Shooting Training (Aerial Photography & Videography)

• To understand the regulations, safety protocols, and best practices specifically for aerial photography and videography.
• To learn how to effectively plan and prepare an aerial shooting mission, including storyboarding, shot lists, and location scouting.
• To understand the different types of cameras and sensors suitable for aerial imaging and how to configure their settings optimally (manual mode, exposure, resolution, frame rates, etc.).
• To master various flight paths and drone control techniques for capturing smooth, cinematic shots (e.g., reveals, tracking, orbits).
• To acquire basic knowledge of analyzing, managing, and editing aerial photo and video footage.

• Valid EU remote pilot certificate A1/A3.
• Valid EU remote pilot certificate A2.

Basic Principles of Aerial Imaging:

• Fundamentals of photography & videography (composition, lighting, exposure triangle).
• Different kinds of aerial shots and their applications (e.g., establishing shots, landscape, tracking shots, point of interest orbits).
• Market overview & applications in media, cinema, marketing, and other industries.
• Safety considerations and specific regulations for media flights (privacy, permits).

Flight Planning and Preparation for Shooting:

• Creative planning: storyboarding, developing a shot list, and understanding narrative flow.
• Choice of equipment: selecting appropriate drones, cameras, lenses, and filters (ND/PL).
• Location scouting: assessing light conditions (e.g., golden hour), potential hazards, and optimal flight paths for cinematic shots.
• Obtaining necessary permissions and adhering to privacy laws.

Equipment for Aerial Shooting:

• Overview of Drones & Camera systems suitable for aerial imaging (considering sensor size, resolution, dynamic range, frame rates, video codecs).
• Mastering camera settings for aerial work: manual mode operation, understanding the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), white balance, picture profiles/log footage.
• Gimbals and stabilization: achieving smooth footage.
• Using Neutral Density (ND) and Polarizing (PL) filters effectively.
• Practice Part I: Equipment setup, comprehensive camera configuration, and pre-flight checks for imaging missions.

Flight Operation for Cinematic Capture:

• Managing operational restrictions (airspace, weather, time of day for optimal light).
• Executing various flight paths and techniques for cinematic shots (e.g., reveals, parallax, tracking shots, orbits, fly-throughs, crane shots).
• Techniques for smooth and precise drone control.
• Considerations for working with a dedicated camera operator (if applicable).
• Practice Part II: Flight exercises focused on capturing a variety of pre-planned shots and practicing cinematic maneuvers.

Data Analysis and Basic Editing:

• Workflow for managing and backing up aerial footage and photos.
• Basic photo editing workflow (e.g., RAW processing, color correction, sharpening).
• Basic video editing workflow (e.g., assembling clips, basic cuts, color correction, and grading fundamentals).
• Overview of common software for photo and video editing.

This course is rich in practical application, designed to get you comfortable with both the equipment and flight techniques:

• Practice Part I: Hands-on setup of drones and camera payloads, detailed configuration of camera settings (manual exposure, resolution, frame rates, picture profiles), and use of accessories like filters.
• Practice Part II: Dedicated flight exercises where participants practice various cinematic drone movements, capturing different types of pre-planned shots, and focusing on smooth control inputs.
• Introduction to reviewing and critiquing captured footage for quality and creative intent.

Assessment for the “Shooting” Training is based on practical application and understanding of creative principles:

• Active participation in theoretical discussions, planning sessions, and practical exercises.
• Demonstrated ability to plan a simple aerial shoot, including shot list creation and consideration of lighting and composition.
• Competence in setting up camera equipment and executing basic cinematic flight maneuvers during practical sessions.
• Basic understanding of photo/video editing concepts and workflow.

Individuals and professionals in Media, Cinema, Photography, and Video production seeking to incorporate or improve drone-based aerial imaging in their work.