The Highs and Lows of Drone Wedding Photography

Drone photography is becoming an increasingly popular option for brides and grooms to add to their photo package. However, before photographer’s think the sky’s the limit with drone photography, we sit down with one wedding photographers who gives us some insight into the highs and lows of drone wedding photography.
 
1. Tell a little about yourself. 
My name is Wayne Lam and I”m an artist for Waynes World Studio. I graduated 2003 from Vancouver Film School, Langara Film Photography, Emily Carr University fro Fine Art Design and continuous study at Langara Visual Art program in Canada. My visual arts revolves around traditional sculpture, oil painting and modern digital fine art. I love being with people; instead of working in the studio all day I prefer to work with people. Wedding and commercial photography and aerial 4K UHD videography are my passion and I like to present ‘The Art of Storytelling’ to my clients.
 

 
2. When did you start incorporating drone photography into your weddings and engagement sessions?
Aerial photography came to my attention during 2014 when DJI released the Inspire1; a drone able to capture 4K UHD video and photography. I saw this great creative opportunity for filmmaking and wedding and commercial events. I consider myself more of an artist than a photographer due to my love of art.  My wedding couple portraits are created through the eyes of ‘Art of Storytelling’ . Each couple is unique and I create a story around them. With the new tools of aerial photography, I can push creative art that I’ve only dreamt of in the past.
Here is a test, go on google web search for your local wedding photographer under images, see any photo that stands apart in a creative way. Chances are only a few will stand out and the rest you will not remember because most of the images look the same with a similiar photoshop preset.  In this electronic age, everyone wants it cheaper and better but there are couples that demand quality and this is where I want my aerial photography and my skills stand apart from the others.

 
3. What types of drones are best suited for wedding photographers who want to try aerial photography with drones?
There are few type of drones:
(1) one person flying and controlling the camera at the same time, camera movement is limited to tilt function. Subject is stationary, this allows the drone to hover over the subject while changing camera setting and the subject while changing camera setting and composition. Remember camera set in auto is limited, manual setting is always the way to go.
(2) Two person controller, one flight controller and one camera operator. This in turn for better control if you are tracking the subject movement. Full camera movement control. This type of drone is bigger and more expensive due to more functions.
My studio uses the two person system for my aerial photography and 4K UHD videography. This allows me to concentrate on  my art rather than flying.
 
 

 
4. How do wedding photographers market this type of service to potential clients?
With creative aerial photography, it is easy to get noticed since this is unique and brides are always wanting something different.  Web sites can display the work but for true impact, the images should be printed and displayed like pieces of art work in a gallery. I personally suggest metallic and canvas print to display the images.
 
5. How much time to you dedicate to drone photography on the day of the event?
During a wedding,based on how much time I’m given, a half an hour is a minimum. During an engagement session, usually a half an hour to a full hour since we typically are not under a timeline like on a wedding day.
 

 
5. What’s involved with starting drone photography? 
Drone UAV is not a toy, you always hear about drones that  fly away or crash. I do suggest to practice a lot on an open field where there is no people. Some drones have a built in flight simulation program  that allows you to practice before taking flight. If you like aerial photography but not willing to spend the time or money; you can always hire a professional to fly it for you. This will cut down on cost and insurance but you do need to ensure the operator have liability and understand all the rules. Many rules  prohibit drone users to fly during bad weather such as snow, fog, rain and limited visual. If you are paying for an aerial wedding photography in your contract, best to have a clause about flying the drone based on good weather. You should never take risk!
There are also many regulations you’ll need to follow.  In Canada, where I”m from, you’ll need to follow a certain protocol under the UAV (unarmed aerial vehicle) standards. In the United States, you’ll need to check with the FAA.

 6. Do you think drone wedding photography is a fad or will it gain in popularity?
I have seen a handful of local wedding and videographers offer this to couples. I feel this will gain popularity and will remain popular for those wedding clients that like something different and unique.
 7. What’s in your camera bag Wayne?
I used the DJI 1 Inspire 1 drone for my aerial photography. (Special note – the DJI recently just announced the Phantom 4. It incorporates  ActiveTrack and Tapfly functions that basically allow the camera to go on autopilot. Click HERE to see what else it offers photographers and videographers)
 
Here is a look at the rest of my bag:
My Camera gears from photo to Cinema 4K UHD video! My digital gears are 5D Mark3, 7D Mark2 and back up 7D Mark1 Sinar 4X5 Film camera  4 Canon Speedlite Ex RT600 A7SII for 4K UHD GH4 4K UHD RoninM 3-axis gimbal Steadicam HD4000 Shogun for 4K UHD recorder Zoom H6, H4 audio recorder Wireless Mic (Sennheiser G3 and Rodelink) Zeiss Normal 50mm f/2 Planar Zeiss Distagon 21mm F2.8 Canon 85mm F1.2 L II Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro Canon 78-200mm F2.8L IS II Canon 8-15mm F4L Fisheye Sony FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS Sima 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm F1.4 Panasonic 35-100 F2.8 Lumix G Vario Zoom Lens Rokinon 12mm F2.0 Aputure DEC Wireless Focus & Aperture Controller Lens Adapter for EF Aputure DEC Wireless Focus & Aperture Controller Lens Adapter
Thank you Wayne for spending some time with us and telling us a little more about Drone Wedding Photography. 
Check out Wayne’s work on his website HERE.  His Instagram account HERE.   His Youtube channel HERE and his Facebook page is HERE.