5 Killer Ideas for Drone Videos

I've tested tons of ideas of what to film, I know how frustrating it is not knowing what to do when you first get a drone. Which shots look coolest or which locations wind up giving great shots everytime. As a drone cinematographer, these 5 Filming and location ideas give me gold pretty consistently.
Aerial Video Cheat Sheet PDF DOWNLOAD:
drive.google.com/file/d/1nfTK...
These 5 techniques pretty much give me consistently great cinematography everytime. The drone does most of the work with the 4k camera honestly. These are easy to do, don't take multiple functions or tons of experience and work great for mavic pro, mavic zoom, mavic air, phantom 4 and 3, etc.
2:45 Low, fast, over-water
3:18 Just straight down
3:55 Right down the line
4:50 Shot kinda down
5:02 Eagle on the mountain
5:54 Fly just barely above anything busy happening beneath
6:36 Find a tall building and go sideway
These are my best drone video moves I could tell you off the top of my head, but I have a new video for drone cinematography as well for 2022. Go to my channel for that one, I have new shots angles and ideas, and also how to make money with your drone.

[@dtw3416]

Subbed within 10 seconds. Straight into the content, no messing around, no BS. Great presentation and quality content. If only more of KZbin were like this

[@richardblackwell4396]

... And he didn't start his video with that over-used and always gag-worthy line, "Hey guys, what's up?"

[@AnbarasanS369]

Subbed within seconds for the exact reason.

[@dylantaylor4822]

Totally agree.

[@thecoach1683]

It's a good video, I agree, but no, he doesn't get into the content until over 2 minutes. These shill like comments are probably the most cringe part of influencer style youtube videos.

[@troyl8605]

And he doesn't waste people's time with an intro flashing his name and credentials eating up the first 30 seconds of the video. Watch his Webex/Webinar. I've done it a couple of times and it's amazing and free information too.

[@juankaramirez]

Loved the part where you say that many times when flying a drone you feel like you're doing something illegal even if you're flying legally! I always get tha feeling! LOL Good to know I'm not the only one!

[@mgr5550]

+1 here, im from India. And it always feels like im doing something unethical and a feeling a guilt and fear.

[@dylandreisbach1986]

I feel like it’s somehow an invasion of privacy even though I’m filming the outside a hundred feet away from any property. It doesn’t help that the drone sounds like a swarm of angry bees drifting from the sky, so everyone looks at it.

[@Neji2017]

Dude! Do you know how much I felt that?! I have three drones and a ronin m that I haven’t been able to use fully because I feel like a creeper when people stare and gawk. But once I got over it I have had great conversations and met new people.

[@BeavistheLizard]

I totally get these feels.. I read the other comments in this thread and I am glad that I am not alone, I have had my Mavic Air since it came out... I take it everywhere with me but I rarely use it. It is a lot better if you can take someone with you... but my GF isnt keen, (its boring for her to sit and watch me play with my toy). I am pretty good at flying it, well aware of the rules and stay within them... but I feel I am going to get in trouble or have it stolen from me!! Fear Sucks.

[@skatepark02]

Thats exactly how I feel!

[@JulienTJ]

1) 2:45 Low, fast, over-water 2) 3:18 Just straight down 3) 3:55 Right down the line 3.5) 4:50 Shot kinda down 4) 5:02 Eagle on the mountain 5) 5:54 Fly just barely above anything busy happening beneath 5) 6:36 Find a tall building and go sideway

[@eurasia2941]

Very interesting document but a very important piece of advice is missing: "don't forget to push the record button".

[@TheDavidAshby]

Don't suppose you can share that document.. I cannot receive it for some reason.

[@huntstyle]

I screw that one up a lot! Usually before a really really good flight sequence!

[@jackiebrown8412]

Haha or my favorite, insert the memory card!!

[@kimjongtrump3493]

Or turn on the drone before flying

[@jeffyourcomrade2490]

“To get a cool shot find a hill” Me who lives in the Netherlands....

