Capturing Everlasting Memories: How to Use Drones for Weddings - 019

As wedding celebrations continue to evolve, couples are constantly seeking unique and memorable ways to capture their special day. One of the latest trends gaining popularity is the use of drones to document weddings from breathtaking aerial perspectives. The stunning imagery and creative possibilities that drones offer have made them an invaluable addition to wedding photography and videography. In this article, we will explore the art of using drones for weddings and provide essential tips for capturing extraordinary aerial shots that will leave couples and guests in awe. The following are six considerations that are critical when shooting a wedding.

 

1. Understanding the Regulations:

 

Before incorporating a drone into any wedding, it's vital to understand and comply with the legal and regulatory aspects of drone operations. Familiarize yourself with the local airspace restrictions, FAA guidelines, and obtain any necessary permits or waivers required for flying in specific locations. Ensuring compliance will not only avoid potential legal issues but also contribute to a safe and smooth wedding experience.

 

Aerial wedding photography requires commercial drone certification, called Remote Pilot Certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees regulating the skies above the United States, including certifying FAA Remote Pilots. Fortunately, the FAA only requires commercial seeking drone pilots to take a 60-question test at an FAA approved testing center for $175. Preparing for the test, called a Knowledge Test, can be done via a self-study course or through a traditional classroom environment. That’s exactly what we do at the Remote Pilot Association, so check out our self-study course with video lectures and practice quizzes and tests.

 

2. Choosing the Right Drone:

 

Selecting the right drone for wedding photography and videography is crucial. Opt for a model with advanced camera capabilities that can capture high-resolution images and stable, smooth footage. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a drone but suggest sticking with one of the top five manufactures.

 

Be sure to discuss and/or educate clients about photo megapixels and video resolution. Physical prints will require a higher megapixel camera, however, if the shoot will only be available electronically (like on social media) the requirement should be less. It’s easy for clients to say they want 4K video footage because that’s what they have been told, the real requirement is typically a lot less. For example, watching what is believed to be 4K on your favorite video sharing site requires having fast internet speed and a 4K monitor, even then the clarity may be rolled back to allow for system congestion. 

 

Features like obstacle avoidance and GPS positioning are also beneficial for maneuvering in busy wedding environments. However, if required to choose, GPS positioning and stabilization would be prioritized over obstacle avoidance technology.  Investing in a quality drone will enhance the overall visual appeal of the wedding footage.

 

3. Preparing for the Flight:

 

As with any professional drone operation, thorough preparation is essential. Before the big day, scout the wedding venue to identify the best locations for aerial shots and Landing Zones (LZs). Plan the flight path in advance, considering potential obstacles and pick alternate LZs. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings to anticipate lighting conditions and potential challenges that may arise during the flight.

 

4. Communicate with the Wedding Party:

 

Open communication with the wedding party, especially the couple, is vital to ensure their vision aligns with your drone photography plans and safety. Discuss their preferences for specific aerial shots and gather a list, called a “shot list,” of must-have moments they wish to capture from the sky. Make them feel comfortable and excited about the idea, assuring them that you are equipped with the expertise to deliver incredible results.

 

A way to solidify communication with the customers, we suggest having the client sign a Drone Safety Contract that covers the capabilities and limitations of the drone from a safety perspective. It covers topics such as flight over people, weather limitations, airspace restrictions (like a pop-up Temporary Flight Restriction) and more.  Get template Drone Safety Contract by signing up for our FREE newsletter.

 

5. Timing is Key:

 

Timing is everything when using drones for weddings. Coordinate with the wedding party and/or planner to determine the optimal moments for drone flights, such as during the grand entrance, vows, or the first dance. Don’t forget to be cognizant of the noise that comes from drone rotors. While it’s music to a drone lover’s ears, it might not get the same reaction if a hoovering drone steals the attention from the wedding party. 

 

Capturing the stunning aerial view of these intimate moments will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

 

6. Focus on Emotions:

 

While aerial shots can provide a unique perspective of the wedding setting, it's essential to focus on capturing emotions and candid moments. To achieve this, we suggest working in conjunction with a traditional photographer to get a mix of those uniquely up-close personal moments combined with tasteful aerial shots. Teamwork between traditional and aerial photographers will add a personal touch to the wedding footage and evoke a genuine emotional connection.

 

Conclusion:

 

Incorporating drones into wedding photography and videography elevates the storytelling experience, offering breathtaking aerial views and capturing genuine emotions that ground-level cameras may miss. However, it is vital to prioritize safety, compliance, and effective communication with the wedding party. By doing so and investing in the right equipment, drone operators can create extraordinary wedding memories that will be treasured for generations to come. The art of using drones for weddings unlocks a world of creativity and innovation, bringing couples' dreams to life from the skies above.

 

 

TC Freeman is the Chief Instructor for the RemotePilotAssociation.com (RPA) and has a passion for helping recreational and commercial drone pilots learn to fly and earn FAA commercial Remote drone Pilot certification through live, hybrid or self-study courses. 

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Copyright 2023, Remote Pilot Association (TC Freeman)