Drone photography

[gregj1763]

Re: Dave A
Just bought one, a DJI Spark, 12 mp jpeg
I love my Sony A99 and all other (DSLR's, film cameras) and to me it will always the purist form of photography but this is soooo much fun
But these flying thingy's add another string to your bow.

Huntsman's Lake, Meander Valley, Tasmania

[pnodrog]

I am holding off from getting a drone as I am worried it might be addictive. Your results support my fear. Have fun without breaking all the new regulations. If it was me I would be bound to end up with fines.

[Shadowman]

They do get you where you need to go, nice shots.

[zen]

Several friends of mine own and use drones for professional and semi-professional photo purposes. They each have produced excellent shots, but note a bit of the same addiction you mention.

The restrictions are onerous, especially anywhere near an airport or military base. One example is that there was an active US Navy ship in our harbor last November for about 2 weeks, and all drone photography was prohibited. So "fliers" are warned to know the regs and be careful.

Good luck with your new toy, and good shooting!

Zen

[Shadowman]

There is a bit of risk associated with drone photography or just flying one, risk of the drone being damaged, risk of flying in restricted areas, risk of being accused of snooping etc. The pros are the fun factor, the opportunity to access previously unattainable areas, and if you've ever booked a helicopter ride for sightseeing or shooting purposes a cost benefit to being able to reach those same heights any time you want.

[gregj1763]

Thanks for the replies.
There a quite a few restrictions here in Australia regarding the locations you can fly. I have a app called "Can I fly there" from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority which locates your position via gps and tells you if you're good to go or not. 120 metres is the height restriction and not within 30 metres of people without a licence.
A bit of common sense goes a long way as well, don't annoy people and it should be all good.
Cheers, Greg

[CP140]

There's a lot of restrictions here (Canada) depending on what you are doing... if you are flying one for personal recreation, then it becomes a "model aircraft" and subject to one set of weight rules and where you can/can't fly.

If you are flying it as part of a business, then there's a whole bunch more rules that have to be followed... I'll stick to fixed wing RC airplanes...

[casper]

I think that drones (and to a lesser extent, "Go-Pros"), used responsibly, create amazing possibilities to capture images and video from a viewpoint where you just cannot place a camera, e.g. Greg's first picture of the weir.
However, the consequences of inadvertently crossing the line would prevent me from ever taking it on.
I prefer to leave it to those that know exactly what they can and cannot do, and I'll just sit back and admire their work.
- Noel

[NorthernFocus]

You're killing me here.... Since seeing a first hand demonstration a few weeks back I'm nearly with child to get a drone. Aside from the photographs captured by the drone itself there are endless possibilities for scouting wildlife, different POVs, etc for more "serious" photography. I keep trying to convince my bride that a drone really isn't more photography kit. The camera on it is just so you can see where you're flying

[gregj1763]

I can understand how people are hesitant to buy a drone because of restrictions and you definitely need to be aware of your local rules and regulations. Size, weight and wether it's used for fun or commercially can all make a difference. Here in Australia if I wanted to use mine to film a bridal party arriving at a wedding for instance I would be up for 2K and a 5 day course to learn the in's and outs of how not to hit stuff and people.
For my part I tend to plan where and when I'm going to take to the sky just to make sure I don't upset anyone.
It depends on what you want to film or photograph with them, beaches full of people or over your neighbours back fence could bring a lot of problems your way, sending it up on a bush walk to get an arial viewpoint of the location is pretty safe.
My next flight I have planned is a ankle height film of fungi at Hollybank reserve. I have checked and you can fly there as long as your not within 30M of anyone. I think it might be interesting. I will of course be taking my camera for the stills.
Cheers, Greg