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Drones: Learn Aerial Photography and Videography Basics

Learn how to safely setup and fly a DJI Phantom and configure it for FPV. Learn how to process aerial photos and video.

Created byMark Richardson

Last updated 5/2017

English

What you'll learn

Choose the right multirotor, drone, or aerial platform
Fly confidently and safely while obeying the laws
Add a video downlink system to your drone
Capture aerial shots that tell a story

Course content

13 sections • 57 lectures • 2h 19m total length

Introduction2:36
This video course is all about helping you to get started taking awesome aerial photos and videos with the use of multirotors, (drones) as quickly as possible, while avoiding the many pitfalls or problems you may face when learning to fly, choosing an aerial platform, and flying safely.
Part 107 - Commercial Use0:04
FAA Regulations3:38
If you live in the United States, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules and regulations in place that govern how you can use model aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This lecture goes over these rules. If you live in a country other than the United States, you will need to find out what the laws are for flying model aircraft where you live.
UPDATE - Updated Info0:10
**UPDATED** FAA Regulations - Drone Registration5:47
Effective December 21, 2015, anyone who owns a small unmanned aircraft of a certain weight must register with the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry before they fly outdoors. People who previously operated their UAS must register by February 19, 2016. People who do not register could face civil and criminal penalties.

Register at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/
Three Main Rules to Follow4:22
There are three main rules I live by when flying my quadcopter.

Don't be obnoxious.

Safety.

Respect Privacy.

This video explains these three rules of flying multirotors.
Flight Log0:45
Keeping a log of your flights is important and may be required for commercial use. Here is an example one you can use. Also, if you are using a newer DJI drone like a Phantom or Inspire 1, the DJI GO app automatically records a flight log for you. It's awesome!

The best quadcopters for learning to fly under $50.003:11
I give my recommendations for what makes a good inexpensive quadcopter for learning how to fly. Note: Some quadcopter transmitters come in two different versions, Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1 has the throttle and yaw controls on the right while Mode 2 has the throttle and yaw on the left. If you don't know which you prefer, get Mode 2.
Basic Controls2:20
A quick overview of the basic controls of a multirotor. Multirotor throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll controls explained.
Maintaining and Regaining Orientation3:26
One of the hardest things about flying multirotors is maintaining your orientation. Here are some tips for how to overcome this difficulty.
Maneuvers to Practice0:54
Here's a list of maneuvers to practice and master on your practice quadcopter before attempting to fly something larger and more expensive.

DJI Mavic Pro Review0:04
Build or Buy?3:24
In this lecture I discuss the pros and cons of building a multirotor versus buying one that is ready to fly.
Multirotor Configurations6:42
In this lesson we will go over the various motor, boom, and orientation configurations that are possible and the adnvantages/disadvantages of each.
The DJI Phantom Sweet-Spot2:30
A quick overview of the top ready-to-fly multirotors on the market.
DJI Phantom Versions Comparison4:03
An overview of the various quadcopter options available from DJI.
**UPDATED** DJI Phantom 3 Quick Look7:12
A quick look at the Phantom 3 Professional.

Sorry about the audio - apparently there is some interference from the WIFI siginal from the Phantom 3.

Updating Firmware5:10
While this section demonstrates firmware updates with the DJI Phantom, almost any quadcopter will use a control board that may require firmware updates or setting adjustments from time to time.
Gimbal Limits2:18
Learn how to set the parameters for the Zenmuse gimbal using the DJI Phantom Assistant Software.
Advanced IMU Calibration2:16
An explanation of IMU and how to calibrate it.
Fail-safes1:45
Return to home and battery fail-safe settings explained.
Advanced Modes3:38
NASA-M and IOC Modes Explained.

Preflight Checklist PDF1:00
A Pre-flight and Post-flight checklist to help remind you of all the little details to stay safe and have fun when flying your multirotor.
Equipment Check and Packing3:20
This lecture goes over the equipment check and packing the quadcopter for travel to the field.
Compass Calibration1:56
A demonstration of calibrating the compass sensor on the Phantom 2.
Takeoff and Hover Check0:40
It's a good idea to do a low altitude hover check to make sure everything is working correctly before taking your multirotor higher.
Ground and Catch Landing Demonstration1:10
This video demonstrates two handy landing techniques.
Fail-safe Demonstration1:48
An example video of when Return-to-Home Fail-safe saved the day for a couple of my quadcopter pilot colleagues that were capturing aerial video in South Korea.
Situations Fail-Safe will Fail2:35
Fail-safes are great but there are certain situations they won't help you at all.

