Drone and Action Camera Storytelling

Name: Drone and Action Camera Storytelling
Rating: 4.5 (233 reviews)

Find the wow-factor in every shoot. Abundant B-roll and how to fly for the best shots.

Created byAndrew St.Pierre White

Last updated 12/2025

English

What you'll learn

You will go from getting great footage to creating sequences with your drone-mounted camera.
You will know how to position your drone for the best perspective, increased creative interest and storytelling advantage.
You will know how to set up your drone camera for optimum photographic results
You will know how to use low light, filters, colour settings, etc. with your drone camera.
I won't be teaching you how to fly your drone, but how to use your drone as a video production tool.
If you are a beginner at drone flying and want to learn how to fly, this is may not be the best first drone course to take.

Course content

3 sections • 24 lectures • 2h 47m total length

Take Full Advantage of where you can put the camera and drone7:36
Imagine placing a camera almost anywhere you want, and even move it with the subject! This ideal was a dream to the ordinary filmmaker less than 10 years ago. This introduction I discuss how this has changed everything for us storytellers.
Fail to Plan. Plan to Fail5:24
Two rules for great footage are: Turn the camera on and off between takes, just like you would do when on the ground with a hand-held camera. It ensures creative discipline. And plan your shots before you take off, and when in the air. If you fail to plan, your plan will fail.
This is the abridged course available on Udemy. If you would like to take the advanced course, more than your Udemy spend can be refunded. To do this, go to beafilmmaker dot com, and use the following coupon code when making your purchase: BFM-UDEMY40
You will receive US$40 discount on any course purchased! This is in addition to any other discounts that you may find on Beafilmmaker dot com. (No direct links are permitted here.)
Camera settings6:37
Basic camera settings to enable footage from the drone or action camera to as closely as possible match footages from other sources.

The 10-second rule10:39
This is probably the single most important lecture in this course. Because it solves a problem most drone videographers suffer from. I call it the 10-second rule. It ensures that whatever you shoot, there will be lots of usable footage, which will provide abundant choices in the edit suite.
Constructing a sequence3:07
Planning is vital when shooting from a drone. Don't always think if it as B-roll when it can be sued for so much more.
Consider the Story9:41
Depth and Perspective4:48
Perspective comes with depth. Which means, keeping a foreground, middle ground, and background. In the case of a high-flying camera, this means the foreground is anything tall, with a camera not too much higher than its highest point, the middle ground is often the subject, and the background is the horizon. Should you lose any of these components, the perspective will be diminished - especially the horizon.
Use the drone as a tripod.6:00
Using the drone camera to get static shots to build a sequence, means that the shots don't stand out as being drone shots, but simply add to the story visuals without being 'noticed' as drone shots. This is a completed sequence, that is a good example of this.
Image Composition5:36
Composition rules of any videography apply here also. Here are some clever tricks to get it right.
Shooting Scenics3:50
Few things do it better than a camera mounted high-up!
Building a sequence with multiple cameras7:11
Just like shooting on the ground, assembly of shots in camera to form a story ready for editing is no different here. That's why planning works so well with a drone.
Drone camera moves for storytelling5:44
Use the 10-second rule to get the best shots, but plan your shots with your story in mind. Here are some insights.
Using the horizon to create perspective2:11
there is no better way to introduce perspective in one's drone footage by including as you would when shooting on the ground, by adding a background. Here is how I do it.
Make the drone a character - 17:18
On more than one occasions Ive used the drone as a character when Ive been travelling in very remote areas on my own. Its like a companion.
Make the drone a character - 22:39
On more than one occasions Ive used the drone as a character when Ive been travelling in very remote areas on my own. Its like a companion. This is a second example.

