Travel Photography Inspiration Project: India

By: Peter West Carey  

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Photography Inspiration, Travel Photography, How to avoid photography problems, bad mistakes, photography, video. Photography tutorial for beginners, photography, photography tips, photography tricks, photo tips, and tricks

 

 

Welcome to the first installment in the long term DPS Travel Photography Inspiration Project. We start our world travels in India. The response to requests for photos was highest for this county more than any other and what a fine group of samples were sent! I asked each participant to not only include a photo or three, but asked them to help other photographers with tips for taking the same type of photo or about travel to India in general. All photos are copyright their respective owners. If you like what you see, follow the links with each photo to learn more about the photographer.

The Two Faces Of Life by Lila Braga
Took this picture when visiting Agra,just outside the great Taj Mahal. After a few minutes observing this lady I decided to ask for her permission to take her picture,she smiled and  then looked right at my pointed camera .The Indian people love to have their pictures taken,they are not shy about it too! Kids will approach you when they see your big camera,and often ask for you to take their picture.But just to be on the safe side, always take a few rupees with you ,as many Indians are very poor and sometimes very greedy too.I had a bad experience once and all that was needed to fix it was a few rupees…Beware of pickpockets too,be careful and do not go anywhere alone caring money and a fancy camera.And specially be very cautious in Agra as the locals are very aggressive towards photographers!

The Town, The Lake and The Mountains.. Pushkar by Sreenivasa Sudheendra
Nestled in the middle of the western ghats is the holy beautiful city of Pushkar. Captured in the magic hours, just before sunset is this panaroma of three pictures. If you are a foodie, this place has some of the tastiest ones for you.

This is the statue in Gyarah Murti, Delhi, depicting Mahatma Gandhi leading the Dandi March against British salt taxes. Photo by Nick Hine.
This is one of those happy accidents. The photo was taken from a taxi on the way to the airport. There is so much to see in India, and typically famous landmarks or interesting sights are mixed in with the mundane and the daily life. I always have a compact camera ready for these moments.

The Early Fisherman gets the Fish by Mukundh B
A group of  fishermen trying out their nets in motorized wooden boats at Elliots Beach, Chennai
Travel Tip: December/January/February is the prefect time to visit Chennai and Tamil Nadu for foreigners. No rains plus warm weather (cold for us though).

Varanasi by Hari
Chaos, chaos and more chaos! And then you find a serene river – the holy Ganga – silent and majestic. One of the holiest cities in India, with a certain aura of its own, Varanasi pulls you back to it again and again. You go once, you are addicted, with the tiny winding allies of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Ganja smoking, fierce looking but friendly ‘Sadhus’, who might invite you to take a toke from their ‘Chillum’ – Varanasi is a piece from another era. You go there and forget that there is a life and world for you outside it.

The Look at Amber Palace by Ralph Velasco
Tip: Look to capture everyday life, people just doing what they do, whether it’s sweeping a palace, standing in a doorway or smoking a cigarette.

Boatman Varanasi, 2006 by Alexandre Ayer
A boatman waiting for customers to cross the Ganges River, Varanasi (Benares), India, 2006.
When visiting Varanasi, you will se that the city is built on only one side of the river. Taking a boat to the other side will not only provide a good overall view of the city, but it is also a place where locals go to have fun, fly kites, a cup of Chai, a picnic… Many photo opportunities !

Mandvi Beach of Kutch – Gujarat by Bhaumik D. Vasavada
Kutch is 2nd largest constituency after Leh Ladakh in India. It occupies 23% of Gujarat state.  It also has seashore on its west side. In North West, it touches Pakistan border and in North Rajsthan state.There is a white desert located in Kutch and it’s beauty is mind blowing which you can see from the photo itself.Every year in the month of December from day before the full moon night , ‘Rann Utsav’ (Desert Festival) starts and lasts more than a month. It starts with inaugural Kutch Carnival in which many traditional and theme dances performed.

