Do you remember those breathtaking wedding films that open with a jaw-dropping overhead shot of the venue to show every tiny detail of the big day? It’s almost like a movie scene, only it’s real.
A drone, or an unmanned flying machine, is used in drone photography to allow a photographer to capture aerial photos from the ground. This form of photography enables you to see your wedding day from above, whether it’s wide landscape photographs of your venue or a zoom-in close-up of you and your spouse’s first kiss.
Drones are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature and landscape in general and can be a fantastic way to add more photos from your wedding day to share on social media. Drones are especially valuable for outdoor weddings in beautiful settings such as panoramic waterfronts, rugged mountaintops, and historical estates. The perfectly arched chairs set for a ceremony to work in harmony within the frame, while drone photography allows for the wide expanse of the blue-hued water to stand out.
Before you include drone photography in your wedding agreement, there are a few things you need to consider. We contacted several skilled photographers for an authoritative answer to all of your questions before booking drone photography.
Hire an expert if at all possible.
Professional videography and photography of your wedding day are naturally expected if you want high-quality material. However, there’s even more urgency to go professional when it comes to drone photography. “Make sure any photographer you hire who will utilize drones is qualified and insured,” advises Matt Sloane, CEO of Atlanta Drone Group. “Drones are extremely safe, but things can go wrong; you want to be certain that you’re covered.” He suggests asking whether your photographer has a “Part 107 certification,” which is the FAA’s license to fly commercial drones.
Drones may be noisy.
While it may appear like a wonderful idea to have a drone circling overhead during your wedding’s most important moments, such as when you say “I do” or during your first dance, it’s vital to remember that drones produce a loud humming or buzzing noise. D’Andrea suggests bringing this issue up with your photographer to avoid having an unpleasant surprise at your wedding.“Fortunately, the newer drone models and improved propeller technology have made them considerably quieter,” he adds. If you want your outdoor ceremony captured, recommend that your drone pilot fly the drone only over the beginning and end of the ceremony so as not to interfere with the important parts.
It isn’t easy to capture a drone photograph.
Drones are a topic that has a lot of rules and regulations associated with it. Drones are subject to several rules and limitations, which is why you should contact your wedding location before booking them for photography. “For example, if your venue is less than 5 miles from an airport, they may not be able to fly the drone,” says D’Andrea. “ Some newer drones will not even be able to take off because of limitations built into the software in certain circumstances.”
Using a drone in an irresponsible manner might be distracting.
The wedding ceremony, especially if it’s outside, is one of the most popular uses for drone photography during a wedding. However, if done incorrectly, this may be difficult. “The ceremony is without a doubt the most emotional moment of the wedding day, but when the drone flies over the guests and the bride and groom, it can cause everyone’s attention to shift and steal away from the lovely moment,” says Weaver. “Make sure you hire a drone photographer who understands how to be inconspicuous when utilizing drone photography during the ceremony and throughout other parts of the wedding day event.”
Drones may be prohibited in the case of severe weather.
Most drones are water-resistant and can fly in windy conditions, but they aren’t indestructible. If there’s bad weather, such as rain, snow, or strong winds, the drone footage may not be optimal, or worse yet, the aircraft might break. “If it’s inevitable to get rain on the lens, your photos could be ruined,” D’Andrea warns. In any case, a professional will make the best decision possible.