Understanding your action camera2:28
In this lesson, we will be diving into the world of action cameras and exploring what makes them unique. Action cameras are small, lightweight cameras that are designed to capture high-quality footage in extreme conditions. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to document your adventures or a content creator wanting to add a new perspective to your videos, action cameras are a versatile tool that can help you achieve your goals.
Action cameras are known for their durability and versatility. They are often waterproof, shockproof, and able to withstand harsh conditions, making them the perfect companion for outdoor activities. Additionally, action cameras are designed to capture high-quality video footage with wide-angle lenses and stabilization features. This allows you to capture smooth, professional-looking footage even in fast-paced or shaky environments.
In conclusion, action cameras are a valuable tool for capturing unique and dynamic footage. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie looking to document your adventures or a filmmaker wanting to add a new perspective to your work, action cameras offer endless possibilities. By mastering the use of your action camera, you can take your content to the next level and create engaging, immersive videos that stand out from the crowd.
Action cameras are durable and versatile, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Action cameras capture high-quality footage with wide-angle lenses and stabilization features.
Mastering the use of your action camera can help you create engaging and immersive videos.
Choosing the Right Action Camera16:27
Setting Up Your Action Camera13:02
Welcome to the 'Master your Action Camera/GoPro' course! In this lesson, we will focus on setting up your action camera for optimal performance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, understanding how to properly set up your camera is essential for capturing high-quality footage.
First, make sure to fully charge your action camera before use to avoid running out of battery mid-shoot. Next, familiarize yourself with the different settings and modes available on your camera. Take the time to adjust the resolution, frame rate, and other settings to suit your shooting needs. Lastly, don't forget to properly mount your camera to ensure stability and secure footage.
By following these steps to set up your action camera, you'll be well on your way to capturing amazing footage for your next adventure. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and angles to find what works best for you. Stay tuned for the next lesson on capturing action-packed moments!
Fully charge your action camera before use
Adjust settings to suit your shooting needs
Properly mount your camera for stability
More on setting up your actions cameras7:10
More on setting up your actions cameras
Footage Capture tips8:27
Welcome to the lesson on Understanding Camera Angles and Perspectives! In this lesson, we will explore the importance of camera angles and perspectives when using your action camera or GoPro. By mastering these concepts, you will be able to capture more dynamic and visually appealing footage.
Camera angles refer to the position from which the camera is capturing the scene, while perspectives refer to the point of view from which the scene is being viewed. It's important to consider both angles and perspectives when setting up your shots to create a more engaging and immersive experience for your viewers. Experimenting with different angles and perspectives can help you tell a more compelling story through your footage.
In conclusion, understanding camera angles and perspectives is essential for creating high-quality content with your action camera or GoPro. By mastering these concepts, you can take your videos to the next level and stand out from the crowd. Remember to always think creatively and experiment with different angles and perspectives to find what works best for your unique style.
Camera angles and perspectives are crucial for creating visually appealing footage
Experimenting with different angles and perspectives can help tell a more compelling story
Mastering these concepts can take your videos to the next level and help you stand out
Storytelling Example 112:32
Welcome to the lesson on creating smooth and stable footage with your action camera or GoPro. One of the key elements to capturing professional-looking videos is ensuring that your footage is smooth and stable. Shaky footage can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your content. In this lesson, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you achieve smooth and stable footage with your action camera.
One of the first things to consider when trying to create smooth and stable footage is your camera's frame rate. Shooting at a higher frame rate can help reduce motion blur and create smoother footage. Additionally, using a stabilizing accessory such as a gimbal or a tripod can greatly improve the stability of your shots. Finally, practicing good camera technique, such as using smooth panning and tilting movements, can also contribute to smoother footage.
In conclusion, creating smooth and stable footage with your action camera or GoPro is essential for producing high-quality videos. By paying attention to your camera's frame rate, using stabilizing accessories, and practicing good camera technique, you can greatly improve the overall look of your footage. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new techniques to find what works best for you.
Higher frame rates can reduce motion blur and create smoother footage
Using stabilizing accessories like gimbals or tripods can greatly improve stability
Practicing good camera technique, such as smooth movements, is key to achieving smooth footage
Storytelling Example 29:10
Action cam storytelling example 35:54
Welcome to the lesson on creating smooth and stable footage with your action camera or GoPro. One of the key elements to capturing professional-looking videos is ensuring that your footage is smooth and stable. Shaky footage can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your content. In this lesson, we will explore some tips and techniques to help you achieve smooth and stable footage with your action camera.
One of the first things to consider when trying to create smooth and stable footage is your camera's frame rate. Shooting at a higher frame rate can help reduce motion blur and create smoother footage. Additionally, using a stabilizing accessory such as a gimbal or a tripod can greatly improve the stability of your shots. Finally, practicing good camera technique, such as using smooth panning and tilting movements, can also contribute to smoother footage.
In conclusion, creating smooth and stable footage with your action camera or GoPro is essential for producing high-quality videos. By paying attention to your camera's frame rate, using stabilizing accessories, and practicing good camera technique, you can greatly improve the overall look of your footage. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new techniques to find what works best for you.
Higher frame rates can reduce motion blur and create smoother footage
Using stabilizing accessories like gimbals or tripods can greatly improve stability
Practicing good camera technique, such as smooth movements, is key to achieving smooth foot
Conclusion and another sequence from one of my shows4:26
I hope you have gained some valuable insight from this course. And I leave with another sequence made up entirely from GoPro footage shot in Namibia for my TV show produced in 2012.

