Whether you want to share your holiday with others or just capture the beautiful sights of the world, a lot of travellers take photographs during their journey. While expertise differs, all of us have a quality camera in our pockets thanks to the smartphones we carry around. However, there is another handy piece of tech that can level up your travel photography – flying drones.
Digital Connectivity & Drones
Personal flying drones have been around for quite some time but, like all new tech, they were very expensive. Over time, they have become more affordable and easier to operate for the average person, including avid travellers. Digital connectivity is also better today, and always improving, thanks to continued investment and advancement in areas like 5G.
Digital connectivity is improving for many reasons. Today, many businesses rely on the internet and customers having both desktop and mobile access to online companies. Some companies exist on the internet outright, like video streaming services or iGaming websites that offer casino games. This means users rely on a digitally connected world, through the internet and 5G, when they access the online casino at Paddy Power Games and other similar services hosted on the internet. As a result, having a stable internet connection everywhere is becoming an economic concern.
By investing in the internet and new wireless standards like 5G, both governments and private enterprises are enabling other gadgets. 5G is specifically built to handle wireless connections from things like smart home appliances to, of course, flying drones. This is something the European Space Agency has written about in more detail. For travellers who just want to go on an adventure, you just need to know that drones are now a viable option for those who want to capture nature in a way that nothing else can.
Getting Started with Drones
There are a few ground rules you should know before you deploy a drone.
Know the Rules
Just like any other facet of life, countries have different rules for a lot of behaviour. That can include drone flight – not all places are drone-friendly. Even in drone-friendly countries, some regions do not accept drone flying for a variety of good reasons. If you’re capturing isolated natural wonders, you shouldn’t run into many problems, but it’s always a good idea to stay informed. Fortunately for you, the Civil Aviation Authority has published rules that everyone should follow.
Use RAW Format
Assuming you have a drone ready to go, you now need to learn how to get the best results. For that, ditch JPEG and shoot in RAW format instead. This should be an option on your drone’s companion app, where you can choose the superior, higher-quality RAW format over other options. RAW files (indicated by .DNG) are larger and typically unreadable by your smartphone, but they capture more sensor data for post-travel editing opportunities.
Make Use of Panoramic Views
Much like the smartphone camera feature, a lot of camera drones offer a panoramic view mode. This allows the drone to record your subject from all angles and then stitch those images together, creating a beautiful, sometimes mind-bending photograph. When you’re surrounded by natural beauty or a sprawling cultural landmark, panoramic views can capture everything in one shot. Most drones on the market today offer three modes – horizontal, vertical, and 360-degree mode.
With these tips and a quick read of your drone’s user manual, you should be able to capture stunning shots during your travels. Before you head out, it’s best to practice with your drone first so that you’re confident piloting one and won’t crash into a tree or building. After that, you’re good to go and flex your inner photographer in a way that wasn’t possible just a decade or two ago.
