Aerial Videography Course

Aerial Videography Course

• The course is designed to help students master the confidence to capture smooth shots, including crane shots, reveal shots, sliding shots, orbital shots, and more.

Key Settings for Smooth Shots

• Always use an ND filter unless it's overcast.
• Ensure shutter speed is double the frame rate.
• Don't forget to hit the auto exposure lock button.

Recording Tips

• Only shoot selects to avoid capturing unnecessary footage.
• Set up the shot, click record, make the shot, and then click record again.
• Some pilots record for 10-15 seconds after the select to have a nice transition or buffer footage.

Importance of Practice

• Practice makes perfect, and it's essential to practice these shots in the field to master them.
• Record every shot and watch it to improve.

Course Overview

• The course will cover settings, equipment, and techniques for capturing beautiful, smooth, cinematic shots.
• It will not cover subject tracking, which is a separate course.
• It will cover various shots and sequences from different drones to demonstrate different looks.

Instructor and Course

• The course is taught by Paul Aken, and it's offered by Drone U.

Aerial Videography Course

• The course aims to equip students with the confidence to capture various smooth shots, including crane shots, reveal shots, sliding shots, and orbital shots.

Key Settings for Smooth Shots

• Use an ND filter in all conditions except overcast weather.
• Set the shutter speed to twice the frame rate.
• Don't forget to press the auto exposure lock button.

Recording Tips

• Only capture selective footage to avoid unnecessary recordings.
• Record footage in a specific sequence: set up the shot, click record, make the shot, and then click record again.
• Record an additional 10-15 seconds after the select to get a smooth transition or buffer footage.

Importance of Practice

• Consistent practice in the field is crucial to master smooth shots.
• Record every shot and review it to improve.

Course Overview

• The course covers settings, equipment, and techniques for capturing cinematic shots.
• The course does not cover subject tracking, which is a separate course.
• The course features various shots and sequences from different drones to demonstrate different visual styles.

Instructor and Course

• The course is taught by Paul Aken.
• The course is offered by Drone U.

Aerial Videography Course

• The course aims to equip students with the confidence to capture various smooth shots, including crane shots, reveal shots, sliding shots, and orbital shots.

Key Settings for Smooth Shots

• Use an ND filter in all conditions except overcast weather.
• Set the shutter speed to twice the frame rate.
• Don't forget to press the auto exposure lock button.

Recording Tips

• Only capture selective footage to avoid unnecessary recordings.
• Record footage in a specific sequence: set up the shot, click record, make the shot, and then click record again.
• Record an additional 10-15 seconds after the select to get a smooth transition or buffer footage.

Importance of Practice

• Consistent practice in the field is crucial to master smooth shots.
• Record every shot and review it to improve.

Course Overview

• The course covers settings, equipment, and techniques for capturing cinematic shots.
• The course does not cover subject tracking, which is a separate course.
• The course features various shots and sequences from different drones to demonstrate different visual styles.

Instructor and Course

• The course is taught by Paul Aken.
• The course is offered by Drone U.

Drone Operations and Safety

• Establish a pre-flight check system to minimize liability and ensure safe flights.
• Consider environmental factors, including tree height measurements, to maintain visual line of sight and identify safe landing spots.
• Avoid flying over people and disturbing wildlife, using best judgment.
• Perform pre-flight checks on propellers, obstacle avoidance sensors, and GPS to ensure proper function.

Pre-Flight Checks

• Inspect propellers for damage or wear.
• Clean camera and sensors to ensure optimal performance.
• Verify good GPS signal before taking off.
• Set camera and video parameters before flight.

Drone Accessories

• Essential accessories include:
  • ND filters (e.g., ND8 or ND16) depending on light conditions.
  • Spare propellers.
  • Lens cloth for cleaning.
  • Landing pad for protecting the gimbal from damage.

Flying Tips

• Warm up hands and sticks before flying to improve control.
• Start with simple shots (orbits, reveals, tilts) to get comfortable with drone handling.
• Take off and land discreetly to avoid drawing attention.
• Perform takeoffs and landings low and quickly to minimize visibility.

General Tips

• Properly store and maintain gear to prevent damage.
• Scout filming locations beforehand to understand the environment and identify different perspectives.
• Have all necessary accessories ready and easily accessible.

Drone Operations and Safety

• Establish a pre-flight check system to minimize liability and ensure safe flights.
• Consider environmental factors, including tree height measurements, to maintain visual line of sight and identify safe landing spots.
• Avoid flying over people and disturbing wildlife, using best judgment.
• Perform pre-flight checks on propellers, obstacle avoidance sensors, and GPS to ensure proper function.

Pre-Flight Checks

• Inspect propellers for damage or wear.
• Clean camera and sensors to ensure optimal performance.
• Verify good GPS signal before taking off.
• Set camera and video parameters before flight.

Drone Accessories

• Essential accessories include:
  • ND filters (e.g., ND8 or ND16) depending on light conditions.
  • Spare propellers.
  • Lens cloth for cleaning.
  • Landing pad for protecting the gimbal from damage.

Flying Tips

• Warm up hands and sticks before flying to improve control.
• Start with simple shots (orbits, reveals, tilts) to get comfortable with drone handling.
• Take off and land discreetly to avoid drawing attention.
• Perform takeoffs and landings low and quickly to minimize visibility.

General Tips

• Properly store and maintain gear to prevent damage.
• Scout filming locations beforehand to understand the environment and identify different perspectives.
• Have all necessary accessories ready and easily accessible.

Videography Basics

• Natural-looking motion is achieved by matching the speed of one motion to another.
• Avoid "exterior pan" shots, which involve panning and moving out, as they can be unattractive.

