Preliminary checklist for drone photography

Even if you are not a beginner in drone photography, we advise you to follow this checklist before each flight.

In the last few years, drones have become very popular. In addition to the small unmanned aerial vehicles continuing to develop and provide new and new opportunities to consumers, they are also becoming so much more accessible.

Although these machines are widely used in many areas, it is an indisputable fact that interest in drone photography is one of the main factors in the drone market's growth. Thanks to the UAVs, capturing stunning and breathtaking shots is much easier and more fun than ever.

Despite all the advantages of drones and their accessibility, there are often accidents, especially in inexperienced pilots. But even if you have experience in flying and shooting, it is good to follow a checklist to prepare you for pleasant and successful drone photography.

There are a few basic things you need to follow before you fly your drone for the first time:

• Get acquainted with the laws that regulate the use of unmanned aircraft (UAVs) in your country.
• Read the drone manual.
• Put the drone in beginner mode and practice flying in a safe area.

Among other things, before each flight, you must go through several control steps (and this should become your habit), whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot.

Going through a basic checklist before each drone flight will ensure that you get the most out of the flight experience and limit the likelihood of unpleasant situations such as property damage, injuries or even more serious things.

Preparation starts from home

Preparing for the flight should include drawing up a plan of what and how you plan to shoot. This will ensure flight safety and help you do some checks, which may be difficult or impossible to make at the shooting site.

Check the weather forecast

Flying at the wrong time can not only be dangerous but is also unlikely to lead to good results. Conditions such as rain and strong wind could damage the drone. Even if you feel that on the ground it is not windy, keep in mind that with height, conditions usually change dramatically.

You should always consider that the drone will consume much more battery if it flies in windy conditions. If you send it too far away and do not keep in mind the available battery, you may lose control before you can land.

The best solution in such cases is simply checking the forecast before the flight and postponing it for another time if you see that the forecasts are for rain or wind at speeds above 20 km/h, for example.

Suitable time for piloting a drone

Some of the most beautiful shots you can capture with your drone happen in the morning or evening. You should avoid hours when there is not sufficient lighting, as this may lead to poor results, and not only in the photography department.

Piloting in low light can lead to a drone crash, despite innovative obstacle avoidance and safe landing systems.

To avoid unwanted situations due to low light, we advise you always to check sunrise and sunset hours. Do not fly long after sunset, as you may not be able to land your drone in time.

Check the location

When planning the flight and photos you want to take with it, you need to check that the chosen location is appropriate. You should make sure the place is safe, and there are no legal restrictions on piloting there. Each country has different laws for regulating drone piloting.

Flight trajectory planning

To plan the path you will take with the drone, you need to determine the starting and endpoint of the flight and where you plan to take your shots.

The best practice you can follow, especially in the beginning, is to pilot the drone so that you always have a visual line of sight (VLOS).

Also, be sure to check the battery level before the drone takes off. It is best to start the flight with a fully charged battery and always have a spare one.

Firmware update

We recommend you always check for firmware updates on all drone-related devices. Manufacturers regularly run updates, including bug fixes that increase the stability and reliability of the flight. Also, they often introduce new safety features, through which you will improve the quality of the pictures.

Format the memory card

To make sure you have enough memory to save your stunning images, be sure to check the memory card and format it beforehand. It is also recommended that you always have a spare memory card just in case.

Pre-flight

Visual inspection

Visual inspection of the drone before the flight is a mandatory step in the checklist. This includes an examination of the body of the device. Check that the propellers are attached correctly and that there are no loose parts. The drone does not need to have had an accident in order for its parts to need replacement. Do not miss a controller check, too.

Check the gimbal and the camera

It is essential to check that the gimbal is calibrated correctly. Also, make sure the camera is working correctly. Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth if necessary.

Compass calibration

Be sure to calibrate the drone compass before each flight. Proper navigation and safety of the device depend on whether the compass is calibrated correctly.

Note that magnetic fields affect each flight, so do not rely on the drone having been set up from your last mission.

GPS detection

Before you take off, make sure you wait a while for the drone to update its GPS location. Once you are sure that the GPS signal is strong, set the flight's starting point and set the return mode to home (RTH).

Check the connection to the controller

To make sure the controller communicates properly with the drone, put the antennas in the indicated best position in your manual and do not fly until you are sure that the signal strength is good enough.

Visual location check

Take a good look at the area's location for obstacles that are not visible on the map. Avoid flying near power lines or flying near a place where planes fly. Don't just rely on obstacle avoidance systems.

Start the motors

Before sending your drone away, check that the propellers are working correctly. To do this, you must start the motors while the device is on the ground. Make sure the propellers don't make an unusual sound. If you notice one, turn the motors off and check if the propellers are tight and not damaged.

Stability check

Once you make sure the propellers are working correctly, raise the drone above the ground and hover for a while. The purpose of this is to determine if it is stable enough and after that, you should check if it responds correctly to the controller.

Observe the drone and the conditions

Even after going through the entire checklist, you must monitor the drone flight and changing external conditions. If you find that the weather is getting worse or the light is disappearing, be prepared to react and return the drone home.

During the flight, be highly vigilant for obstacles and check the battery level regularly. Do not ignore the device's warnings if a system malfunction message appears on display.

Don't forget to have fun!

Drone photography is a fantastic experience that is very responsible. To make sure you get the most out of your device, follow the safety instructions, apply the tips we listed, and be sure to have fun.

If you are still looking for a drone to enter aerial photography, COPTER.BG is the place where you will find the best DJI drone models. Contact our team for additional information and consultation.