- Avoid Clutter
- Be mindful of overcomplicating your compositions with too many elements. Simplicity often results in more impactful drone photographs.
Golden Hour Lighting
The soft, warm light of sunrise and sunset can dramatically enhance your drone photography. The golden hour provides rich colors and long shadows that add depth and dimension to your images.
Negative Space
Negative space can be powerful in drone photography. It allows your subject to breathe and gives a sense of scale and vastness. Use empty skies or open landscapes effectively to emphasize your main subject.
Rule Odds
Composing your shot with an odd number of elements, such as three boats in a lake, can create a visually pleasing balance and add interest to the image.
Vertical and Horizontal Compositions
Experiment with both vertical and horizontal orientations. Vertical shots are often great for capturing tall subjects like buildings or waterfalls, while horizontal shots work well for wide landscapes.
DRONE Composition
I have a DJI 4k Mini drone and the old GoPro drone, both which I’ve captured footage for jobs as well as for my own travel videos.
Aerial photography provides a unique opportunity to play with scale and perspective. Capture subjects or landscapes that appear smaller or larger than they do from ground level, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a fundamental composition guideline that applies to drone photography as well. Divide the frame into a 3×3 grid, and position key elements at the intersections or along the gridlines. This helps create a balanced and visually engaging composition.
Leading Lines
Utilize natural and man-made leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Roads, rivers, or even patterns on the ground can be used to guide the viewer’s gaze toward the main subject or a focal point.
Symmetry and Patterns
Aerial views often reveal captivating symmetrical patterns and repetitions in the landscape. These can make for compelling compositions. Look for geometric shapes, crop fields, or architectural elements that create symmetry.
Framing
Consider using natural elements, such as trees, archways, or buildings, to frame your subject. Framing adds depth to the image and directs attention toward the main point of interest.