Five Tips for Better Drone Shots

Drone work looks effortless in the final reel, but most of the quality comes from decisions made before takeoff.

1. Fly early or late — the low sun angle along the coastline adds depth that midday light flattens out.

2. Plan your line before you launch. Reacting in the air wastes battery and rarely produces a smoother shot than a planned pass.

3. Shoot wider than you think you need. You can always crop in later, but you can't recover detail that was never captured.

4. Check local drone regulations for the area, especially near the coastline and any tourist beaches.

5. Always have a landing plan for a sudden wind change. Battery margin is not optional.