Here are our top drone photography tips to help you get the most out of your airborne camera

Drone photography has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Not so long ago it was only possible to photograph aerial images from aircraft or hot air balloons but, with the emergence of affordable consumer drones, we now have the ability to take to the skies and capture our own birds-eye views.

Despite this new freedom to pick up and fly a drone – in line with drone regulations, of course – simply taking to the skies and snapping away will not necessarily yield amazing results. Like any genre of photography, there are several factors that you can use to your advantage when shooting with a drone. If you want to improve your drone photography game, our top drone photography tips will guide you to capture stunning, impactful images and help take your drone photography to the next level.

This is part of a series of guides on Space.com, that have been crafted for people new to the field. If you’re looking for more helpful advice, check out our piece on astrophotography for beginners (opens in new tab) and our guide to aurora photography (opens in new tab).

Shoot in raw format

If you’re serious about your drone photography then this tip is a no-brainer – raw files allow for much greater flexibility if you plan to process your images with one of the best photo editing apps (opens in new tab). Capturing aerial images in raw format gives you the maximum amount of information to work with when you are processing your images.

Shooting in raw allows you to capture much more data and dynamic range than JPEG images, so you can work with all of the data captured by your drone’s camera sensor. Unlike raw files, which are uncompressed lossless images, JPEG files are compressed which results in a loss of information from your images. Shooting your images in raw format will also allow you to make use of some of our other drone photography tips below.

Research and plan the location

Part of the fun with drone photography is capturing views that simply cannot be seen from ground level. However, that doesn’t mean to say we can’t “see” our subject until we take to the skies. Randomly flying your drone to find a suitable subject can certainly work on occasions, but in the process you will drain your batteries and your flying time will be limited as you seek that killer composition.

Rather than just turning up at a location and hoping to capture some interesting shots, plan ahead to identify potential photography subjects and compositions. Google Maps is an excellent resource, which you can use to identify and research potential shooting locations from above, in advance of your shoot. Similarly, Google Earth is also a super useful planning tool as you can get a good idea of the topography for your intended location.

Time of day

Lighting is as important in drone photography as it is with any other form of photography. Harsh sunlight during the day can present problems like distracting reflections from buildings/water and it should be avoided if you are shooting in the direction of the sun.

Shooting in the early morning or evenings, when the light is softer and more atmospheric, is the optimal time for drone photography. A low sun will cast epic shadows of buildings, trees and people, which can only be fully appreciated from an aerial perspective. Take advantage of the flexibility your drone gives you and get creative with the shadows! Try taking some top-down images to capture a unique take on familiar objects.

Use the Rule of Thirds

When flying your drone you have the opportunity to shoot your subject from almost any position, which sometimes presents its own problem – how to compose the shot. The Rule of Thirds is a tried and tested composition guide for terrestrial photography and it can be applied equally effectively to drone photography. Most drone models have a grid overlay function that can be enabled via the drone’s app settings.

With a 3×3 grid overlay on your controller or camera display, use one of the four corners of the central rectangle as a positioning guide to anchor your subject in the frame. Off-centre compositions are pleasing to the eye and allow you to balance the image with other elements, colors or even negative space. If your image includes a horizon, place this on the grid so that the sky fills the top third of the frame, with the landscape filling the bottom two-thirds.

General Composition

Leading lines: Including a leading line will draw the viewer’s eye into the image and helps to create a visually interesting image with depth, such as a river or rows of trees.

Experiment with height: You don’t need to fly straight up to 400ft for a good drone image. Try shooting your subject from different heights to see how it affects the image – some of the best drone images are taken from lower heights.

Look for patterns and symmetry: Repetitive patterns and symmetry in the landscape can make very interesting images. Including these elements into top-down images often produces a dramatic effect.

Keep the ISO low

Drone cameras have relatively small sensors in comparison to their DSLR and mirrorless (opens in new tab) cousins. This means that shooting at anything above ISO 100, even on modern consumer drone sensors, will introduce unwanted noise and grain to your images. Set your ISO manually to ISO 100. You may need to alter your shutter speed (and aperture if your drone supports this feature) to expose correctly, but the resulting images will be cleaner and sharper.

Stack Images for Noise Reduction

Stacking is a technique often employed by astrophotographers to reduce the random noise pattern in an image and increase detail. Shooting at ISO 100 is a great start to increase overall quality but, by taking multiple images of a scene and stacking them in editing software such as Photoshop, your image quality will go to the next level. Set your drone to shoot in “Burst Mode” – on DJI drones for example, you can select 3, 5 or 7 frames. Shooting at 5 or 7 frames in burst mode is ideal. The resulting stacked image will be noticeably cleaner and, if you like to print your images, will allow you to print bigger.

