Hey everyone, I just started working at a commercial roofing company doing marketing, and we’re looking to focus more on drone shots. We have a DJI Mini 2 that’s been used for photos before. I’ve taken a few shots and videos with it, but I really want to make the most of what we have. Any tips for getting the best and most engaging shots? Also, any advice for practicing flying would be great! Thanks!
107 aside, yes. Try to make your drone shots look like they’re not drone shots. What I mean is, cinewooping and orbiting scream, ‘Ooh, look at me, I have a drone,’ instead of saying, ‘Here is a representation of our work.’ Motion is good, but your viewers want to see your roofing skills, not your drone skills. Honestly, static and gentle fly-in/out shots work best. Any rotation (panning) is usually jerky and says, ‘I have a drone!’
@Blane
Oops, ‘panning,’ not ‘paning.’ A glitch is preventing me from editing.
If the person flying the drone doesn’t have a Part 107, they’ve been operating illegally. That’s the first thing I’d suggest you look into.
With all the attention drones are getting in California after recent incidents, you don’t want to get caught and end up with fines.
@Riley
Do I need that just to take videos for the company? Does that make it count as commercial use?
Nikon101 said:
@Riley
Do I need that just to take videos for the company? Does that make it count as commercial use?
I’d say don’t let your boss convince you it’s not a big deal to skip the license. If you get caught, you’re the one who gets in trouble, not your boss. Protect yourself. Also, if I were you, I’d ask the company to pay for the Part 107 training and exam.
@mary
I’m sure he wouldn’t argue with me and would happily pay for it. Thanks for the advice! I’m looking into training and the test now.
Nikon101 said:
@mary
I’m sure he wouldn’t argue with me and would happily pay for it. Thanks for the advice! I’m looking into training and the test now.
Glad to hear it! Good luck. The initial test is tough, but the follow-up testing every 2 years to stay current is free and pretty easy.
Nikon101 said:
@Riley
Do I need that just to take videos for the company? Does that make it count as commercial use?
Even if you’re just taking pictures for a friend for free, that still counts as commercial use by the law.
Nikon101 said:
@Riley
Do I need that just to take videos for the company? Does that make it count as commercial use?
100%
Nikon101 said:
@Riley
Do I need that just to take videos for the company? Does that make it count as commercial use?
ANYTHING that isn’t ‘just for fun’ needs a 107 (or another more specific license)… and even recreational flying needs an FAA TRUST certificate… at least in the US.
If you’re doing commercial work, you have to have a Part 107 license (even if it’s just for a few shots). The FAA is cracking down on these violations and even educating law enforcement on how to spot them. They’re making a real effort to enforce the rules, so make sure you’re following them.
My advice is that a lot of drone videos are shot from way too high.
Make sure the property you’re filming is the main focus.
Any movement should be smooth and deliberate.
Figure 8’s are your friend. Learn to do them in both directions, and eventually add altitude changes. Roof inspections will need close-up shots with the Mini 2, so use Cine mode and take your time. For good shots, use the 1/3 lines and frame your shot well. Marketing stuff works well with golden hour shots, and for inspections, aim for solar noon +/- 2 hours. And yes, you’ll need your Part 107 or have someone who has one with you.