5 Tips From a Master Photographer to Elevate Your Drone Photography

[Reposted from www.shutterstock.com]
When people spot Brazilian photographer Gustavo Frazão out and about with his drone, it’s not uncommon for a crowd to form. Curious strangers on the beach and on the street approach him and ask questions, but if there’s one thing he’s learned over the last two and half years as a drone pilot, it’s focus. No matter how many eyes might be on him, he never loses sight of his drone.

It took practice– and a few disappointments– for Frazão to get to where he is today. Early on, he lost a drone in the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro due to antenna interference. He almost lost another drone when he went on a trip to India and was prohibited from boarding his plane with all his gear.

If there’s one thing [Frazão] learned over the last two and half years as a drone pilot, it’s focus.

Now, Frazão is a master, and he can navigate cities and natural landscapes all over the world. He plans every trip beforehand and makes sure the weather is calm before take-off. He also consistently checks for birds and any other risky situations.

While the technology has since advanced by leaps and bounds, there weren’t as many drones on the market when Frazão got his start. Luckily, as the photographer has grown, so have the drones. Now, he says, you can buy drones that will even take off or land on their own.

And while Frazão has taken drone photos all around the globe, Brazil is still a constant source of inspiration. He still likes the quieter, less-crowded spots, where it’s usually safer and often more beautiful. “My favorite places are the natural beauties of Brazil, such as the beaches and our Amazon Rainforest,” he tells us.

He still gets that adrenaline rush he got years ago when he first became a pilot, but now, Frazão is always in control… even when people are coming up to him and asking a bunch of questions about what he’s doing.

We picked the photographer’s brain to learn more about his process. Below, he shares the stories behind some of his most breathtaking aerial shots, along with some professional tips about making your own.

This is Boa Viagem Beach in Recife on a summer day. When I was flying the drone, it attracted a lot of attention. A lot of people stayed with me to see that I was doing (March, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/500 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

This is Isola Bella in Taormina, Italy. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to (July, 2016).Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

This photo was taken at Guincho Beach in Cascais. I rode a bicycle more than one hour with the drone in the back, and I got exhausted on the beach. When I arrived, it was empty– with only this couple in love walking. It was a cold winter day in Portugal. The effort was worth it! (December, 2016).Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/1000 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Tip 1

Before you buy a drone, do a course or study drone photography. As much as it might seem like a toy, a drone is photographic equipment, and it can be dangerous. Always test everything before releasing the drone, including Compass Calibration or Radio Signal. Keep the drone visible at all times.

Porto de Galinhas, located in northeastern Brazil, has one of the largest coral reefs in the world. It is one of the best-known destinations in Brazil (March, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/1000 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

How not to fall in love with the beaches of Rio de Janeiro? Copacabana is one of the most popular beaches in the world, and it was special to be there (November, 2015).

This is the Amazon Rainforest River in Brazil. It was difficult to land. A lot of birds were flying around and following the drone. It was exciting and dangerous (January, 2017).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

This is an island in Ilhabela in São Paulo. It’s an unknown place, but with incredible natural beauty (February, 2017).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Tip 2

Be creative. Explore and discover the new possibilities that a drone’s perspective brings. Enjoy sunrise and sunset; that’s when you’ll have the best light.

This is one of the most famous beaches in Recife (March, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/500 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

This is the Main Square of Recife (March, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/500 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Juquehy Beach is on the coastline of Sao Paulo.

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/1000 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Tip 3

Make sure you know the legislation in your country. Drone legislation is constantly changing. Some countries, like Chile, are totally restricted, and others have basic rules for flying. It is necessary to follow the rules and have a license to fly.

Boats in Procida Island.

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/1000 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

The famous mosaic on Copacabana Beach (November, 2015).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1000 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Porto de Galinhas, Recife (March, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 3 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Tip 4

Always take your photos in RAW. Post-processing is essential.

Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (November, 2016).

Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 4 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

This is one of the most important avenues in São Paulo: Avenida 23 de Maio. It was difficult to find a place to take off because there are so many buildings and streets (May, 2017).Image by Gustavo Frazão. Gear: Phantom 4 PRO. Settings: Focal length 3.61mm; exposure 1/650 sec; f2.8; ISO 100.

Tip 5

I have a Phantom 4 PRO, and it’s what I use these days. It has a fair price and is a good option for anyone who wants to be a professional. But there are other options from the manufacturer DJI, which is the main brand in the market: the Mavic Pro and Inspire 2 are both good also. [Source: Shutterstock ]

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