Bhaja Caves by Dev Wijewardane
The photograph shows a section of the Bhaja caves complex (2nd Century BC Buddhist temple) which is close to Pune in Maharashtra.
Because there is such a lot to see in India, do your research before you head over on holiday and know exactly what you want to see.

Untitled by Charlotte Jalvingh
Step of the ‘tourist trail’ and duck into little alleys; you might be surprised what you find.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in some pictures as well. Don’t become annoyed but try to make a deal: picture of me for you, picture of you for me.

HImalayan Dusk_A view from Hattu Peak, Narkanda , HImachal by Nikhil M.
The Hattu Peak with an altitude of 3136mts from sea level provides the excellent view of the dense forest and the mighty Himalayan range that is snow laden.

Two camels rest peacefully with a glorious sunset in the background (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India) by Sergio Burani
I was in the desert near Jaisalmer, in Rajasthan, India, near the border with Pakistan.  The sun was setting rapidly. I saw these two camels with a gorgeous background.  I was rapidly running out of light and the two camels were not cooperating: they were looking in different directions. I was seconds away from losing the sun behind the horizon, when the two camels decided to gift me with their perfect position, for me and for you to enjoy.
I learned my lesson: in order to make excellent photos you indeed need technical skills, but also patience and trust that the situation will ultimately evolve in the direction you want.

A kaleidoscope of colours by Akshay Jain

Waiting on a Train – Old Delhi Train Station by Ralph Velasco
The Old Delhi train station is full of photo opportunities like this.  I chose to stand off to one side and let life happen in front of me, and I was ready to capture it when it did.

Train, Ahmedabad, 2006 by Alexandre Ayer
Passengers brushing their teeth with the local equivalent of a toothbrush in a train in Ahmedabad station.
If you have time, travelling by train in India is a fascinating experience. It is slow and sometimes uncomfortable but provides great opportunities for meeting people and observing daily life by the tracks. Be weary of your belongings though, as night trains are a favorite shopping place for pickpockets.

Through the Screen at Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi, India by Ralph Velasco
Look for interesting silhouettes that will allow you to incorporate what I call a “human touch.”  Instead of a standard silhouette of this hand carved screen at Humayun’s tomb, I looked for an opportunity to incorporate some people into the scene which makes for a more interesting image.

Taj Mahal, Agra, 2006 by Alexandre Ayer
Early morning light at the Taj Mahal, Agra.
Only a 2-hour train ride from Delhi, Agra and it’s famous Taj Mahal is a favourite destination for travellers. Entrance to the compound is about 15 US$ (better to purchase it 24 hours in advance) and you might be charged a little extra for carrying a DSLR camera. Make sure you get there before it opens (it can get quite crowded) so you can be the first person there. You will enjoy the beautiful morning light reflecting on the white marble structure, and your photos will be free of tourists.

Family In Front Of The Taj Mahal by Peter West Carey
Look for different views of the classic icons, including the Taj Mahal. This family is taking a portrait on an onyx thrown once used by royal leaders and I took the shot while thinking my day was done. Stay alert.

Symmetry – land and people by Andrea Westwood
Pushkar is a small city with limited hotel accommodation, and it is wise to book in advance, since the place is inundated with people for the festival. It is a pilgrimage place for Hindus, with the only Brahma temple in India, as well as livestock traders and foreign tourists.

Bustling city streets of Mumbai by Adil Ansari

Why to visit Mumbai: The sea town has a lot to offer, ranging from the Gothic/Victorian architecture to the most prolific film industry in the world.

For more information on how to have your shots considered for the next country, check out the original post here.  Share this article.


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5 Ways to Find Great Locations for Travel Photography

By: Erin Fitzgibbon   

Tags:  

Travel Photography, How to avoid photography problems, bad mistakes, photography, 

video. Photography tutorial for beginners, photography, photography tips, photography tricks, 

photo tips and tricks

 

In this article, you’ll get five tips to help you find great locations for travel photography.

