Thank you for supporting the weekly flyovers.* Your contributions go towards RGV Flyovers and all associated expenses.
Starbase Weekly Live Streams Join us for the Starbase Weekly Live stream, where we discuss ground and aerial* photos taken during the week. Starbase Weekly Live occurs at 12pm CT every Saturday.
Additionally, Patreon and YouTube tiered members receive additional perks, including the exclusive invite to join us in Discord before, after, and during the live stream and Show & Tell events.
Appreciation & Gratitude Thank you again for supporting RGV Aerial Photography. Without your support it would be almost impossible to complete a flyover each week as it is your support that allows RGV Aerial Photography's owner and photographer, Mauricio, to be wheels up each week. And for his YouTube and Patreon supporters, Mauricio is able to provide over 500 aerial and ground photos combined each week!
All Flyovers photos are taken above 10,500 ft. while flying in a Cessna 150 or Cessna 180 aircraft.
*Flyovers are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Look at the 3 highest-rated drones on Amazon in 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drone do you recommend for beginners?
These drones are great for beginners as they don't require any advanced skills. These include drones that have an FPV (firstperson view) camera. Users can remotely control the drone with a smartphone application.
Some quadcopters were specifically designed for aerial photography. If you are planning to explore more advanced features such as autonomous flight mode, obstacle avoidance, etc., you might opt for a multirotor model.
The drones come in two price categories: low-cost ones under $100 and high-end ones over $300.
The cheapest models usually come with a limited range and battery life, while the most expensive ones feature better performance and longer flight times.
Because they are easier to control and operate, most beginners choose to purchase cheaper models. If you intend to fly your drone for hours, however, you might consider buying a more expensive model.
How do I fly my drone?
The best way to learn how to fly a drone is by practicing. Although drones are much more stable than regular aircraft, pilots still need to get experience. For beginners, we recommend practicing indoors or close to home.
You will need to be able to perform three skills when learning to fly a drone. These are hovering, landing, and taking off.
Taking Off
Taking off is simply lifting the drone into the air. To do this, press the button on the controller until the drone starts moving upward. After the drone reaches an appropriate height, release the button.
Hovering
Hovering means keeping the drone steady in midair. To hover, press and hold the left or the right triggers. By holding down both triggers, you can tilt the drone to move it.
Landing
Landing is when the drone returns safely to the earth. To land, release your throttle and tilt the controller down toward the ground. The drone will slow down and eventually land.
Fly your drone as comfortable as possible. Make sure you don't crash into anything.
What are some of the cons to using drone photography for your photos?
Drone photography allows you to capture stunning images and video. There are downsides to flying a small plane.
The most obvious disadvantage of flying drones is the cost involved. It can cost hundreds to thousands depending on which drone you buy.
You will need to be certified and trained to fly a drone.
Safety is another issue. Drones can be dangerous as they need to be repaired and maintained constantly. Drones can be dangerous because they require constant maintenance and repair.
It is possible that you spend more time flying a drone than taking photos or filming footage. Your drone might not have enough airspace to fly.
Some local governments have restrictions on where you can fly an unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, you can not fly above 400ft or within five mile of any local airports, stadiums and hospitals.
Drones are not for everyone. Some people feel uneasy about flying these machines because they fear they might crash or fall out of the sky. Some people worry about accidentally hitting another person or object.
If you're not comfortable flying a drone, then maybe you should stick to traditional aerial photography and videography methods instead.
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)
Though the Mavic 3 is about 50% heavier than the Mavic Air 2, it's still conveniently sized. (nytimes.com)
Greater than 50% throttle stick position generates positive thrust, but less than 50% throttle stick position reverses the direction of the motors, allowing upside-down flying! (photographypro.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)
Again, no stabilization is applied, and the 50% throttle stick position cuts the power to the motors. (photographypro.com)
When making time-lapses, there are two main types of cameras commonly used - DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex), which are generally more expensive than point-and-shoot digital cameras.
Due to the way light enters the camera, DSLR cameras tend to produce better-quality images. However, video requires manual focus and exposure settings.
It is easier for beginners to use point and shoot cameras such as those made of GoPro. However, the lower resolution means videos look grainy.
Consumer drones are the best choice for time-lapse photography. These small flying robots are popular because they provide an affordable alternative to professional drones.
A drone is a remotely controlled aircraft that can fly autonomously and without human intervention. Quadcopter drones can have multiple propellers, but a drone usually uses one propeller.
A drone can not only capture aerial footage but also cinematic shots with a bird’s-eye view. To capture smooth handheld footage, drones can be outfitted with a stabilizer.
You can create a time lapse by recording the drone above your subject. The sky won't appear dark during the shot if the sun isn't directly overhead.
You can adjust both the shutter speed or aperture to get the desired effect. To capture a sunset, you might set the shutter speed at 30 seconds, and open the aperture wide to let in as much natural sunlight as possible.
The opposite approach is recommended for night shots. You can reduce light entering your camera by slowing the shutter speed to 1/second and closing the aperture. This produces a bright image that makes details visible.