[@d1986scott]

Flattest country ever 😂

[@fabricer.9426]

🤣😂👍

[@Fadewatcher]

Yup, already flying like... Uhm anywhere is jail time hahaha. Zeeland is a cool place to fly though if that gives you any hope

[@jeffyourcomrade2490]

I’d like to but I live next to a military airport :p

[@Fadewatcher]

@@jeffyourcomrade2490 darn it.. yeah I live around the outskirts of Rotterdam trying to find a spot to fly is a challenge indeed 😋

[@anthonynedd4673]

I am 54 years old, and I am also a rookie drone pilot. Thank you for providing a no nonsense video tutorial. I have my FAA part 107, now I am flying as much as possible to get profitable experience. Again, I thank you.

[@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269]

John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 🙏!!!

[@FramrodLiggins]

@@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269 .. Nonsense...the Original translations DO NOT SAY " one and only son"...they say "only begotten son". There is a big difference between the two!!! There are over 200 VERSIONS of the bible in English alone!!! If you're going to quote the "Word-of-God"...try to get back to what was originally written and not some dumbed-down modern English gobbledygoop. Words matter...especially when you think you are quoting God. Just passing through on my way to fly my Mini 2.

[@joshuabaker67]

Sweeeeeet

[@mikemuponda1781]

I love this video! such a gentle reminder that drones are still just tools and what's more important is how we capture things using them.

[@om-organicmedia]

I'm in the 🎥 media industry for 30 years and this week will receive my first drone by DJI. You simple focused and brutally honest tutorial videos are exactly what I needed to view and hear right now. I'm grateful and keep making more as you bring on the creative inspiration too. I especially loved the surfing pans too . 🏄🏾‍♀️ I lived in Kona Hawaii and now see what is possible with skill work and confidence.

[@AceYYC]

Seems like the most important thing is scouting epic locations.

[@SilverHunkClover]

Exactly

[@1978RSH]

Holidays in Switzerland & Germany 😁

[@juvenescence9542]

this place kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXW8lqmQotydjNk

[@KTHKUHNKK]

It's what peaks your interest.

[@huntstyle]

You make mediocre locations look pretty sweet with a good drone shot. But yeah, epic locations always help!

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

Great stuff! I've found (every time start trying to cut drone clips to include in a project) that MY most common 'rookie mistake' is to be too frequently making course corrections. Nothing ruins that cinematic vibe like an unexpected tweak (however slight) in direction... And then you're left trying to make a shorter segment work than what you had wanted from it...

[@cw3drones]

This is exactly the short, quick, no brainer information I was looking for. Even though you obviously don’t need it, you now have one more subscriber. Thanks!

[@mewintle]

Fantastic stuff! I have a lot of still photography experience, but not video. I can see how these shots map to the still version, but the execution is quite different. I really like the pacing and the wealth of matching examples. Your audio is perfect too. I’m excited to try these techniques by matching your examples so I can build on them with my own style. I put this video in my drone folder and my favorites folder. Thank you again for your generous advice and sharing your accumulated experience and wisdom.

[@brAckAttak]

this is one of the most inspiring videos i've seen about drones. i'm gonna take your advice from your other video and start sharing what I shoot. I'll send some shots soon!

[@EthicRadioArchiveReels]

Love it this is great... we just got a drone and so far were learning alot about drone cinematography

[@davidhutchins9521]

Subscribed literally because he didn’t do all the cheesy KZbin guru routines and got straight to the point. Refreshing

[@Beaver314]

i watched your 1hr long free webinar and that had me smiling from beginning to end. you have a gift my friend. it's no nonsense, direct presentation whilst being funny. really funny.

[@WizOWash]

“Non-flying-low-born” love it!! Great video glad I stumbled on to this channel. Subscribed now! Thanks

[@dougbutton9352]

“You’re totally gonna crash, dude” Sombrero Guy. This video is stellar. Liked and subscribed. Especially identified with the “Feeling like a criminal” comment. Does that ever go away???

[@johndallis9901]

Out of curiosity, what drone do you have?

[@VerbFPV]

Never goes away. Lol

[@brendonhunt668]

@@VerbFPV lol fpv dudes are always criminals

[@DanDascalescu-dandv]

@@VerbFPV It goes away once you get flight plans and FAA registration and Part 107 license and go thru a few police encounters where they see your flying safely and leave you alone next time a Karen reports you. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqK3m4x3htqhr7M

[@serenhe7631]

No hahaha

[@DynastyTrickDogs]

Thank you so much for this video, i'm getting my dji mini 2 this weekend and couldn't be more thrilled to get some footage of the beautiful blue ridge mountains!