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) mode

One of the most useful features of modern drones is the ability to auto-bracket your shots to increase the dynamic range of your image. If you’re shooting a high-contrast scene, such as a sunset, you may find that a single exposure simply cannot capture the whole range of light from the shadows through to the highlights. When the AEB mode is enabled, the drone will usually take between 3 and 5 shots at different exposures. In a process similar to stacking multiple images, these separate exposures can then be merged in programs like Lightroom or Photoshop to produce a final image with a high dynamic range (HDR). Alternatively, you can just use the AEB mode to take different exposures of your subject and then choose the best-exposed image for processing.

Use Filters

The only essential accessory for drone photography. Invest in a set of good quality Neutral Density (ND) and Polarizing filters, such as those from PolarPro (opens in new tab) or Tiffen (opens in new tab), to control the light reaching your sensor. Neutral Density filters give you control over your exposures and, in the right conditions, allow for long exposure photography to stunning effect.

A Circular Polarizer is perhaps the most useful filter of all. Using one of these will reduce the glare from reflective surfaces like glass and water, saturate colors and increase the contrast of a scene to make your image pop with vibrance.

Use some or all of these photography tips the next time you fly your drone and see how your images benefit. Fly safely, have fun and don’t forget to pack those spare batteries (extra tip)!

Travelling is one of the most important aspects of life that adds a new dimension to it. It adds colors and newness to otherwise mechanical routine life. Travelling makes them happier, relieving anxiety and stress by exposing them to new challenging scenarios. Challenging scenarios allow people to step out of their comfort zones. Such trips can be fun and exciting or hassle and frustrating based on your trip planning level.

Thus planning is an utmost essential before the trip begins. For a smooth travel experience, the first step is to book the mode of travel to your destination. Beforehand or booking well in advance helps fetch good value for money discounts in good airlines. It helps get deals and enjoy luxury travel. For example, while booking fly emirates, planning well in advance will help you save extra bucks. Such small savings add up and let you enjoy comfortable luxury travel within your budget constraints.

To help you successfully tick-mark your first step to travel and enjoy wholesome holidays, we have tips for your sound airline travel experience.

Airline travel Tips for sound and hassle-free travel:

1) Travel light -i.e., Pack Smart

The first and foremost tip for hassle-free travel is to pack smartly and reach out for multipurpose things. It is a common sight to get overboard while packing -we tend to get emotional. Thus, to travel hassle-freely, irrespective of the number of days you will be traveling, there is a facility of laundry everywhere. Rather than carrying unnecessary stuff, with all your attention on handling luggage, travel light and enjoy yourself.

2) Save time – Dress Appropriately for swiftly passing through the airport security checks.

Dressing appropriately also makes a lot of difference in saving time and enjoying the process. It is better to avoid heavy and chunky accessory pieces, a jacket that you can wear and remove -off easily, and easy-to-slide-in shoes, as these things need to be removed during security checks. It helps save time and avoid unnecessary hassle while boarding your plane.

Also, while passing through the airport, it is common to present your ticket several times before boarding the plane. Hence, wear something appropriate to carry related documents, travel tickets, and passport handy.

3)Download the airline app

Download from the play store the airline app you are to travel to within the coming days. For example, if you want to fly Emirates, download the Emirates app from Play Store for faster check-in and get the boarding pass. Also, downloading airline apps helps get the necessary information about flight updates. It keeps the traveler updated with the necessary details.

4) Reach the Airport well due on time.

To avoid the last-minute rush to the airport. It is wise to plan your journey in advance to the airport. It results in hassle-free proceedings while enjoying the whole travel experience while immersing in the travel experience. Keeping the considerations like distance to the airport, time of the year – peak or non-peak season and planning the travel according to saves from the hassle.

5) Pack strategically, keeping the essentials handy.

Traveling during the Covid times needs extra precautions and essentials handy. Keep the essential kit above the luggage containing your masks, sanitizers, wipes, phone chargers, and cords essentially aid travel hassle freely. Also, consider the items that need to be removed during security checks, like laptops and similar with their chargers, liquids, food items, etc., placing them strategically above the other luggage items. Packing in this fashion helps access the necessary stuff easily and quickly, avoiding unnecessary struggle.

6) Access Airport Lounges

Gather the necessary pieces of information, requirement, and details beforehand about the airport lounge access. It helps them enjoy themselves and seek additional amenities like a shower room, snacks, meals, etc. Instead of waiting for long intervals during layover near the airport gate, it’s better to spend quality time at the airport lounges.