Framing and Composition

• Grid lines and diagonals on the drone help with framing and composition.
• Placing the subject in the center of the frame can make orbits easier, but placing them in the one-third frame can create a more interesting shot.
• Experimenting with different framing and composition techniques creates a unique mood and story.

Drone Setup

• Mavic 3 has a ND filter that can be rotated to remove or put back on.
• Mavic 3 interface allows for easy switching between photo and video modes.
• Gimbal settings on the Mavic 3 can be adjusted to control tilt speed and smoothness.
• Mavic 3 has a maximum altitude and distance setting, and a safety menu with features like auto return to home.

Camera Settings

• Mavic 3 camera settings can be adjusted to control shutter speed, aperture, and exposure value.
• Filming in 4K at 60 frames per second provides more editing flexibility.
• Mavic 3 does not have full camera control, limiting user's ability to adjust settings.

Drone Comparison

• Inspire 2 X7 camera is a high-quality camera for cinematic footage.
• Inspire 2 X7 has a native super 35 sensor, ideal for wide shots and cinematic footage.
• Inspire 2 X7 has better low-light performance and can shoot in a 2.44:1 aspect ratio.

Aspect Ratio

• Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between image width and height.
• 16x9 is a common aspect ratio for TV and YouTube videos.
• 2.35:1 or 2.44:1 is a cinematic aspect ratio used in movie production.

Drone Operation

• Camera and settings should be set up before taking off.
• Inspire 2 requires a perfectly flat surface for calibration.
• Drone's props and batteries should be checked and replaced as needed.

Photo and Video Mode

• Photo and video modes should be set up before taking off.
• Photo mode can be set up to shoot in AEB and RAW format.
• Video mode can be set up to shoot in 2.44:1 aspect ratio and 30 frames per second.

Acquiring Smooth Drone Shots

• Use an ND filter and set up the tilt smoothly to achieve smooth shots.
• Consider the director's or producer's requests to ensure flight plans and paths align with their vision.
• Flying super straight lines and slow speeds can help create smooth shots.

Rules of Takeoff

• Take off into the wind to ensure a safe and stable start.
• Ensure the pilot and drone have the same orientation to avoid inadvertent motions.
• Perform a control sweep and battery test upon takeoff to ensure all systems are functioning properly.

Safety Precautions

• Return to a safe altitude of 246 feet for extra safety precautions.
• Monitor battery information and perform regular battery tests to avoid unexpected landings.

Flight Motions

• Descend slowly while tilting up on the tilt wheel to create smooth motions.
• Match speed with elevation to create smooth and controlled motions.
• Start recording before descending or elevating to capture the full shot.

Shots and Techniques

• Descending Crane Shot: Descend while tilting up on the tilt wheel.
• Ascending Crane Shot: Elevate while tilting down on the tilt wheel.
• Upper Tilting Reveal: Tilt down slowly, then pitch forward and elevate.
• Histogram Shot (also known as Waveform Shot): Fly low over an object, then elevate and tilt up.
• Slide: Roll to the right, then elevate and tilt up.
• Rotating Reveal: Roll to the right, then yaw to the left, and elevate.
• Orbit: Roll to the right, yaw to the left, and elevate.
• Boomerang Shot: Combine an orbit with an upper tilting reveal.
• Obstacle Shot: Fly close to an obstacle, then reveal the surrounding area.

Tips and Tricks

• Practice regularly to improve smoothness and shot quality.
• Consider flight paths, altitudes, and angles to add complexity and variation to shots.
• Use meditation, breathing exercises, or taking a walk to calm your hands and improve smoothness.
• Experiment with different focal lengths, altitudes, and angles to find what works best for your shots.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things!

Acquiring Smooth Drone Shots

• Use an ND filter and set up the tilt smoothly to achieve smooth shots.
• Consider the director's or producer's requests to ensure flight plans and paths align with their vision.
• Flying super straight lines and slow speeds can help create smooth shots.

Rules of Takeoff

• Take off into the wind to ensure a safe and stable start.
• Ensure the pilot and drone have the same orientation to avoid inadvertent motions.
• Perform a control sweep and battery test upon takeoff to ensure all systems are functioning properly.

Safety Precautions

• Return to a safe altitude of 246 feet for extra safety precautions.
• Monitor battery information and perform regular battery tests to avoid unexpected landings.

Flight Motions

• Descend slowly while tilting up on the tilt wheel to create smooth motions.
• Match speed with elevation to create smooth and controlled motions.
• Start recording before descending or elevating to capture the full shot.

Shots and Techniques

• Descending Crane Shot: Descend while tilting up on the tilt wheel.
• Ascending Crane Shot: Elevate while tilting down on the tilt wheel.
• Upper Tilting Reveal: Tilt down slowly, then pitch forward and elevate.
• Histogram Shot (also known as Waveform Shot): Fly low over an object, then elevate and tilt up.
• Slide: Roll to the right, then elevate and tilt up.
• Rotating Reveal: Roll to the right, then yaw to the left, and elevate.
• Orbit: Roll to the right, yaw to the left, and elevate.
• Boomerang Shot: Combine an orbit with an upper tilting reveal.
• Obstacle Shot: Fly close to an obstacle, then reveal the surrounding area.

Tips and Tricks

• Practice regularly to improve smoothness and shot quality.
• Consider flight paths, altitudes, and angles to add complexity and variation to shots.
• Use meditation, breathing exercises, or taking a walk to calm your hands and improve smoothness.
• Experiment with different focal lengths, altitudes, and angles to find what works best for your shots.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and try new things!