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The Photographer's Guide to Drones by Colin Smith
Consumer drones and quadcopters have become the hottest new gear in photography, whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur shooter. These “flying tripods” have given photographers the ability to place their cameras virtually anywhere they want, creating still images and video footage that were previously impossible to capture. Many photographers have a drone or quadcopter right at the top of their “I want” list. And many others have already purchased a drone a bit ahead of the curve. No matter what model one may own—DJI, 3DR, Yuneec, GoPro—all of these photographers need to learn how to put this new gear to good use in their aerial photography. They need to learn how to safely operate and fly a drone, how to create compelling photos and video, and how to make their work stand out from the crowd in this exciting new field.The Photographer’s Guide to Drones explains everything photographers need to know about drones and quadcopters in order to take their photography to new levels…literally. Photographer and author Colin Smith guides the reader along, as he - How to fly a drone, including practice flight patterns and controller tips that will help readers master the basics - New rules of composition for aerial photography as they apply to drone and quadcopter imagery - How to create the best files for both still photos and video - Post-processing techniques unique to aerial photography that readers need to know, such as how to make videos look both dynamic and smooth The book also features award-winning and beautiful aerial photography to inspire readers on their journey to creating images that truly stand above the crowd.
- GenresPhotography
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 14, 2021
For anyone hoping to get into droning or experienced pilots hoping to up their game, I would highly recommend this book. Colin Smith does a phenomenal job in taking you from step 1 to 99 in a meticulous and thoughtful manner. This is evident in the first 100 pages, as Smith takes you through why photography can be so much more powerful with a drone, and specifically the angles and new dynamics that come when flying over reaching your Iphone as high as you can. Smith also covers the details of picking the right drone for your specific needs, & the very misunderstood uses of filters and shutter speeds. This section in particular was massively useful for me as an intermediate pilot, as it’s never explained well in any video. Smith’s use of multiple versions of the same photos, utilizing different filters made things a lot more clear for me.
Everything I’ve covered so far, I'd like to look at as the first half of the book. Aimed at covering drone basics, safety, and different camera applications such as using filters for adding richer color or the added dynamics within yawing the camera. What I found massively helpful here were all the drone practice routes Smith walks the reader through. One Smith includes is, in my opinion, one of the most misunderstood concepts in droning; around ascending your drone while your camera descends. Smith eloquently walks the reader through a number of different drills (with helpful diagrams, highlighting flight patterns) to work on this skill, but when mastered is one of the most essential flying skills. Nuances like this come from hours behind a controller, learning how different movements with your drone create natural movement and focus within a video or photo. Invaluable insights like these are what makes up the bulk of the second part of the book, and goes to show Smith’s expertise.
The two reasons I will not be giving this book a five stars seem objectively clear, and in my mind are not criticisms. They should be reasons for Smith to consider creating another book for droning in what could look like a series. The first critic I have is around the dated material within the book. Whether it's referring to different drones his readers should purchase or advice regarding different drone features available to the reader with their drones, everything is a bit dated. The book was published in 2016, and for that reason I can’t really blame Smith. The droning profession has made huge strides in the last 8 years since it’s release, & Smith did a phenomenal job of covering what was available in 2016. An update feels needed though or a more general overview that can age better, while still providing misunderstood insights around purchasing a first drone (or highlights key factors to consider while purchasing).
The second criticism I have for the book is its focus on photography & lack of insight regarding videography. While Smith made the title with a clear focus towards photography, many of the practices covered can apply to both professions. With all this available crossover, I would have hoped for a chapter or two applying all that’s covered on photos to videos. Smith does a good job bringing up the video application on occasions, but a focus on it (especially in a second book!!) would be really interesting to read.
Overall, 4.5/5. Phenomenal read, packed with insight, and a clear focus from someone who’s really spent the time to discover all the nuances of photography with a drone. With my criticism regarding the book's age, I’d like to make it clear that this book will remain one I cherish for it’s high quality of work, inspiring photos and very practical value for money. Thank you!
Everything I’ve covered so far, I'd like to look at as the first half of the book. Aimed at covering drone basics, safety, and different camera applications such as using filters for adding richer color or the added dynamics within yawing the camera. What I found massively helpful here were all the drone practice routes Smith walks the reader through. One Smith includes is, in my opinion, one of the most misunderstood concepts in droning; around ascending your drone while your camera descends. Smith eloquently walks the reader through a number of different drills (with helpful diagrams, highlighting flight patterns) to work on this skill, but when mastered is one of the most essential flying skills. Nuances like this come from hours behind a controller, learning how different movements with your drone create natural movement and focus within a video or photo. Invaluable insights like these are what makes up the bulk of the second part of the book, and goes to show Smith’s expertise.
The two reasons I will not be giving this book a five stars seem objectively clear, and in my mind are not criticisms. They should be reasons for Smith to consider creating another book for droning in what could look like a series. The first critic I have is around the dated material within the book. Whether it's referring to different drones his readers should purchase or advice regarding different drone features available to the reader with their drones, everything is a bit dated. The book was published in 2016, and for that reason I can’t really blame Smith. The droning profession has made huge strides in the last 8 years since it’s release, & Smith did a phenomenal job of covering what was available in 2016. An update feels needed though or a more general overview that can age better, while still providing misunderstood insights around purchasing a first drone (or highlights key factors to consider while purchasing).
The second criticism I have for the book is its focus on photography & lack of insight regarding videography. While Smith made the title with a clear focus towards photography, many of the practices covered can apply to both professions. With all this available crossover, I would have hoped for a chapter or two applying all that’s covered on photos to videos. Smith does a good job bringing up the video application on occasions, but a focus on it (especially in a second book!!) would be really interesting to read.
Overall, 4.5/5. Phenomenal read, packed with insight, and a clear focus from someone who’s really spent the time to discover all the nuances of photography with a drone. With my criticism regarding the book's age, I’d like to make it clear that this book will remain one I cherish for it’s high quality of work, inspiring photos and very practical value for money. Thank you!
August 14, 2023
I have just completed the Second Edition of this book which has been updated with new content including newest drones and editing software on the market. It’s a great starting point for getting into drone filming and photography.
October 30, 2017
A complete and thorough walk through guide. Typically aimed at the novice, but enough content compiled to help any level of user.
January 11, 2024
A nice book on the ins and out of what to look for when filming from above. Liked the practice sessions he recommends doing to get a great feel for your drone.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews