Although it hasn’t gone mainstream yet, drone photography at weddings is greatly rising in popularity. Drones allow you to capture some dramatic footage that will rival Hollywood-quality shots. Hiring a drone photographer for your special day will level up your wedding album and video and it can be surprisingly affordable.
Drones may not be suitable for all venues or situations, but it is worth considering hiring a professional for your wedding day if you want to capture your wedding from (literally) a whole different angle. Curious to find out more? Here’s everything you should know about hiring a drone photographer and why it’s a fantastic idea.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Drone Photographer?
A drone is essentially a mini remote-controlled helicopter that can be equipped with a camera, allowing to you take aerial picture and video footage of your venue and event. A land-based camera simply can’t compete.
Drones are ideal for outdoor events, although occasionally they can be utilized in indoor venues as well. They’re also great if a venue has difficult terrain where a photographer may not be able to get a good shot from the ground. Or, for example, if you’re having a ceremony or reception on a boat where camera angles are limited.
Since drones are not limited to their position, you can get quite creative with your shots. For example, a 360-degree look at the venue, an overhead view of the reception party, or a unique video of the bride walking down the aisle.
Are There Any Downsides to Drones?
For starters, drones are not suitable for all locations and are even illegal in some. Certain landmarks or areas close to airports do not allow drone operations, so it is best to check with local regulations before you hire a drone photographer for your wedding.
Drones can also be quite noisy, even in outdoor settings, although technology is improving daily. Hence, it is best to do a test flight at the venue before you book a pro.
Weather can also be an issue as drones can be difficult or impossible to operate if it’s windy, cloudy, or rainy. Unfortunately, it’s tough to predict the weather too far ahead so this may be an issue you’ll only run into on the day of.
Should I Hire a Professional?
Absolutely. You can hire a separate drone photographer or a regular photographer that has drone experience as an add-on. Many wedding photographers today are offering this option, sometimes for an extra fee or as part of their package. Should you hire two separate photographers, make sure they coordinate ahead of your wedding so they work in sync and produce the best wedding album for you.
Even if you or a friend of yours has a drone as a hobby, taking professional photos with one is a whole different ball game. Not to mention, you probably don’t want to ask your guests to “work” on your wedding day. So, if you want high-quality photos or videos, it is worth spending the extra money.
Professionals can also navigate situations where the weather is slightly sour, so even if the wind picks up during your reception, you might still be able to capture some stunning shots.
Lastly, in certain areas, flying a drone may require specific permits or certifications—something a pro is likely to have. Again, this may be good to inquire about ahead of time. This is for a good reason; drones can be a safety hazard if not operated properly, and they can also be a nuisance if the “pilot” isn’t used to flying around crowds.
Are Professional Drone Photographers Expensive?
Costs may vary, but they can be affordable too. For a full day with mixed footage, couples generally spend $500-1,000 on average. It can also cost much more depending on the circumstances. However, hiring one for even an hour, which can be as little as $100-200 dollars, will still be worth it as you can get a lot of good material even in a short amount of time.
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