How to Use Drones for Event Coverage

Using drones for event coverage can add a unique and dynamic perspective to your media coverage. Drones allow you to capture aerial footage and photos of events, giving your audience a bird’s eye view of the action. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of using drones for event coverage, including the necessary equipment, legal considerations, and best practices for capturing high-quality footage.

Drones can be used to capture aerial footage and photos of events, giving a unique perspective to media coverage. It is important to have the necessary equipment, including a drone with a high-quality camera, remote controller, extra batteries, and a laptop. Legal considerations, such as obtaining a Part 107 certification and obtaining permission from event organizers, should also be taken into account when using drones for event coverage.

Before you can start using drones for event coverage, you’ll need to have the right equipment. Here’s a list of the basic gear you’ll need:

• Drone: There are many different drones on the market, ranging from entry-level models to professional-grade ones. For event coverage, you’ll want a drone with a high-quality camera and stable flight performance. Some popular options include the DJI Phantom 4 and the Mavic 3. We recommend our clients start with the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
• Remote controller: Most drones come with a remote controller, which allows you to control the drone’s flight and camera settings. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the controller and its functions before you start flying.
• Extra batteries: Drones typically have a limited flight time, so it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries to ensure you have enough power to capture the entire event.
• SD card: You’ll need a high-capacity SD card to store your footage and photos. Make sure you have enough space on the card before you start shooting.
• Laptop: It’s a good idea to bring a laptop with you to view and edit your footage on the spot. This can be especially helpful if you’re working on a tight deadline.

Before you start using drones for event coverage, it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations on the use of drones. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You need a Part 107 certification to fly a drone for commercial purposes, including event coverage. This certification requires you to pass a written test and demonstrate your knowledge of safe flying practices.
• You need to fly your drone within your line of sight at all times. This means you can’t fly the drone out of your field of vision or use a first-person view (FPV) headset to fly it.
• You need to fly your drone below 400 feet and avoid flying it near airports or in restricted airspace.
• You need to obtain permission from event organizers before flying your drone over their property.

Now that you have the necessary equipment and are aware of the legal considerations, let’s go over some best practices for capturing high-quality footage with your drone.

• Plan your shots: Before you start flying, take some time to plan out the shots you want to capture. This will help you stay organized and make the most of your flight time.
• Practice flying: It’s important to get in some practice flying before you start capturing footage for an event. This will help you get comfortable with the controls and become more proficient at flying the drone.
• Use a gimbal: A gimbal is a device that helps stabilize the camera and eliminate shaking and wobbling. This is especially important when flying a drone, as even small movements can result in shaky footage.
• Use manual camera settings: If your drone has manual camera settings, take advantage of them to fine-tune your shots. This will give you more control over the exposure and focus, resulting in better-quality footage.
• Avoid flying in strong winds: Strong winds can make it difficult to fly your drone and result in unstable footage. If possible, try to fly on a day with calm winds or find a sheltered area to fly in.
• Follow the “see and avoid” rule: Always keep an eye out for other aircraft and obstacles while flying your drone. This will help you avoid collisions and maintain a safe flight.
• Use a spotter: If you’re flying over a crowded event, it’s a good idea to have a spotter assist you. The spotter can help you keep an eye on the drone and ensure that it stays away from people and objects.
• Edit your footage: Once you’ve captured your footage, it’s a good idea to spend some time editing it to create a polished final product. This can involve trimming clips, adding music, and applying color grading.

In conclusion, using drones for event coverage can add a unique and dynamic perspective to your media coverage. By following the necessary equipment, legal considerations, and best practices outlined above, you can capture high-quality footage that will impress your audience. Just remember to always prioritize safety and stay within the bounds of the law while flying your drone.