No-Drone Aerial Photography! with Paul Seibert

No-Drone Aerial Photography! with Paul Seibert

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Publish Date:
April 7, 2023
Category:
Aerial Photography
Video License
Standard License
Imported From:
Youtube

In this interview multidisciplinary photographer, Paul Seibert discusses why he chooses to capture his stunning aerial images from traditional aircraft, versus using drones. We also discuss his planning process, gear choices, and post-processing workflow.

About Paul Seibert

Paul is a freelance photographer with a specialization in aerial photography. He is in the final stages of publishing his first solo book “New York From The Air” with Rizzoli Books. In his career, Paul’s work has allowed him to work with brands such CanonUSA, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation, B&H Photo, MPB, Rebecca Minkoff, Eklund/Gomes Realty, Compass, Tropicana, and more.

One of Paul’s passion projects is to be an active, supportive member of the photographic/creative community anywhere he goes! He is now living in the greater Denver area working on his next publication concept

Get in touch:

Instagram.com/Beholdingeye
Twitter.com/PSeibertPhoto
www.paulseibertphotography.com


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By: This Week in PHOTO
Title: No-Drone Aerial Photography! with Paul Seibert
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q64TKaVlMYk

Check out the 3 highest-rated drones on Amazon in 2022




Frequently Asked Questions

Can drones shoot nighttime photos?

That's the right answer. But we've been doing it for years now. We have been taking photos at night for many decades.

There's one problem. Night photography requires specialized equipment. Any camera under $10k is not capable of night photography.

When light hits an object, it bounces back in a series of wavelengths.

These wavelengths merge to form white light at long distances from source.

This is how our eyes are able to see colors even when the sun is miles away.

However, when light strikes an object near its source, it reflects within a narrow band wavelengths. These wavelengths bounce back directly to us without any overlap.

This means that objects appearing brighter are closer together. This is why objects seem to glow when they are exposed to black light.

The energy that an object absorbs will determine how much light is reflected. If light hits an object, it may reflect less red light than more blue.

Blue light is the most visible to the human eye, so objects will appear more blue if they are seen under black light.

So what does this have to do with drones? A very bright light source is required if you are trying to capture dark areas, such as a forest, or cave.

A regular lamp will not be powerful enough for the illumination of the entire scene. It will only create a shadowed scene.

A strobe is better for taking great pictures. It's not practical to have a bulky flashgun around, so it's best to get a small one.

These lights are also known as speedlights, because they emit flashes so fast they create a stroboscopic effect.

When we say "stroboscopic," you can watch the light pulse across the screen. The higher the speed, the better the picture.

We won’t talk about how to setup a Speedlight. But you can find many tutorials online.

We will tell you to make sure that the subject is properly illuminated in order for a clear photograph.

You should aim the beam at a 45 degree angle to achieve this. You can adjust light intensity by moving your flashgun's head.

Once you have selected the correct setting, hold the gun steady and release the shutter release key.

Once the flash has reached the subject's area, press the shutter yet again. This will set off the flashgun to start a second burst.

The first burst will illuminate the subject. However, the second burst will capture the moment after it has passed.

This results in a continuous exposure that records both bursts and steady light.

Now you know how to take pictures during the day, let's move on to night photography.

I've covered everything you need about night photography.

However, there is still one thing that needs to be addressed: the color balance.

Most people assume that all the images taken at night will be too dark.

This is true even for daytime images.

The camera will always record darker images regardless of whether you are taking photos at dawn and dusk.


Can you make money off of drone photography?

If you want to make money flying drones, the problem is that there isn't a product that will solve your problems. The experience is less enjoyable if there's no quality software and equipment.

Photographers also need to consider liability and insurance. Many photographers will choose to shoot from the ground. You could get paid for your efforts if you use a totally new method of photographing images.

Drones work in the same way that video cameras do by capturing light. Why not make amazing photos with the same technology?

Companies are already making significant progress in the creation of high-quality aerial photos. We've previously discussed DJI and GoPro. But now we're starting to see more and more companies enter the space.

These cameras are not only great for aerial photography, but they also work well on the ground. All of the major manufacturers are investing heavily in developing their imaging technologies.

This means you will eventually be able purchase a drone that can shoot 4K videos and take amazing photos. This is possible. DJI, for example, has released higher-resolution versions their Phantom series of drones.

DJI's Inspire 2 recently came out with a 12-megapixel sensor, capable of shooting at 5120x3456 Pixels. You can also shoot 8-bit RAW files at 30 frames/second if you wish.

You can certainly make money from drone photos.


What should I know about the laws regarding drone photography?

Drone flights are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Local laws could also be applicable to drone flights. To find out which drone flight rules apply to your state, check with the transportation department.

Most drone owners will need to apply for a FAA licence. The FAA has guidelines for licensing. These guidelines are available here.

In some states, drone owners must register their drones with government. To learn more, visit our Guide to Drone Registration.


Is there a good place to take photos from a drone?

Drones have been a very useful tool in capturing stunning shots of nature. Whether you want close-up shots of animals like birds and butterflies or to capture beautiful scenery, drones are ideal.

