How to Create a Dynamic Shot List for Your Drone Videography

As a drone videographer, having a clear and well-planned shot list is crucial for capturing stunning and dynamic footage. A shot list is a detailed list of the specific shots and angles you want to capture, along with any relevant notes or details. It helps you stay organized and focused, and it ensures that you don’t miss any important shots or perspectives. In this article, I’ll share some tips for creating a dynamic shot list for your drone videography.

Learn how to create a dynamic shot list for your drone videography by starting with the story or concept, breaking down the script or outline, planning for continuity and flow, considering the location and lighting, and planning for contingencies and alternatives. Capture stunning and professional-quality footage with a clear and well-planned shot list.

Before you start creating your shot list, it’s important to have a clear idea of the story or concept you want to convey. This could be a narrative, a theme, or a mood. Your shot list should support and enhance this story or concept, so it’s a good idea to start by brainstorming ideas and visual elements that will help you tell your story. Pilot Institute has more in-depth information in their Drone Photography course.

Once you have a clear idea of your story or concept, the next step is to break down your script or outline into specific shots and angles. This could include wide shots, medium shots, close-ups, establishing shots, tracking shots, and so on. Think about the specific visuals and perspectives that will help you convey your story or concept, and consider how you can use the unique capabilities of your drone to capture these shots.

As you create your shot list, it’s important to consider continuity and flow. This means making sure that the shots transition smoothly and logically from one to the next, and that they support and enhance the overall narrative or concept. For example, you might want to use a wide shot to establish the location, followed by a medium shot to introduce a character or action, and then a close-up to capture a detail or emotion. By planning for continuity and flow, you can create a cohesive and dynamic video that keeps the viewer engaged and interested.

When creating your shot list, it’s also important to consider the location and lighting. Think about the specific visuals and perspectives that the location offers, and how you can use them to your advantage. For example, you might want to capture shots of the surrounding landscape, architecture, or landmarks, or you might want to focus on specific details or textures. You should also think about the direction and intensity of the light, and how it will affect the look and mood of your shots. For example, you might want to use backlighting to create a silhouette effect, or you might want to use sidelighting to create contrast and drama. By considering the location and lighting, you can create a more visually dynamic and compelling video.

Finally, it’s important to plan for contingencies and alternatives when creating your shot list. This means having backup shots or angles in case something goes wrong or the conditions change. It could be something as simple as a shot from a different angle or distance, or it could be a completely different shot altogether. Having contingencies and alternatives will help you be more flexible and adaptable on location, and it will ensure that you have a backup plan in case of any unexpected issues.

Creating a dynamic shot list for your drone videography requires careful planning and attention to detail. By starting with the story or concept, breaking down the script or outline, planning for continuity and flow, considering the location and lighting, and planning for contingencies and alternatives, you can create a shot list that helps you capture stunning and professional-quality footage.