Photography Drones for Families: Are They Worth It?

Recently, we have been hearing drones referenced in the news and media more and more often. When they’re not delivering our packages, they’re exploring the moon! The applications extend beyond their uses in the shipping and aerospace industry, however, and many families are buying their own.

The average individual or family can own photography drones, which they use to capture still images or video. Are these the same drones used by the military? Should you get one, too?

In this post, we’ll provide a general rundown of drone technology, including what a drone is and is not. Then, we’ll address how to use drones for photography, the role of video drones, and how to use them to capture beautiful photos and footage. Read on to learn how to harness technology to create dynamic memories of your loved ones!

Your Pet Robot: What Is a Drone?

Drones have been exploring the airspace since 1911, almost as long as airplanes have existed! Even so, many families are only just hearing about them now. That is because they are becoming commercially available, which was not always the case! 

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle, sometimes shortened to UAV. In essence, a drone is a small helicopter that a pilot on the ground controls. They are capable of flying up to high altitudes and over great distances, which made them excellent tools for military use. 

Drones also have applications in space exploration. Because they can fly and you can operate them remotely, they’re ideal for exploring unique terrain and large swathes of sky. A lot of the drones associated with the space program are doing classified work, but we imagine they are gathering visual data to help scientists and engineers learn about the cosmos.

You may have even heard rumors about drones delivering your packages directly to your stoop. While this is not yet widespread for a variety of reasons, ranging from laws about airspace to general logistics, it has already rolled out in certain areas. It has been legal for companies to use drones for such innovations since 2016. 

As a result, it is possible to have a drone delivered to your door… by a drone! But why would you want one?

How Personal Drones Work

Drones work similarly to helicopters and, like helicopters, they are capable of carrying a certain amount of cargo. We call this cargo the payload. It did not take long for personal drone users to recognize that a small camera was just the right size for your average drone. 

For the most part, individuals operate personal drones by using a handheld remote control. The operator remains on the ground, typically within view of the drone. The remote control allows the user to perform four actions from the ground: rolling, pitching, yawing, and throttling. 

It takes some practice to get these controls right, and that practice is worthwhile. Some drones are expensive, and you don’t want to lose yours because you took it out into the wilderness too soon! The better you get at operating your drone, the more you can do with it!

Some families only use drones for recreation. Flying them isn’t unlike taking a remote-controlled car out into the woods. Many people acquire a drone specifically for photography and video, however, and that’s when things become exciting! 

Can You Use Drones for Photography? 

While phones are becoming more advanced, and camera timers provide some flexibility, it can be challenging to capture a photo of the whole family. Someone always has to take the picture, after all! Why not let a drone hold the camera and capture everyone from many dynamic angles! 

A small personal drone, like the DJI Mini 2, might have a camera built-in that is capable of capturing still images. You can control the camera from the remote control or on the device itself before takeoff. 

You might have your drone hover in mid-air to capture a traditional photo from a straight angle. Why not have the drone fly slightly above your head to capture a more flattering shot from above eye level? You have full control over the position of your drone, which is like using the world’s most versatile tripod!

Dynamic Drone Photography Ideas

Many families have used their personal drone to take even more unique images. Imagine your entire family splayed out in the grass, with a photo taken from above, or standing in a field of wildflowers? Drones are capable of capturing full-body images that include breathtaking landscapes and more.

A recent trend you may have seen involves photography of children and families who have become part of imaginative sidewalk chalk scenes. You simply create a scene on the ground, which might include setting up props. From above, the scene should resemble some sort of landscape with objects to interact with. 

Then, have your children or family members lay down on the ground but act as if they are standing up as part of the scene. When you capture a drone photo from above, it will look as if they are part of that playful imaginary world! 

Imagine drawing scenes in the sand on the beach, or even painting on the snow, to create innovative images that you could not capture any other way. Families have used their bodies to spell out words or make shapes that you can only see from above. You can capture shadows, snow angels, and more.

For many families, owning a photography drone is worth it for these creative options alone. If you are a fan of innovative family photography, it might be an ideal investment for you. Simply having the right tool is one way to stretch yourself and learn how to take better photos. 

Can You Use Drones for Taking Video?

Any drone capable of taking still photography is also capable of taking video. These capabilities allow families to capture gorgeous memories that would not be possible without the use of the drone. 

While still photographs require the drone to hover in place like an aerial tripod, imagine what you could capture if that drone was in motion? You could use the drone to capture b-roll footage of the beautiful landscape on a family vacation. If you set that footage to music, you will be able to create professional-quality video for social media that will earn you views and accolades. 

If you are a fan of throwing parties, it can be hard to capture memories of the action without excluding yourself to operate the camera. You can capture everyone at the gathering from above with a single sweep of your video drone. Let everyone know when to look up and wave and you’ll have memories that will last for years. 

Challenges of Drone Video

The only problem with drone video is that any audio you capture will not be audible. The motors on drones are not silent, and the camera’s microphone – whether built-in or external – is very close to the motors. They are not ideal for recording sound, talking, or music.

However, if you are clever and decent at video editing, you can capture any audio you want to include on a different device. This might include a recording of ambient nature sounds, or even a voice-over explaining the footage. Many families enjoy using favorite music or songs to accompany sweeping, dramatic drone footage, creating unique music videos. 

You will also want to be aware of the laws and regulations for flying drones in any area where you might film. 

It is also important to note that personal drones don’t have the battery life of their military and industrial counterparts. They can fall from the sky and bonk you in the head, so please take caution when filming from above.

Even responsible drone-owners have lost drones in trees, on private rooftops, and in the middle of wild terrain. While these machines are capable of incredible things, Spiderman said it best: “With great power comes great responsibility.” If you are cautious, a photography drone is a wonderful creative tool that can help you capture incredible images of your family. 

Photography Drones Are the Future

Whether owning photography drones is worthwhile will depend on how determined you are to capture unique photos and stunning videos of your family and your world. As technology improves, drones are getting smaller and more capable, opening up new possibilities. When gravity isn’t an obstacle, what dynamic family memories will you create?

Did this article get you intrigued by the technology of the future? The future starts now! Check out more posts on the blog that can introduce you to the products and services that are changing the world!