Mountains, deserts lakes oceans beaches and cities are the best places to fly drones. Many drone enthusiasts capture stunning views of their local areas and other attractions.

If you want to see new places, it is worth shooting at night as the lights illuminate the surroundings. Also, you can shoot in different seasons, particularly winter when snow covers the ground.


What are the essentials for drone photography?

Drone photography requires more than just flying a plane. There are a lot of things you need to consider when planning and executing an effective drone shoot. The right location is key to making sure you have enough insurance to cover your aerial shoot.

It is essential to make sure you have permission to fly drones within the area you are planning to shoot. This includes finding out what restrictions apply to where and how your drone can be operated. If restrictions exist, you will need to apply a license to fly the drones in those areas.

You also need to check what regulations apply in your country. Some countries require permits for drone flying. Others restrict the number and duration of drone flights.

To fly drones safely and securely, you must have permission. A lot of local businesses will rent you a landing pad for an hour. This will allow you to store your drone. Another option is to buy a dedicated landing platform.

Before you start shooting, it is important to determine what kind of drone you would like to use. Different drones offer different capabilities and features. Fixed-wing drones, for example, are less expensive and more controllable, while multirotor drones, on the other hand, are more powerful and stable.

Once you have decided what type of drone you want, you will need the equipment. A drone camera typically includes a gimbal and remote controller, batteries, memory card, and batteries.

A gimbal stabilizes the camera during flight, making it easy to capture sharp images without worrying about shaking hands or dropping the device. To ensure the drone stays stable, the gimbal attaches to its body.

Remote controllers let you control your drone remotely. These remote controllers include joysticks or buttons that allow you to move your drone forwards, backwards, left, right, and adjust its altitude.

The batteries power the drone's cameras and motors. Memory cards store photos taken by it. To ensure that the drone takes clear pictures, you'll need to ensure sufficient battery life.

After you have selected the equipment, it is time to decide where you will shoot. Do you prefer to shoot outdoors or indoors? Are you going to be shooting landscapes or architecture? What kind of places are you going to be shooting? All of these factors affect how you'll need to prepare for your shoot.

If you intend to shoot inside, lighting is a must. Multiple lights can be used to brighten a room. Place one large light near the subject, another near it, and yet another close to the floor.

When outdoors, wind conditions are important. Drone pilots who are flying drones on windy days may be at risk of being blown off their course. Therefore, you should only take off when the weather is calm.

Consider whether additional equipment such as stands or tripods is necessary when you select your location. These items will allow you to keep your drone level so that you don't lose high-quality shots.

Outdoor shoots can be done between 10 AM and 4 PM. You won't see too many people during this time but you will still have enough light to take great photos.

A drone photographer is not just fun. They are also extremely useful for creating stunning aerial photos. Follow these simple steps to create stunning images right away!


Statistics

  • Among the biggest improvements, the Skydio 2+ has over the standard 2 is a 20% longer battery life, longer range if you add the Beacon, and a neat AI video creation tool called Keyframe. (thedronegirl.com)
  • Here's proof: according to an analysis of FAA drone registration numbers by drone market research and data group Drone Industry Insights, DJI had a 76.8% market share in the U.S. (thedronegirl.com)
  • Regional & Super Regional Centers pricing per center (400,000+ sq ft) PLACE ORDER (dronebase.com)
  • A grey card is just a piece of thick paper that is a specific shade of grey (18%), which will be the foundation on which we choose our color temperature. (dronegenuity.com)
  • Compared to the old days of the Phantom, this drone is super small, but it will likely require you to check a bag, the way a Mini 3 Pro could easily stow away in an oversized pocket. (thedronegirl.com)

External Links

blog.dronebase.com

dji.com

How To

How to create a time-lapse using a drone

The two most common types of camera used to make time-lapses are DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) which are typically more expensive that point-and–shoot digital cameras.

Because of the way light enters a DSLR camera, it tends to produce higher quality images. However, video requires manual focus and exposure settings.

For beginners, point-and-shoot cameras such as the GoPro are simpler to use. However, videos with lower resolutions look grainy.

A consumer drone is the best camera to time-lapse. These small flying robots offer a cheaper alternative to professional drones.

A drone can be described as a remote controlled aircraft that is autonomous and does not require human intervention. A drone typically uses a single propeller to fly, although quadcopter drones may have multiple propellers.

In addition to providing aerial footage, a drone can capture cinematic shots from a bird's eye view. For smooth handheld footage, drones may be outfitted to include a gimbal stabilizer.

For a time-lapse effect, you can start recording while your drone hovers above the subject. If the sun doesn't directly over the subject, the sky won't look dark during the shot.

The aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted to create the desired effect. If you are filming a sunset, for example, the shutter speed can be set at 30 seconds and the aperture wide open to allow in as much natural lighting as possible.

The opposite approach should be used for night shots. You can reduce light entering your camera by slowing the shutter speed to 1/second and closing the aperture. This technique creates a bright image where details are visible.