Besides being one of the most controversial gadgets of the past decade, the lowly drone might just be the future of event photography.
The little quadcopters are more affordable than ever, they are continually becoming more user-friendly, and the concept is easy to sell: stunning photography elicits emotional reactions. Plus, who ever said controversy was bad for a party?
No longer reserved only for film studios and Red Bull stunts, drones with and without cameras are easily available to consumers. Some of the most interesting ones on the market, like the Hexo+, actually fly themselves, so you can focus on making event magic.
With the the Phantom 2 camera drone, you can also automate a flight path so you can better adjust camera angles. And the Lily drone boasts a waterproof body and insulated motors, so you can safely land it in water.
Seriously.
The FAA is still deciding how to handle the drone age. Most unmanned aircraft systems required permits and special exemptions, unless of course, it is for recreational use, and you follow their basic operating rules:
- Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
- Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
- Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
- Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
- Don't fly near people or stadiums
- Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
- Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft - you could be fined or endangering people or other aircrafts
JJ Trinidad, owner of Skyecam, an aerial cinematography studio based out of Los Angeles, charges upwards of $1,500 for a few hours of aerial event photography on their lower-resolution cameras. And that price includes a three-person team: a drone operator, a camera operator, and a visual observer to ensure that no birds (or power lines) are injured during the production of your film.
If you’re looking for aerial event shots, Trinidad says you don’t just need a photographer, you need an experienced pilot, too. More dynamic footage simply means more risk. But a high demand for that kind of footage also means more supply. Safe drone-specific cinematography shops are popping up all over the country.
Above Summit Films is a cinema group that services the greater New England area and has extensive safety information listed on their site about their aerial photography services. But their drone wedding demo reel has a castle in it.
But, let us for a minute just imagine the possibilities…
Does your event feature a stunt? Try Periscoping or live-streaming the aerial footage directly from your iPhone. That’s exactly what Eric Chang, drone videographer extraordinaire did at Burning Man in 2014.
Are there fireworks? Even better. This promotional video for the Sony Action Cam proves that big bangs are even better up close.
Big race? Conference expo? Outdoor concert? Dance party? Boat cruise? All made a thousand times cooler with an aerial shot.
At Splash, we like to encourage our clients and party planners to document their events via any means necessary. Often that implies professional photography and videography, but user-generated social shares, and emerging tech like aerial photography and live streaming is often edgier and more authentic. Just play it safe. We’re rule benders, not breakers.
For a more in-depth dive on drone regulations, aerial sports videography, and reviews of specific products, read this helpful write-up via DC Rain Maker.
Plus, check out Know Before You Fly, an educational campaign founded by several organizations in partnership with the FAA. Or send it to a friend with a drone.
Ben Hindman is co-founder and CEO of Splash, the country's fastest-growing event marketing platform that helps businesses and brands more effectively market through their events.
An event planner turned tech entrepreneur, events are in Ben’s DNA. Prior to starting Splash, Ben was the Director of Events at Thrillist, where he produced large-scale events from concerts to mystery fly-aways. He also co-founded the invite-only Summit Series, a premier event which attracts the world's leading entrepreneurs. Before that, Ben founded and sold DC By Foot, DC's only free walking tour company. In another life, Ben goes by Benny Beatbox, and has performed at the White House and on stage with Naughty by Nature – but not at the same time.