[@Capt213]

I’ve been flying DJI’s since the Phantom 3 my mother in law & wife got me for Christmas years ago. I crashed that thing more than it deserved, and rebuilt it twice. When I felt ready, I graduated to a Spark...and eventually a Mavic Air. I run a 90’ fishing boat, the whole point of acquiring a cinematic drone was to film the ocean and things that I normally get to experience everyday; but from an aerial perspective. I’m 100% self taught with drones and photography/videography, and I’ve scoured KZbin for a long time to teach myself anything I can. Today I scooped up a Mavic Air 2. This video is one of the most refreshing tutorials I’ve happened across. Your explanations are very concise, without the hoopla that I normally expect from drone tutorial videos. Not a single ‘ayyyy it’s your boiiii’ or other crap that usually gets me clicking ‘next’ without bothering to finish a video. This video gave me ideas for tomorrow when I will inevitably launch the Air2 from the roof of my 90’ footer. Rock on🤘

[@Adventureswithbecky]

Dude you are hysterical! This is by far THE BEST drone video I've ever seen!

[@robertomighty4562]

Great video, excellent teaching, dry humor and so true about feeling guilty while flying our drones legally!

[@caleblin7992]

love the humor and the straight to the point no BS tips. I've watched maybe over 100 drone tip videos and I liked this one the best.

[@be3186]

Super stoked to have found your page! I love your directness and simplification of operating a drone, as well as your tried and true methods of successful drone photography/filming. I just bought the Mini pro 3, and excited to learn and apply! You definitely have a new subscriber here!

[@ryangaw]

I love his no bull sh*t direct way of telling you how to get shots. Ive been a cinematographer in Hollywood for 20 years and I couldnt have said it better myself.

[@larbueno]

I have been flying for seven years now and still I watch videos like this to either learn or be reminded of things that I sometimes forget. This is a very pleasantly narrated and beautifully shot piece. Your shots in Europe are just stunning. I’ve been using a Mavic 2 pro for almost 2 years. What is your main drone and most of the shots?

[@scarswell12]

Can I just say I love your videos and find your narrating style (mainly your sense humor) refreshing. That is all, carry on sir.

[@kianlechner]

Subscribed in the first 5 seconds. I’m a busy dude and there’s lot to watch online and this guy respects it.

[@tomelwood8459]

Finally! Drone advice that's condensed, explained well, illustrated with multiple examples, and common sense. Great video.

[@robertbycapri]

funny as entertaining. straight to the point and different. good job.

[@QuickAssTutorials]

THANK YOU RBYCAPRI i spend so much time staring at shots I never know if it sucks or not haha

[@MN77-98]

Awesome instruction. Fast, Basic, Real and relatable. I kinda wish I found this before I did the spinning crap and even tried ridonkulous warp stablization to fix it. NO - just be calm and cool. I'm always shaking when I'm flying. You made me laugh and made me feel good too! I'm a photographer who finally purchased a drone a year ago. One little moment of pilot error and feeling out of control, I put the drone away for 10 months. I'm back. My grandson told me I need to get comfortable flying looking at the screen. So I've accepted that challenge, but have a long way to go. I'm a low and slow flyer and so far am happy with some of the images. Your video validates AND Inspires me to reach a bit further. Thanks!!!

[@My_Alchemical_Romance]

Great video. Got into drones about a decade ago... only started flying DJI a year ago. Started with mini 1... only a few months later, after your videos, I found out I had to now learn photography; upped to a Phantom 4. Only 2 months later; I now own a DJI Mini 2 fly more; plus I proudly operate my Phantom 4 Pro Plus (beside the displays issues), I refer back to your videos more than anything in the previous 9 years. I love this. Love your videos.

[@hiddenguy67]

what bout now

[@DeeP-_PerspectivE]

Been scattered all my life on what I wanted to do and basically self doubted everything. I do have an artistic side, I like photography and technology (building PCs and editing). And I have no doubt I can learn to fly a drone with some practice sessions and research. I believe you have convinced me to go deep in this career field, If (when) I ever make it I am treating / donating you something crazy for the inspiration and idea!