The issue

The use of cell phones has truly changed the face of photography. All realms have been affected. Travel photography like all other genres has changed. Nowadays the world is so easily accessible through the internet, so many famous sites have been shot over and over again. Google the Eiffel Tower and millions of images will pop up.

We stopped to visit the small town in Wales that my parents lived in when they were young, and 

discovered a beautiful moody beach.

So when traveling how do you find things to shoot? Yes of course still shoot the famous landmarks and sites. You have to shoot them! How could anyone go to London without checking out Big Ben or London Bridge? (Unless of course the clock was covered in scaffolding for maintenance like it was when I visited.)
As always, I’m going to suggest you push yourself past these common sites and look deeper into a location. The question is how do you find great locations for travel photography and how can you plan your trip, so you make the most of these sites?
It’s time to look into a few methods for finding fantastic photographic opportunities when traveling at home or abroad.

1) Travel Books

A shot from my Instagram feed. I’m always researching my next location, even when sitting in a car 

waiting for my kids.

Tried and trusted travel books can help you begin your search for interesting places to photograph. While not focused solely on photography, they provide you with the background information and history of different sites.
All of this is, of course, relevant for travel photography. You need to know the ins and outs of visiting a country and all its sites. There’s nothing worse than showing up expecting to be able to shoot a variety of historic buildings only to discover they’re closed on Sundays.
Having a solid knowledge of a country is so important when going to photograph a location. What are the rules for photography? How will people react when you take their photo? Travel guide books can help you in the primary stages of your research.

Snowdonia is the main tourist location but when we stopped to check out the view we stumbled upon 

the training grounds for the airforce planes zipped through this valley. It was impressive.

One of my favorite series of digging into a place is the 500 Hidden Secrets Books. I love them for the info and the pointers. They usually contain some small less popular sites and the books are nicely organized. Another favorite that has never steered me wrong is the Lonely Planet Guides. Whatever you prefer, there are tons of books out there that can assist you in your primary travel research.

2) Travel Blogs and Articles

I often find inspiration for travel by reading articles on the internet. Of course, check out the famous websites like the travel lists from Forbes and National Geographic but I also like to dig into some rather interesting blogs. There are lots of people visiting the world, discovering places, and providing inspiration. I like to take a look at what the folks at Drink Tea and Travel have discovered as well as Dan Flying Solo.

A small out of the way beach we found through a hiking website.

3) Travel sharing websites

A site like Trover can be very inspiring and informative when trying to research a destination. I’m heading to New York and Portugal shortly so this site will feature fairly heavily in my research. It’s very much a social sharing site that allows you to get some first-hand information about specific locations.
But it’s important to plan when going traveling with photography as your focus and being able to get first-hand information is important. Let’s face it; if the author is not a photographer, they have no idea how important it is to visit a site at the right time of day. So, by all means, check out a ton of photo sharing sites before you head to any location.

A shot of the impressive Unesco Heritage Site, Harlech Castle. You will find this site on the main 

tourist trail in Wales. It’s still worth a visit, though.

4) Ask Locals

One of the best places I found to shoot was based on information I got from a local. You have to be careful when you ask. Always take the proper safety precautions but they know their home well, and they know the hidden away amazing places.
Case in point, people come to Canada and they often skip Toronto and head straight to Niagara Falls. Their response is often the same. The falls are nice but the rest of the town, it’s kitschy. As a local, I know all about the tourist trap areas around the falls. I often direct people to see the falls but to also visit Toronto too. They are often surprised at what they find in this frequently overlooked city.
So go for it chat up the locals to find out what they know about their home. Just be aware and always use safety precautions when meeting people in person or giving our your personal information or travel plans.

A shot taken on my phone. We found this amazing restaurant by chatting with a bouncer in Cardiff.