7) Eyeing the airport monitors to check the flight status.

While it’s good to download the airline apps to check the flight status, it is also essential to keep an eye on the airport monitor to check the latest flight status. While the airport is buzzing with traffic, it is visible to double-check check gate number before heading to the facility. Double-checking the app updated information with the airport monitors helps get reliable flight information.

Instead of rushing through things while traveling – it is essential to enjoy the process possible by planning the journey well due on time.

Holiday plans have begun and travel influencers can use this as a great opportunity to interact with their audience and create viral content that will be shared widely

With the onset of winter, comes a buzz of travel enthusiasts seeking guidance for the best itineraries. It’s time for travel influencers to produce travel-specific content and implementing brand collaborations in order to inform their audience about all the exciting things they can plan for.

“December and January are peak travel months. The Christmas and New Year celebrations just change the whole vibe altogether. It’s a beautiful time to travel and we believe every travel influencer must capitalise on essential travel guides and create electrifying content that helps increase their audience and brand deals,” shares Pushppal Singh Bhatia and Ravneet Kaur from the popular influencer duo – That Couple Though.

Sharing their top 5 trends for travel influencers this holiday season, the duo lists -

Travel Insights

People are planning their holidays and travel influencers can use this as a great opportunity to interact with their audience. Highlighting location recommendations, cultural guides, and stay options to followers will help create viral content that is shared widely. Moreover, collaborations with hotels, airlines and events further helps increase reach.

Cover authentic food cultures

One of the most exciting things is the curiosity over food diversity during the festive season. The climate calls for some delicious delicacies across cultures and travel influencers can promote these by encouraging the audience to try out specific must-visit places that introduce them to winter specials.

Workation HotSpots

There are many people who work in environments that require them to be active and they may not be able to completely log off during this season. For such people, recommending top workation places and staycations that are running special offers will help increase shareability and reach.

Snow destinations

Travel influencers can share the ultimate guide to visiting snowy places on a budget so that more people can use that while planning. Giving them a ready itinerary of undiscovered or locally rich places will enable the influencer to gain more followers.

Ultimate Party Places

“What’s your plan for New Year’s” is something that every single person will be saying from now onwards and when so many people are looking to amp up their energies why not give them that? Whether it is international music festivals or shopping destinations to places for the best decor and vibe, New Year Party places are a must to cover for all travel influencers.

Kaur further adds, “There are many segments that each influencer can cover based on their niche audience. Carefully curating them and ensuring the content delivery is on point will improve the viral marketing aspect that all travel influencers ultimately want to create.”

Jet off in style – here’s what to wear on a plane according to fashion experts

With the summer holidays around the corner, working out what to wear on a plane can be a sartorial nightmare, particularly if you’re on a long-haul flight or heading from cool climes to warm weather.

When it comes to plane outfits, the journey is by no means a runway show. But whether you’re jetting off with friends and family, or going on a work assignment, the trip starts as soon as you hit the airport, so wanting to look your best is perfectly understandable. While many opt for the best joggers – comfort is certainly key if you’re getting on a long-haul flight, it’s also a good idea to consider the time and weather in your final destination. Your best loungewear might feel cozy on the flight, but if you’re stepping off into the midday sun, you might want to rethink.

What to wear on a plane will very much come down to individual taste, but pulling some wardrobe essentials from your capsule wardrobe as a basis could be a good place to start. Some of the best dresses in jersey fabric can make great travel partners, but if you’re loyal to your best t-shirt and jeans combination, think about more relaxed leg fits or denim with stretch, so you can feel more at ease on the journey. Planes can also get quite cold, so don’t be afraid to sharpen up your look with one of your best hoodies or a chic oversized blazer for extra style and warmth. You’ll also want to carefully consider your accessories. With hand luggage at a premium and with shoes needing to be removed for airport security, think about the ergonomics of your outfit. Can your shoes slip on and off easily? Will your bag fit under your seat or in the overhead locker and can you get those essentials in there?

To help you navigate this tricky task, we’ve compiled a useful guide and breakdown of outfit possibilites.

What to wear on a plane according to fashion editors

Whether it’s work or play, what to wear on a plane has no easy answer. There are so many elements of the day to consider, particularly if you’re going on a long-haul or night flight. Whatever you decide on, keep comfort as the focal point, and use the styling tips laid out below as a way to add polish to your finished look.

Consider the time of day and temperature at your final destination and if you’re heading straight to your accommodation or if you’re going directly into a meeting or social setting. Airports generally involve a lot of walking, so make sure you have comfortable flats, as you don’t want to be sprinting for final boarding in your best designer heels.