Requirements

You will need a photographic drone and some experience in flying it. Any drone with a camera will do.
You should have a desire to not just 'get footage,' but tell stories, and create beautiful images using your drone camera.
You should have a desire to be better, like all good filmmakers should.

Description

If your desire is mostly creative excellence, then you will find this is one of very few courses available anywhere that focuses on the creative aspects of drone and action camera videography. A camera mounted on a flying or moving machine is a magical tool for storytelling. It's also a recipe for hours of almost useless footage. That, anyone can do. But if you are interested in telling stories with this equipment, then you've come to the right place.

This course demonstrates how to use the drone and action camera as camera platforms. These are two very different disciplines. This course does not attempt to teach specific drone operations because every drone is different. But all are the same when it comes to capturing footage that is useful in an editing environment.

I'm a storyteller and professional filmmaker with 38 years in TV production and YouTube, and I have like so many before me, had to come to grips with the ability to place a camera almost anywhere I want. But in this learning curve, I have realised that drones are far easier to fly than they are to operate as a flying camera. It's so easy to get good shots. But to get a remarkable shots, isn't.

And to get shots useful in an edit environment, is even harder. Action cam and aerial footage has become commonplace, to the point of being ordinary. This is because the new generation of camera drones have opened exciting portals to creativity. But here is the challenge: Only by capturing remarkable footage can one's creativity stand apart.

This course is for those that need help mostly with the second part. While we demonstrate these skills with consumer-oriented photographic drones, all these lessons apply with even the most advanced, heavy-lift machines.

Subjects in this course include:

Take full advantage when positioning a drone camera.
Plan shots before takeoff.
The vital key to success is the 10-second rule for abundant B-Roll. The biggest problem - solved.
Camera settings for best quality and continuity.
Constructing a sequence. It's a camera. So treat it like one.
Consider the story. What are you trying to say, show or share?
Depth and perspective.
Speed to fly. When to track. When to pan. When to circle. When to just leave the camera still. The second biggest problem - solved.
Using the drone as an extremely tall tripod.
Using the drone as a low tripod. Just because it can go high, doesn't mean it should.
Image composition principals are often overlooked, but remain the same.
Shooting scenics.
Building a sequence with multiple cameras and angles.
Ever thought about making the drone a character in the story?
A separate section about action cameras is a recent addition to this course,

I hope you will enjoy and learn much from spending this time with me.

Join over 37 000 of my students from 182 countries!

Thank you!

Andrew

Who this course is for:

Both beginner and highly experienced drone pilots who want to learn more about it, and refine their skills.
If you are already flying and learning how great a drone can be for videography, this course has been developed especially for you.
Drone flyers who want to know how to shoot single-handed or with someone helping either fly, or shoot.

Drone and Action Camera Storytelling

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Fundamentals3 lectures • 20min

Creative Excellence12 lectures • 1hr 9min

Action Cameras9 lectures • 1hr 20min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: