Cloud Spotting – DJI Mini 3 Pro
A long time coming
So I’ve wanted a drone for a long time. I remember watching transfixed as Engadget covered the launch of the DJI Phantom, complete with its hacked GoPro/Gimbal combo, back in 2013. I wanted so much to get one and start making images.
At the time I was earnestly investing in the cameras I could hold in my hand and, as much as I wanted to get into the air, it seemed to make sense to keep things on the ground.
St Bartholomew’s Church – DJI Mini 3 Pro
Better and better
As time went by, drones became more and more compelling. The flight dynamics improved, the platforms improved, the cameras improved, the UI improved.
The technology advanced faster than the regulatory framework and the ‘drone-space’ started to feel a bit like the Wild West, then the pendulum swung back the other way and everything started to feel too restricted.
I stayed on the sidelines feeling like I’d missed my chance, occasionally checking out costs, capabilities and training requirements, and then putting money into the systems I already had.
Ghosts of Games Past – DJI Mini 3 Pro
This summer I had my first go at aerial photography and I was immediately hooked. Aloft at dawn in a beautiful part of the world was an introduction like no other, and I wanted very much to get my camera into the air again.
Todi from Balloon 52 – Canon R5 / RF 24-70 f/2.8
The buried lead
This is all a long way of saying that I’ve (finally) added a drone to my kit bag. I bought the DJI Mini 3 Pro because it combines a capable camera with a 48mp sensor and a genuinely stable shooting platform. It’s super light, small, and really flexible, and I can do aerial photography with it.
DJI Mini 3 Pro – Canon R5 / RF 24-70 f/2.8
Being super light (<250g) means that it can go to work in areas where heavier drones aren’t allowed to fly, and being compact and foldable makes taking it everywhere no hassle at all.
I have enough batteries for about an hour’s flying time which should be enough for most applications and the high-resolution raw files make all sorts of aerial work possible.
Home/Safe – DJI Mini 3 Pro
Over the last few weeks I’ve been experimenting, getting my hours up, getting to know the drone and doing the necessary training.
I’m now at the point where I can start to offer aerial photography to clients, alongside my pre-existing services.
I’m really excited about the new avenue of exploration that that this opportunity opens up for me.
If you have an aerial photography need that you’d like to discuss, drop me a line and let’s fly.
