.
  3. Record and review: Always check your footage at home and note where you can improve.
Mix deliberate practice with real shoots to keep it fun and help you grow. Every hour in the air matters.