The Dos and Don’ts of Using Drones During a Videoshoot

Just ten years ago, the idea of robots flying through the sky capturing footage sounded like something out of a science fiction movie. But today, drone videography that produces high-quality video is becoming more common and can take your video marketing to new heights.

If you’re going to create a video marketing campaign, you should think of ways to integrate drone footage into your final product. But before you decide to take to the skies to get some killer footage, be sure to familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of shooting video with drones.

Don’t: Skip Getting Licenses for Your Drone Flights

As more and more drones began to fill up airspace, the FAA decided to create regulations surrounding small personal drones. So if you go out and buy a drone with the hopes of getting some excellent shots to use in your video campaign, you shouldn’t just assume you can take off right away.

Do: Follow the Drone Videography Rules

If you want to fly a drone for your video marketing campaign, you will need to register your drone with the FAA. This is for any type of use at all. For commercial purposes, you will also need to finish a Part 107 certification.

Once you have your certifications to legally fly your drone and gather footage, you will also need to follow some basic rules of the skies. For one, you can’t fly your drone higher than 400 feet. You also need to fly your drone within your line of sight out of controlled airspaces. You also can’t fly your drone over large gatherings or when you’re under the influence.

Don’t: Just Start Filming

Getting the right certifications for drone videography isn’t the only step you need to take before you take flight. Flying a device up in the air presents a whole host of challenges other types of shooting don’t have. What you don’t want is to start flying only to have your drone blown into the woods, struck by lightning, or crashed due to a low battery.

Do: Prepare for Your Drone Flight

Before you fly your drone and get your shots, be sure to check the weather so you know you’ll have good flying conditions. You should also have a shot list in mind so you don’t waste your time in the air and drain your battery.

Don’t: Pick Just Any Videographer

As you can probably tell by now, you can’t settle for any videographer when you want to get high-quality drone footage for your video campaign. Interview several qualified candidates, making sure to find out of they have the equipment and certifications requires to get the type of footage you need.

Do: Hire a Video Marketing Agency

When you pick a well-equipped, experienced video marketing agency to get footage using a drone, you will be set up for success. Since video marketing teams are constantly staying up to date on various forms of filming and keep a stock of professional equipment, you can expect great results for your video campaign.