In the realm of wedding videography, drone footage has emerged as a game-changer, adding an extraordinary dimension to capturing the essence of a couple's special day. The use of drones has revolutionized how we perceive wedding films, transforming them from traditional recordings into cinematic experiences.
I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on why you might want to include drone footage in your wedding film,
The Aerial Perspective: A New View on Weddings
The primary allure of drone footage in wedding videography lies in its ability to capture aerial perspectives that were once impossible or prohibitively expensive. Drones offer a bird's-eye view, presenting the wedding venue and its surroundings in all their glory. This unique angle not only adds a cinematic touch but also showcases the grandeur of the location, whether it's a rustic countryside setting, a majestic castle, or a beachfront vista.
For me, the use of a drone really gives the ability to lay the scene of your big day and capture details that are otherwise hard to see. This might be the beautiful spire of your church, or the rolling hills of the surrounding area. It adds another layer to the rich tapestry of your story. It's also a great way of capturing a different perspective of your guests.
Embracing the Cinematic Journey
Drone footage elevates a wedding video to a cinematic journey. It allows videographers to tell a more comprehensive story of the couple's big day. From sweeping shots of the guests arriving to the grandeur of the outdoor settings, drones capture the scale and emotion of the event in a way traditional cameras cannot. These aerial shots can be seamlessly woven into the narrative, creating a dynamic and engaging storyline.
The Technical Artistry Behind Drone Videography
Operating a drone requires technical skill and artistic vision. The videographer must be adept at maneuvering the drone to capture smooth, stable footage. This involves understanding the nuances of aerial filming, such as the impact of weather conditions, flight patterns, and camera settings. The goal is to create fluid, breathtaking shots that complement the grounded footage, ensuring a harmonious blend of perspectives.
In my opinion, operating a drone can lose its cinematic ability if it is nothing more than an aerial perspective of the venue. You can tell the skill of your videographer by looking through their portfolio of previous weddings. The drone footage should enhance the overall feeling of the film and not just feel like a "bolt-on" footage that offers nothing to the story.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its advantages, drone videography comes with its own set of challenges. The foremost is adhering to legal regulations, which vary by region and often require permits and adherence to specific flight rules. Additionally, drones can be intrusive if not used thoughtfully, potentially disrupting the ambiance with their noise. Therefore, videographers must plan drone usage carefully, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the wedding experience.
When considering your videographer and drone usage check they are licensed and insured. It's also very important to check with your wedding venue if drones are allowed, some venues are in areas where this is not permitted. Drones also have built-in geofencing which means they physically cannot launch in certain areas - often those next to flight paths. This is something your videographer will have no control over, and it can be very frustrating when this happens. So do always check the area and let your videographer know if you think there may be issues. Some restricted areas can still be flown in if permission is requested so giving your videographer plenty of advanced notice means they will have time to request the necessary access and unlock codes.
Another important thing to note is outside of everyone's control - the weather! If it's extremely wet, very windy or freezing temperatures it's unlikely your videographer will be able to fly their drone. Drones can be very temperamental in the cold and refuse to take off! (I'm not a fan of icy temperatures either so can't say I entirely blame them)
Integrating Ground and Aerial Footage
A skilled videographer knows the importance of integrating ground and aerial footage to create a cohesive narrative. This involves careful planning and editing to ensure the drone footage complements the traditional ground-based shots. The transition between these perspectives should be seamless, maintaining the flow and emotional impact of the video.
Again, this is where I would encourage you to view your videographer's portfolio and see how they blend these two perspectives. Look out for choppy drone footage which will detract from the quality feel of your film.
The Creative Possibilities
The creative possibilities with drone footage are nearly limitless. Videographers can experiment with various shot types, such as revealing the wedding venue from above, following the bridal procession, or capturing the entire wedding party in a single, expansive shot. Drones can also be used to create dramatic, sweeping shots that lead up to key moments, adding suspense and excitement to the film.
If you've seen any shots in films you like, I'm always happy to discuss these and see what we can incorporate into your big day. Drone footage does take time and skill, it's not something I can quickly do as you walk into your venue and then sprint down the aisle to capture you walking in, so it's important to align expectations for both of us.
Safety and Privacy: A Top Priority
While pursuing creative shots, it's imperative to prioritise safety and privacy. This means respecting the privacy of the wedding guests and ensuring the drone does not pose any safety risks. Professional videographers must be well-versed in the ethical considerations of drone usage, ensuring that their pursuit of the perfect shot does not compromise the safety and comfort of those present.
In very busy areas such as city centre weddings, often the laws around drone flying are extremely strict due to the proximity of people and buildings. This is another area where it may not be possible for your videographer to fly their drone.
Drone footage in wedding videography is not just a trend; it's a transformative approach that's here to stay. It offers a fresh perspective, bringing an added layer of depth and emotion to wedding films. As technology advances and videographers become more skilled in drone operation, we can expect even more innovative and breathtaking wedding videos. For couples looking to capture their special day, incorporating drone footage offers a chance to create a truly cinematic and unforgettable wedding film.
If you're interested in finding out more about having me film your big day, and incorporating some drone footage into it, then my Feature Length package contains drone footage as standard.