[@USMCSUTTEN]

I got a drone I just need an editor

[@PhilChadwick]

Dude you speak fast. So fast I had to check playback speed to make sure you weren't at 1.5x or something. I like it.

[@vernystinger]

Ive listened to you for 30 seconds and subscribed . no nonsense like most on here , I can already tell .

[@maxkieffer8125]

I really like how you describe things man. You have a good voice for this stuff. Keep going!

[@shockinglyez2635]

You have some great Content. I don't own a drone nor do I know about photography but your videos are very entertaining. Keep up the excellent work! I just subbed

[@andpacker]

i love how cut & dry you are in this, very funny XD

[@marcelboersma]

Absolutely 😂

[@jakev4016]

I can’t believe the quality of your content, this is basically a community college course. And the crazy thing is you’re RIGHT haha. Thank you!! 🙏

[@aaronlarue]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your straightforward non-BS approach to the information that you present. I am a noob and a hack right now but you are making me better. I will eventually pay for your school to thank you for this information and to up my skill level. This is probably the first video I have ever commented on from KZbin and I have been a KZbin guy since before they sold it to Google : )

[@LRN2DIY]

Great content and great presentation!

[@albertkelly2312]

P

[@musharafobeid1665]

@@albertkelly2312 ok 😂

[@LUPONELLASTEPPA]

Good grading, one of the best together with the one's by Drone film guide and YuriPalma

[@superwarbuckz9618]

This helped a lot thank you 💯

[@davidilie1169]

never watched you before, first 11 seconds in, I subscribed, liked, commented/.

[@thalaifrasier7789]

I did the same in about a similar amount of time!

[@hommenikita]

ditto.

[@JohnCramer-mo6wg]

Exactly what I was looking for delivered in an entertaining no-nonsense way.

[@Harryvolting]

Thanks QAT a little of what I searched for as a tutorial and confirmation of images I've captured and, no wasted time or shouting out of the screen as us. Good job.

[@goldengears1]

Loved it. Just bought my first professional drone! Mavic air 2 will be here in two days!!

[@stewartgrindlay9760]

How are you getting on with it?

[@chopchopsmash379]

"non-flying, low-born friends" - wow... definitely subscribing

[@HelsinkifromAbove]

Awesome! And some of them are quite easy to implement so I’ll try them as soon as I fly again. I subscribed to your channel right after tip 1, your shots and your informal explanations are great!

[@Red_Proton]

That definition... made me subscribe. I like the way you talk straight about reality, like your video about shooting a town reel (loved it).

[@princebanini]

I love the voice narration. so much comic relief and jokes. subbed man. I think you're one of the best here on youtube

[@casualgamer35]

"15 dads want to ask you questions!" HAHA!!!!!! I'm dyin!!

[@jacktree9987]

I've never laughed so much and learnt so much at the same time. Fantastic engaging video, that was a great watch.

[@medialegend]

Really inspiring. Thanks for the tips. Some of those shots I do anyway but it's good to get the reminder of what works and what doesn't. Also, your locations are sensational and make me want to just get out there and film!

[@scoogyskoogz1869]

Hahaha! Nailed it with the “criminal drone anxiety” I get it everytime I fly! I’m always getting dirty looks and feel like I’m breaking the law each time! Nice to know I’m not the only one!

[@Ilovecomedy7]

4:18 I even tried to fly my drone backward under a pier. Thankfully, my drone yelled at me, so I did not have to lose it.

[@bloodyrextm1910]

Ilovecomedy7 “yelled at you” 😂😂😂

[@PrimalFury]

@@bloodyrextm1910 next time fly in normally and then rewind your video.

[@WoWOriginal]

As someone doing research on this and wanting to get into it; I greatly appreciate your videos! Thank you

[@PatrickConlon]

Nice landscape at 0:30 and is my favorite shot! Good work with the drone footage, looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for posting.

[@mosesbeltran8390]

You must live near me. I see you pushing the “legal” boundaries over there! Lol.

[@jessemichaels2818]

“Thank you for the tips.”

[@jarrod2292]

I’m buying my dji mini 2 soon. This’ll be very useful. Great content and love how causal your voice is 👏🏽

[@AlexandersVoice]

Most entertaining tutorial in a long while. Keep your style!