5) When you get there take a calculated risk and follow a whim

Some of the best photographs I’ve ever captured have occurred because I let fate guide my steps. I chose to leave the beaten path and explore. I revelled in the mystery of getting lost.
You will find that these detours almost always pay off. You find out of the way places that provide you with some insight into the wonder of a location. Plus there’s always the excitement of adventure and the road less traveled.
Most of my favourite memories come from these moments when I have no idea where I’m going or what might occur.

A more artistic shot of Harlech Castle.

Summary

There are endless places to discover. Travel photography is both exciting and challenging. Don’t hesitate to discover some amazing things.
Share your favorite methods of finding great photography locations. The more ways we share, the more we discover about this incredible world in which we live. So go ahead post your favorite travel articles, share your stories with locals and let’s make a huge list of resources we can all use for finding those amazing locations we love to capture so much.

Best day ever! On a side trip, we found this waterfall and had a blast wandering around behind it. Share this article. 

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How to Use Drones to do Stunning Aerial Photography

 

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By: Andrew Thomas  

One of the most exciting developments in photography in the last year or two is the drone – high flying cameras that enable you to capture unique viewpoints of common subjects. Recently the cost of getting a camera into the air has dropped dramatically and if you decide to venture down this road I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Apart from the amazing images you will capture, they are also tremendous fun!

As with most modern technology there is a vast range of drones, or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), on the market. Similar to camera equipment in general, how much you’re prepared to spend will determine the quality of camera on-board, and the flying characteristics of the drone itself. There are low-cost models that will take very basic images, up to the big boys toys that will happily lift your prized DSLR up into the heavens. You can even add your GoPro on to some units that will take advantage of camera gear you may already have. One company has a range of models that has a large percentage of the market – DJI. Their Phantom range of drones are the first choice for many, and though they do make some high end-models, the Phantom 3 series models are the most popular drone in the world, for good reason.

Getting Started

One of the big advertising features of most drones these days is their ease of operation. “Fly Straight Out of the Box” is a common term you’ll see, and in fact it is also very true. Charge the battery, download the app to your smartphone, fire it up, and away you go.
However, it must be mentioned that as easy as these are to fly, common sense and care is a big part of aerial flying. It’s suggested you start with some limitations in place, easily set up on the smartphone app that runs the drone. This is usually along the lines of limiting the maximum height you can fly, and also how far away you can send the drone.

Photo courtesy of DJI

Always start somewhere wide open, such as a local oval or park, and spend time getting a feel of the controls before you even think about pressing the shutter button. Always be aware of your location in relation to what’s around you. As these cameras usually have a wide angle lens (20mm equivalent) and it’s easy to mis-judge your positioning when in close proximity to objects such as trees and buildings, especially if viewing the smartphone screen is your prime.

Rules and Regulations

Most countries have rules to follow, and while they can’t all be mentioned here, usually they are along the lines of these:

• Drone must always be in Line of Sight (LOS) – that basically means you should always be able to see it
• Maximum Height 133 metres (400 feet)
• Never fly over groups of people
• Respect others privacy
• No flying anywhere near airports and other no-fly zones as specified in each country

It’s suggested you check with your local air safety authorities for particular details in your area.

A few months ago I was flying above my local railway station, looking for the perfect image at dusk, just as the lights came on that illuminate the tower every evening on this historic building. Happily flying for five minutes or so, I looked down to see two local policemen coming over to me. My first reaction in these circumstances is to gauge their reaction to drone flying, and if there are any concerns I bring the machine down immediately. Unfortunately drones have been getting some negative publicity in the press, certainly not helped by the person that crash landed one on the front lawn of the White House in Washington earlier in 2015. Luckily these two policemen were very interested in what I was doing. By showing them exactly on-screen what I was seeing, and explaining the whole procedure and the care I was taking in not flying directly above any people, they left with a very positive attitude.
I think it’s very important to fly with this attitude in mind. And one other thing about flying in public places….you will need to be prepared to become the centre of attention as people are generally quite intrigued by what you doing!