Aerial Video Shot List1:02
When going into a production, it is a great idea to create a shot list and include the aerial shots you hope to get.
Best Still Photo Tips2:21
For best results, follow all of the other rules of photography. Vary the altitude. Think about composition.
Supplementing a Project with the Aerial Perspective2:18
Example from a Road Rally. Aerials gave good establishing shots in each city as well as showed the long lines of cars on the freeway. Watch the full example video here: https://vimeo.com/105600724

Requirements

A computer will be needed to update and calibrate the drone that I recommend.
You may need basic tools (soldering iron, wire cutters, screwdrivers) especially when making customizations to your aerial platform.
This course is comprehensive - it will offer useful information to those who already have a multirotor as well as those looking to buy.

Description

“Mark covers all the aerial photography topics in this course. Very interesting course over all, and great production quality. If you’ve ever wanted to get a quadcopter and use it to take cool videos and photos, you must take this course.” Scott Duffy

“This is a fantastic course, Mark has really gone over the top to put this together! Get this course Before you get a drone it will be your best investment! Thanks Mark! This Course will make a Great Gift!” MC Mason

Unquestionably, we are in the pioneering stages of a brand new "drone" revolution. Do a google search for this article from CNN Money: Drone Pilot Wanted: $100,000 Starting Salary.

Drones of all shapes and sizes are here to stay. Those people that know how to fly are about to have a whole new world of opportunities open up to them. The photography and videography trades alone have already and will continue to see major transformations as multirotors are used as flying cameras. Business is becoming aware of these options and paying attention to the additional dimension drone work can offer.

It's an exciting time to be a part of this new "drone" economy. Get up to speed and add the valuable and rewarding skill of drone-based aerial imaging to your skill-set.

Photographers and videographers! Do you want to take your images to the next level... literally? This video course is all about helping you to get started taking awesome aerial photos and videos with the use of multirotors (drones) as quickly as possible. At the same time, I’ll teach you to avoid the many pitfalls or problems you may face when learning to fly, choosing an aerial platform, and flying safely. This course contains concise video lessons, PDF guides and helpful links to help you get up to speed and up in the air.

What do you get?

Camera drones are incredibly fun to fly and will add a whole new dimension to your work. If you are a videographer, this course will help videographers and photographers gain the skills and knowledge you'll need to confidently add epic aerial shots to your video projects. Learn the best GoPro settings and post processing techniques to achieve the best video quality.

Still photographers can have just as much fun taking still photos from a multirotor drone. We'll cover taking and processing still photos with a GoPro, as well as stitching aerial panoramas into breathtaking masterpieces.

Real estate agents, farmers, miners, law enforcement officers, sheer hobbyists... the possible uses for aerial imaging are many. Cutting edge technology is making aerial photography and videography more accessible than ever. At the same time it's important to know the laws, rules, and best practices to ensure your success.

Easy Self-Paced Learning

Take this course at your own pace, come back and re-watch sections if you like, or watch the entire course in one go.

Who is the instructor?

Mark Richardson is a full time photographer and videographer who has built custom multirotors and has been capturing aerial imagery for over two years. He's traveled world wide with his current quadcopter, (a Phantom 2) and has mastered the techniques for getting stunning aerial shots while maintaining safety. Mark has hundreds of hours of multirotor flight time under his belt, with a zero crash record on the Phantom 2.

Who this course is for:

This course is for photographers or videographers looking to get into the world of aerial imaging.
This course will lay out the various options and give experienced driven recommendations to allow you to start flying drones quickly and inexpensively.

Drones: Learn Aerial Photography and Videography Basics

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Safety and Common Sense7 lectures • 17min

Flight Training4 lectures • 10min

Choosing an Aerial Platform6 lectures • 24min

First Person View (FPV)2 lectures • 3min

Phantom Firmware and Settings5 lectures • 15min

Recommended GoPro Settings2 lectures • 2min

Preflight Checklist, Takeoff and Landing7 lectures • 12min

Aerial Video & Photo Processing and Editing3 lectures • 9min

Using Aerial Imaging to Tell a Story3 lectures • 6min

Traveling with your Quadcopter3 lectures • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: