How to Film with a Drone: A Guide for Beginners

This is a beginners guide for how to film with a drone. In this video I will show you how to setup your drone for the best video using the best settings for auto and manual modes, I will show you how to setup your white balance and what color profile to use. I'll also show you how to compose and frame a shot using rule of thirds to get great pleasing footage. From there we will cover the different kinds of drone shots you want to film like establishing shots medium and close shots. I will even give you some tips and tricks to use active track and smart modes to get even better drone footage.

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Jake Sloan
PO BOX 212445
Anchorage, AK 99521

DISCLAIMER:

This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

00:00 Intro
00:55 Auto vs manual modes
01:26 Setting up for best auto mode settings
02:05 Settings for manual/pro mode settings
03:00 Motion blur and ND filters
03:54 Color profiles
04:39 White Balance
06:15 Composition and framing
06:50 Rule of Thirds
07:41 Examples of rule of thirds framing
08:05 Types of drone shots
08:36 Establishing shots
08:58 Medium shots
10:27 Close shots
11:40 Using active track and smart modes
12:48 Using active track manually to frame
13:40 Best time of day to film
14:22 Outro

[MikeBabsBC]

I was just about to search for a video on this! Way to read my mind, Jake! Lol 😂

[Anakin]

Amazing video! Very helpful for new drone users! Keep up the fantastic work❤❤

[WheelingSA]

Cool video Jake, reminds of what I was thinking today as well. The greatest camera ever - the human eye! It does everything we try so hard to do with cameras automatically.

[mlr]

Been following off & ON for quite some time Jake. I’m a ‘beginner’, an OLD-er beginner (62) for sure IF we’re wanting to place me at A certain level. I picked up the ‘A2S’ back in late 2021 and ONLY as a “flyer” really..just to get ‘into the drone game’. And I’m NOT a photographer at all. Got the Air 2S for scouting for our cows, wildlife…SECURITY if needed, etc. Anyway, I have a background as a helo pilot, NON-current due to several factors. But I got to say when I brought up THIS particular vid I was thinking this HAS to be an HOUR minimum video…NOPE, “15 MINUTES”! Incredible man. YOU make it appear pretty simple. SO much to learn at this game/hobby…SERIOUS hobby honestly. . Basically what I’ve been doing is just recording ALL flights for EITHER posterity, OR if there’s an unfortunate “Fly-Away” (a BAD day) or any other multitude of reasons…THEN just delete BACK vids after a time. Just was wanting to tell you “Thanks” for a LOT of great vids over the years, months and for being a VALUED creator on Yt for the rest of us! Thanks again..

[SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Howdy Jake. This is an outstanding tutorial video for filming with a drone. Not just a beginners video, it's also an excellent refresher for all of us that become complacent with doing the same thing over and over. Perfect location, and great seeing you out with the kids after your long travels. Take Care; I hope the mosquitoes start calming down soon, LOL!

[JGBLUESKY]

WOW JAKE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, VERY NICE TUTORIAL LOVE IT.

[ericsparkman]

Thanks for the video, I’ve been flying for a few months now but filming is way different; still have lots of practice to get in.

[MrEddieNunez]

A lot of great tips Jake for newbies and a great refresher for the seasoned pilots.

[JasonLorette]

Great vid Jake...very helpful...I really need to use my Mavic Mini more.

[dougcooper]

Excellent Tutorial Training Video! Thank You Jake.

[FOCU]

Jake many thanks for the guidance and and well explained instructions, awsome location 👍

[eddiecarrascojr]

Just got my first drone. Thanks for the tips. Really enjoyed the videos.

[glennalan]

Great video jake! I'm glad I subscribed.

[larrygross]

Thank for the great tips. I’m purchasing the Mavic 3 classic. Since being a beginner. What is a good video editing program for beginners. For d-log and normal. Thanks.

[kyrgeorge]

about motion blur and nd filters... my opinion is still use auto mode but with an nd filter on. that is the best option because algorithm turn shuter speed down when in auto mode with an nd filter.

[KLECoutdoors]

Love the videos Jake! I’m a solo creator in Alaska as well. My niche is ham radio portable operations. My channel has recently been monetized so i started the journey of “how to make better videos” and learning how to add story lines. I’ve have some experience with the mini 2 but now have the Air 3 on the way. I’m taking my part 107 Thursday so i can start adding some drone shots. I still have a ton to learn but just wanted to say thanks for the videos! I wish i ran across your channel earlier. -Jeramy

[brianjordan]

Great info as always. I just got a DJI FPV, what camera settings do you use when using your FPV? I would think 24 or 30 FPS would be too slow. But I'm not sure. Thanks.

[BobLee]

Love the Chanel sir, well done, Any drone recommended, something that would not make me lose a kidney :)), subscribed.

[gregbibens]

how are you keeping your lav mic from picking up the drone noise in your shots?

[MM-bjjc]

Do you have any recommendations for an inexpensive drone (~$100-$120 MAX), that can be geofenced to your own backyard?