Its also tempting to think that aerial imaging is going to be a great new avenue for making some money from your photography. Once again this is another area where the rules vary from country to country, and you should look into the certification you may need in your area to undertake paid aerial work.

Amazing Technology

Todays drones have some amazing technology on board that has revolutionized aerial photography:

• By connecting your smartphone to your handheld remote control unit, you can see on-screen exactly what the drone is viewing. This makes for perfect compositional adjustments.
• Camera controls are extensive – auto or full manual control, RAW capture, even time-lapse
• The drone will hover in the one spot with incredible stability, almost like an aerial tripod! You can take your hands off the controls and the drone will stay in that position.
• Failsafe flight options. With an average 20 minutes flight time per battery charge, the drone can detect when your battery is getting low and will go into RTH mode (automatic return-to-home), ensuring the drone comes back to you! If for some reason the lightbridge connection between the remote control and the machine itself is lost (this can happen when flying behind buildings or trees), once again RTH is activated. Another great use for the RTH feature is when you have lost sight of the drone, which is quite easy to do once it gets some distance away from you, by pressing the RTH button your flying camera will happily return to you before you know it.

Aerial Photography

When you first start flying, it’s very exciting to get home, load your images, and marvel at the amazing scenes you have captured. In my first few weeks of flying, everything I took was thrilling. However, I quickly realized that aerial photography is no different to other forms of photography – it’s still all about the light! So rather than just heading out randomly, I once again started to chase the light and conditions, which has always been the strength of my landscape photography.
As a landscape photographer I am always aware of weather conditions and what they might offer. Now even more so, as a drone pilot you will have to also take into account the wind forecasts. Drones are not something you fly in high winds (unless you have to get that amazing once-in-a-lifetime scene in front of you!) and you will find yourself looking for calm weather more than any other condition.

At present the in-built cameras on most drones are nowhere near the quality you are used to with your ground level camera. However, I have found the images I have been able to capture are surprisingly good. Though only 12mps, the fact that you can shoot a RAW file gives you more options to work with later on. The jpg files are also surprisingly good, especially if you have been flying in good light.
Even when shooting in low light the quality has been amazing for such a small camera unit, and the stability of the camera at 300 feet can be quite astonishing. You can also shoot panorama images just as you would when down at sea level, once again creating something very unique. And why not try a time-lapse from 300 feet?! I have had images printed up to A3 size (roughly 12×16) and you would be hard pressed to tell they were taken with a 12mp camera.

I should also mention that most drones these days shoot high quality video, even up to 4K, which produces stunning aerial footage. In fact, at 4K resolution it’s possible to take a high quality frame directly out of the video.

Unique Views

One thing you will love is the amazing patterns you find in the landscape when viewed from above. Drones allow you to get into the area that most planes and helicopters are not allowed to – below 300 feet. Google Maps makes a great starting point for finding locations that look worth visiting.
It certainly beats putting your camera on the end of a ten foot pole (yes, I did that a few years ago).

As a landscape photographer for a number of years now, I can’t recommend highly enough aerial imaging as a unique way to add that extra aspect to your photography. Everyone you share your images with will be amazed and intrigued, and don’t forget how much fun it is. If you ever tire of it, you may like to try herding sheep with your drone – yes, it’s been done!
Have you tried out any drone or aerial photography yourself? Please share your tips and images in the comments below. Share this article.

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This Drone Photography Checklist will Ensure You Never Miss Your Shots

Tags:  

Drone Photography, Neutral Density Filter, Photography Backdrop, Nikon, Cannon, Shutter speed, photography techniques, bad habits of photography, 

photographer habits, mistakes photographers make, new photographer mistakes 

photography problems how to avoid photography problems bad mistakes photography, 

video. photography tutorial for beginners, photography, photography tips, photography tricks, 

photo tips and tricks

By: Matt Murray

Capturing stunning images with your drone is incredibly exciting. But with so many things to think about before you take off, there can also be some nervousness wrapped up with that excitement. The first few times I flew my drone, I struggled to remember everything. Did I put a memory card in the drone? How strong would the wind be? Did I charge all the batteries? Did I need permission to launch my drone at the beach?  Trying to keep track of all these issues was exhausting, but the one thing that made my life much easier was keeping a drone photography checklist with my backpack.