It’s always a good idea to take a decent size hand luggage, such as one of the best totes with spare essentials, such as your best underwear, so that if anything happens to your suitcase at the other end, you at least have the necessities. If you’re checking into a resort earlier than the arrival time, you might also want to have spare swimwear in your hand luggage, so you can check your bags at reception and head straight to the pool.

1. Loungewear

Athleisure remains a big fashion trend 2022, as designers continue to use sports-luxe as a guiding principle for many key looks. The best leggings, joggers and sweatshirts are all great choices for what to wear on a plane, but to keep the style factor high, opt for coordinating two pieces with more directional cuts. Think wide-leg, soft jersey trousers, and matching sweatshirts for an outfit that works for both comfort and design. To keep your hair neat, investigate how to wear headbands and pair your coord with a soft fabric hairband that you can easily remove and fold away into your hand luggage if needed. Slip a lightweight jersey tee into your holdall if heading to hot climes, as you can easily pop this on at the other end and tie your jumper around your waist.

A styling tip…

If opting for flared or wide-leg trousers, choose a fitted top or sweater to rebalance your silhouette.

2. Blazer

The best blazers offer a sharp and stylish finish to any outfit. A great swap for your best winter coat, an oversized design will look chic as part of a legging outfit teamed with jeans or even thrown over a loungewear co-ord for extra polish. An ideal piece when it comes to what to wear on a plane, you can roll your jacket into the overhead locker and use it on cool evenings on the trip itself. If you’re headed out on a business trip, a blazer paired with some of the best skinny jeans is a directional smart-casual outfit to make your arrival in too.

A styling tip…

Pair blazers with leggings or jeans for an easy way to achieve a formal look without jeopardizing comfort.

3. Jeans

When it comes to the best jeans for women, we often look for slimming jean styles with sculpting and lifting properties. For jeans to wear on a plane the agenda is slightly different. Opt for high-waisted, but relaxed leg styles such as a mom jean, or barrel leg design – one of the big denim trends 2022, for jeans that are both stylish and comfortable for plane journeys. Jeans with lots of stretch in them will be most comfortable for long haul flights and you can even look for draw-cord waisted styles for a more sporty and laidback feel.

A styling tip…

Pair jeans with sporty sandals – one of the key shoe trends 2022, to keep your look ready for sunnier climes.

4. Dresses

Midi and maxi dresses are a stylish and practical choice when it comes to what to wear on a plane, particularly if you opt for soft jersey designs or loose-fitting cotton iterations. A chic way to make an impact but stay comfortable, a well-selected dress will also be just right if you’re landing into warmer weather. Easy to layer, you can style a cardigan over the top or a t-shirt underneath for added comfort on your out-going trip and a pretty summer dress can even then be re-worn during the holiday itself, making your suitcase that little bit lighter.

A styling tip…

Pair midi dresses with trainers and maxi dresses with flatform sandals or clog style sandals as these shoes will be easy to remove at airport security.

5. Shoes

When it comes to shoes to wear on a plane there are several factors to consider. Days at an airport can be extremely long, with lots of walking, whether that’s around duty-free, or racing through never-ending corridors to make final boarding, so comfort is of utmost importance. In addition to this, you may need to remove your shoes for airport security, so choosing something with an easy fastening or shoes that slip on and off can save time and energy too. We always recommend opting for flat shoes, unless, you’re like Victoria Beckham in one of the best shoe quotes, and “can’t concentrate in flats”, then we recommend you wear your most comfortable heels.

A styling tip…

Trainers are of course good options, but when selecting your traveling shoes, try to go for a pair that you can wear during the trip too as this saves on luggage. Whether that’s a sneaker for sightseeing or your best sandals for every day, anything to lighten the load is a smart idea.

6. Bags

The best backpacks are an obvious choice for traveling. Offering hands-free capabilities, you’ll still be able to roll your luggage along and have your essentials close at hand. If you prefer however to keep your items where you have eyes on them, the best crossbody bags and the best totes are strong bag options when it comes to what to wear on a plane. You’ll want to check your individual airline’s policy for carry-on luggage, as some only let you take one piece of hand luggage of a specific size and this needs to be factored into your decision making. If you’ve not traveled in some time, you may have forgotten how frequently you need to produce your travel documents, make sure to choose a bag with a zipped compartment that you can easily access to stow them in safely.

A styling tip…

As with shoes, try to choose a bag that can be used during your stay, it might mean that your carry-on luggage is a tote that doubles up as one of the best beach bags, but in the long run it lightens your packing.