Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Learning how to fly a drone is just one aspect of getting jaw-dropping drone footage: special drone shooting techniques are key to getting the most out of your camera. Just a few simple tips and tweaks can seriously level up your footage.
General tips
Think of your drone kind of like a Steadicam or dolly on a set. Slow, steady movements are best for footage and make it easier to avoid collisions. Try to shoot away from the sun, as like with normal videography, lighting is important. You might want to pack a natural density or ND filter to reduce how much light enters the camera, if you’re expecting high brightness. Be sure to dust your lens before takeoff to avoid weird shiny bits if the sun hits it. Make sure to hold your recording a bit longer than you think you’ll need, to give yourself more room to play in the edit.
Drone-specific shots
Drone-specific shooting techniques include the fly-by, a very popular shot where your drone flies by the shot subject; over a building, through a bridge, or just past a person. During the fly-by you can pan or tilt the camera to keep the subject in frame for the perfect composition. Try getting one of these shots every time you fly. A fly-through shot is fancier and more dangerous, and involves piloting the drone through a hole or gap. Smaller drones equipped with propeller guards and flying cautiously are best for this technique.
Another cool technique is the reveal, where you start close to your subject and pull back as the drone gets farther away. This is effective for revealing a striking setting, or opening a new scene. Different camera angles can work for different scenes, but starting with the camera on a low tilt and panning up as you pull back is a good start. The high-pan is another drone filming technique that’s simple to film but very striking to watch. The drone goes high and pans from one side to the other. Try filming one shot right to left and another left to right. It makes for great b-roll and transition footage too.
As with all drone shooting, prep is super important. Check the weather, understand the rules and regulations of the area you’re flying, bring supplies like extra batteries and SD cards, and have a sense of adventure.
What type of drone project are you hoping to film next? Let us know below, and don’t forget to like the video if you learned something!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:36 General tips
1:20 Drone-specific shots
2:43 Final tips
Learning how to fly a drone is just one aspect of getting jaw-dropping drone footage: special drone shooting techniques are key to getting the most out of your camera. Just a few simple tips and tweaks can seriously level up your footage.
General tips
Think of your drone kind of like a Steadicam or dolly on a set. Slow, steady movements are best for footage and make it easier to avoid collisions. Try to shoot away from the sun, as like with normal videography, lighting is important. You might want to pack a natural density or ND filter to reduce how much light enters the camera, if you’re expecting high brightness. Be sure to dust your lens before takeoff to avoid weird shiny bits if the sun hits it. Make sure to hold your recording a bit longer than you think you’ll need, to give yourself more room to play in the edit.
Drone-specific shots
Drone-specific shooting techniques include the fly-by, a very popular shot where your drone flies by the shot subject; over a building, through a bridge, or just past a person. During the fly-by you can pan or tilt the camera to keep the subject in frame for the perfect composition. Try getting one of these shots every time you fly. A fly-through shot is fancier and more dangerous, and involves piloting the drone through a hole or gap. Smaller drones equipped with propeller guards and flying cautiously are best for this technique.
Another cool technique is the reveal, where you start close to your subject and pull back as the drone gets farther away. This is effective for revealing a striking setting, or opening a new scene. Different camera angles can work for different scenes, but starting with the camera on a low tilt and panning up as you pull back is a good start. The high-pan is another drone filming technique that’s simple to film but very striking to watch. The drone goes high and pans from one side to the other. Try filming one shot right to left and another left to right. It makes for great b-roll and transition footage too.
As with all drone shooting, prep is super important. Check the weather, understand the rules and regulations of the area you’re flying, bring supplies like extra batteries and SD cards, and have a sense of adventure.
What type of drone project are you hoping to film next? Let us know below, and don’t forget to like the video if you learned something!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:36 General tips
1:20 Drone-specific shots
2:43 Final tips