A drone photography checklist can help you get the most out of every flight.

The process of checking through this list the day before a planned flight – as well as just before I left home – helped me to be calmer and better prepared.
Below is my drone photography checklist to ensure that you don’t forget anything and are flying as safe as possible.

1. Before you leave the house

Planning for your flight should start before you leave the house, preferably the day before the flight. There are three things I typically check: air space, location and the weather conditions.

Make sure you have permission from the landowner to launch your drone.

a. Airspace

This is quite possibly the most important check you’ll need to do: are you legally allowed to fly your drone in the airspace above your launch location? And if so, to what height can you ascend to? Do national limits apply or is there a local restriction?
Making sure you understand the laws that govern airspace where you fly your drone is incredibly important and can potentially save you a lot of trouble.

Even if you are allowed to legally fly in the airspace, it’s important that you keep watch for other aircraft.

If you are able to fly in that airspace, you also need to check who else could be flying there too. Take a look at your proposed launch location using Google Maps – are there any helicopter pads, airports or airfields in the vicinity? Are there any model aircraft clubs or paragliding locations nearby? Is it a popular place that other drone enthusiasts might use? You need to take all these issues into consideration when planning your flight.

b. Location

As well as considering the airspace where you plan to fly, you also need to take into account what local laws govern the flying of drones in the city, state, or region you’re in. Even if you can technically fly in the airspace, local laws or rules may ban drones flying at those locations. For example, many national parks in Australia do not allow drones.
Another factor to consider is if you need the landowner’s permission to take off at your proposed launch location. Many local councils publish information on their websites regarding places you can and can’t launch your drone from. It’s always best to check beforehand well ahead of time, especially if you need to apply or seek permission before your flight.

c. Weather conditions  

It’s always a good idea to check the forecasted weather conditions ahead of time. Many weather websites predict wind speeds for the next few days – this is invaluable for drone owners. If the predicted wind speeds are too high, it may be necessary to delay your flight.

Weather websites can predict wind conditions for the next few days, which invaluable for drone owners.

Also, keep an eye on other weather conditions. For example, is there any rain on the radar map? Are thunderstorms predicted? For morning flights, what are the chances of fog limiting visibility?
Also, think about the possibility of bright sunshine impairing your ability to see your drone in the sky or view the device that controls your aircraft.

2. Equipment

A drone photography checklist is also very handy for keeping track of your equipment. A checklist can help you to remember to pack everything you’ll need, as well as making sure your equipment is ready for your flight.

Your drone photography checklist can also include a list of accessories you need to take with you such as launch pads and neutral density filters.

First of all, check that all of your batteries are fully charged the day before the flight. This can take some time, so doing it half an hour before you plan to leave the house is not a good idea.
Next, check your drone over to make sure that it’s in perfect working condition. This includes making sure the propellers are not damaged or have nicks in them.
Next, check that you have all of your accessories packed and ready to go. The accessories I pack include a set of neutral density filters, a launchpad, and, of course, at least one memory card.
Make sure your memory cards have enough space on them to record multiple videos and images during your flight. Also, check that you’ve copied the contents of the memory card to your hard drive if you decide to format it beforehand.

Keep your drone software up-to-date: check for any updates 24 hours before your planned flight.

Finally, check that the device you use to control your drone (smartphone or tablet) is fully charged and that you have the latest drone software updated on it, ready to go.

