A Day in the Life of a Drone Photographer

Introduction

As the dawn paints the sky with hues of gold, I embark on a daily journey that merges the thrill of flight with the artistry of photography. I'm Robert Biggs, the owner of Phoenix Drone Pros, and  FAA licensed drone pilot, and I invite you to join me as I take you through the highs and challenges of capturing stunning aerial shots. From sunrise panoramas to twilight landscapes, this is the intimate narrative behind the lens.

Dawn of a New Day

Preparation for Takeoff

My day begins with a ritual of meticulous preparation. Each battery is charged, every piece of equipment is inspected, and I study the weather conditions with a discerning eye. Before takeoff, I am both a pilot and an artist, ensuring that every element is in perfect harmony. I also check my LAANC approvals for the day to confirm I can fly each job with approval.

Chasing Sunrise

As the first rays of light grace the earth, my drone takes flight. Sunrise shots are saved for special photos, like a client wants to sell a commercial real estate building. Chasing the sunrise is an intricate dance with nature. It's about capturing the transition from darkness to a canvas painted with the warm glow of dawn. I start shooting the property right before sunrise so I have the most light with zero shadows. I continue shooting until about 30 minutes after sunrise to see how the light and shows lay on the building. Then in post production I pick the best looking photos.

Capturing Morning Serenity

In the early hours, nature unveils its most serene moments. Lakes glisten, forests exhale mist, and cityscapes slowly awaken. I navigate through this delicate dance, orchestrating the camera to encapsulate the tranquility of the morning. This time I use to capture sunrise of skylines or mountains. The colors are perfect and the lights still twinkle.

Soaring Through Daylight

Urban Exploration

As the day progresses, my focus shifts to construction sites. These locations do not require stunning colors and sunrise. The construction site photos are only to capture the construction site as it is. These are used to show owners and banks the progress of the work completed.

Storytelling from Above

Aerial storytelling is an art I've mastered. Each frame tells a narrative—whether it's a construction project evolving, a community event unfolding, or the pulse of a city as it lives and breathes. Each photo or video captures a story in time and freezes it forever.

Precision Mapping for Projects

Beyond artistic pursuits, my drone becomes a precision tool. Construction sites are mapped, agricultural fields are surveyed, and environmental changes are monitored. I transition from an artist to a data storyteller, providing valuable insights from the sky. I create orthomosaics, which is a process of stitching photos together to create a birds eye view of the property.

The Challenge of Midday Light

Navigating Harsh Light

Midday presents challenges with harsh sunlight. I adapt, leveraging the intensity of light to create dramatic contrasts. Shadows play on landscapes, adding a layer of complexity to the visual narrative.

Technical Expertise in Action

This phase requires technical expertise. Adjusting camera settings, managing exposure, and utilizing filters are second nature. The drone becomes an extension of my vision, capturing details in the most challenging conditions.

Twilight Hour

Golden Hour

As the day inches towards twilight, the golden hour bathes everything in a warm, enchanting glow. This is the prime time for capturing cinematic shots. I maneuver with precision, flying the 5 most common patterns;

• orbit
• push in
• pull away
• rise and pan
• side slide

Dusk: A Palette of Colors

Dusk brings a transformation in the sky's palette. In Phoenix, the sky turns to an orange and purple glow on the horizon. Vivid hues paint the heavens, and the drone captures the transition from day to night. Skylines illuminate, and landscapes take on an otherworldly beauty.

Challenges of Low Light

Navigating in low light requires finesse. I balance the need for exposure with the desire to capture the mystery of night. Twilight landscapes demand a delicate touch to preserve the magic without compromising clarity.

Night Flights and Celestial Wonders

City Lights and Constellations

As darkness fully descends, the city comes alive with lights. My drone ascends to capture the urban sprawl illuminated in a sea of shimmering lights. Celestial wonders often make an appearance, adding an astronomical dimension to the photographic journey.

Safety and Regulations

Night flights bring added responsibility. Safety measures are paramount, and adherence to regulations is non-negotiable. I navigate the nocturnal canvas with respect for both the art and the airspace.

Conclusion: Beyond the Horizon

In my life as a drone photographer, every flight is a visual symphony. From the gentle hum of the drone's propellers to the breathtaking landscapes it captures, each moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the sky. As we step out of my virtual shoes, carry with you a newfound appreciation for the artistry and dedication required to capture the world from above.

Whether it's the serenity of sunrise, the hustle of midday, the enchantment of twilight, or the mysteries of the night, drone photography is a journey that transcends the limits of conventional perspectives. It invites us to dream beyond the horizon and discover the world anew with every flight.

Robert Biggs

Owner, FAA Licensed Drone Pilot

Phoenix Drone Pros