3. At your launch location

When you arrive at your launch location, it’s important to have a good look around and assess the area where you’ll fly. Even after you’ve done your homework about the airspace, the location and the weather, there still can be significant risks.
Take a look around when you arrive at the location: what risks are present? Are there any power poles? Are there groups of children playing nearby? Check if there are any dogs off leash in the vicinity. Here in Australia, we also have the possibility of birds swooping you or your drone.

Make sure you keep watch around you while flying for other distractions such as children and animals.

If you have a launch pad, set it up somewhere flat away from other people. Some people also carry bright cones to mark out a small area to warn other people that a drone will be taking off and landing in the vicinity.
Start your device and your drone. Make sure you calibrate your compass before the flight and that the drone records the home point at your launch location.
Double-check your memory card is inside the drone – there is nothing more annoying than going to take a photo or a video before realizing it’s in your bag on the ground. Take a look at the lighting conditions: do you need to use an ND (neutral density) filter? If so, which one is best suited to the light today?
Before you take off, also make sure your smartphone or device is set to “do not disturb’ mode.

Take into account that bright sunshine during your flight can impair your ability to see your device effectively.

As you fly your drone, keep an eye out for other aircraft in the airspace, the weather conditions, and people or animals on the ground near your location. If it’s safe to do so, try to take a range of different shots with your drone. If you need ideas, check out my article, 7 shots to incorporate for better drone photography.

4. Post-flight

After your flight is completed, ensure everything is turned off correctly in the right order. Inspect your aircraft and propellers for damage.
Have a checklist of the items you brought with you and tick them off as you pack everything away. Drone ND filters are very small – you don’t want to leave one behind at your launch location.
When you get home, have a regular routine of how you pack your kit away. If you plan on flying again soon, put your batteries on charge again.
Copy your images and videos from your micro SD card ready for your next flight. If you have two or three verified copies of the images, at that point, you may wish to format your memory card, ready for your next flight.

Have a shot list of images you’d like to capture during your flight.

Conclusion

A drone photography checklist is a great idea to keep you prepared and to ensure you are taking reasonable steps to fly safely and legally. Instead of worrying that I have forgotten to do something while driving to my location, I now head out confident that I have taken steps to prepare for the flight.
I start working through the checklist 24 hours before any planned drone activities. This gives me plenty of time to get things sorted, as well as providing me with some reassurance that I am a responsible drone flyer. My checklist is also a big help when packing my gear before the flight, and when packing up afterward.
I’d encourage you to create your own list to print out and keep with your drone backpack, ready to check before you take to the skies. What else would you add to your drone photography checklist? Tell us in the comments below.

Drone checklist summary

You can download the PDF drone photography checklist here to keep and print out. That way, you will never miss getting your shots. Alternatively, you can just refer to the list below.

Airspace

• Am I legally allowed to fly my drone in the airspace above this location?
• What is the maximum height I can fly my drone at this location?
• Will other aircraft be in the vicinity? (planes, helicopters, hot air balloons, drones, model aircraft, paragliders).

Location

• Do I need the landowner’s permission to launch my drone at this location?
• Will there be a lot of people at this location? How will I keep my drone away from other people? Will there be distractions such as dogs, children or birds?

Equipment

• Are all of my drone batteries charged?
• Does my memory card have enough space for images and videos for my next flight?
• Is my smartphone or device fully charged? Does it have the latest version of the drone operating software on?
• Is my drone in perfect working order? Are the propellers clean with no issues?
• Do I have all the accessories I need? E.g. Cables, launch pad, ND filters.

Weather

• What is the estimated wind speed for the time of my flight? Will I need to take any extra precautions due to the wind speed?
• Are any storms or extreme weather events expected? Will bright conditions make it difficult to view my device?

Pre-flight

• Risk assessment at the location.
• Calibrate compass and record home point.
• Check memory card is in the drone.
• Check shot list.

During flight

• Continually monitor conditions (weather, airspace, ground issues).

Post-flight

• Examine equipment for any issues or faults.
• Ensure all items (drone, ND filters, propellers) are accounted for.

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