[@endtimeimages3284]

0:07 made my day :-)

[@redfella1878]

"non-flying low born friends"

[@georgem.8218]

Really great advice. Usually takes a lot of experience or formal training to learn this. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@alexanderpopov9801]

Hey, Alex, thanks for this video and the channel as a whole. Most KZbin videos just do product reviews, but you actually tell what and how to do AFTER one buys a drone. Really nice, I appreciate it.

[@QuickAssTutorials]

If it saves you the time I spent learning stuff then I'm glad

[@oneshotentertainment2298]

Great video! Love your humor 🤣 I just started out and want somebody's feedback ☺️

[@maellajeunesse8018]

The music is pretty old and bad and you could try going a little slower in your movements. Its my impressions. other than that, view was cool and images where good but i saw you going over some roads with a lot of cars. Be very carefull with that cause its not legal. If something would happend and it crashed, it could have made a lot of damage and you cant say much to get yourself out of that lot of shit. Keep it up you doing great other than that.

[@Dronethat]

I get the same feeling too everytime I fly my drone, the feeling of flying illegally even if you're flying legally!

[@davidp158]

"How to not suck while pointing your camera at things" is the best definition of cinematography I've heard yet. It's not about fancy cameras, and exotic lenses. It's about good composition and intentional shots.

[@barrywaters6336]

Just stumbled on your channel and was hooked after watching this one. Well explained with good humour and top content to boot. My new drone arrives next week after YEARS of photography and cant wait to put some of this into practise.

[@Impossible_Fishy]

"break the law and goes a little higher" my second flight: 1640ft

[@kenthomson9562]

Calm down, take a breath or two, speak slowly and clearly.

[@taissathome]

but its called "QuickAss Tutorials" hahaha

[@LaCatHTF]

Man foreals

[@michaeldally8532]

He's fine the way he is

[@AdnanKhan-bg4rd]

I f'in LOVED this video. I mean is this guy for real? How awesome is this tutorial. Subscribed and liked. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@nerdydadshavefun]

Loved the last shot of Lake Murray Dam. Thank you for making your content.

[@deluxivehomes8719]

Bro, this is by far one of the best videos I’ve seen. Thank you so much.

[@WILLSTARMONSTERS-MYSTERIES]

Bro I just bought a mini 3 pro and know nothing about using a drone but Im quickly learning from watching your vids. Your humor is hilarious and I instantly subbed . Good shit bro

[@victoriabanerjee9307]

Great video, 100% content to learn from 0% filler. Cheat sheet was really useful too!

[@AlanHuiRealty]

Lol love your dry humor. Beautiful shots - will try to incorporate these shooting techniques in my videos.

[@polyculturefarms]

Great tips, thanks so much! We needed a crash course for our 12 month progress video on the farm and this has really helped. Subbed.

[@mattfatt67]

Hey great video and super helpful tips! Just getting into droning, so this is prime. I love your kinda cocky but actually self-deprecating style of chatter, cracks me up.

[@williamdavison8816]

Thanks for the simple but effective pro tips! Your presentation didn’t suck (nicely done), so I subscribed with notifications.

[@AscentvantagePresident]

Love it my man! You're very informative, entertaining and straight to the point!

[@greybeardmedia-merseysidebey]

I'm a new drone flyer here in Liverpool England but seeing your videos and learning so much will make me become better so thank you, I have a way to go but everyday I get better 👍

[@homesculptor]

great useful advice! Top of the class information! When I was in Hawaii, I started shooting surfers. That was a great lesson in controlling motion and flow. What fun that was. I almost crashed only once! The battery was low, and on the way back it started a force landing just touching the jetty a few feet where I landed it.

[@etiennerossouw]

Hello from Cape Town. Wow, this is by far the best "Ideas for Drone Videos" that I have seen, thanks!

[@AJ-uv4sk]

I like your straightforward delivery of information!

[@GreggAdventure]

Always working to not suck. It amazes me how many people think buying a Drone, makes them a photographer. @0:45, you speak to my soul.

[@boundlessbo3122]

Thanks for the helpful tips man! Can’t wait to go practice today 🙌🏼

[@cachetheline]

Thanks for this. I just picked up a Mavic Mini and have played with it a couple of times so far. Cinematography is so important! I'm right with you on those pet peeves :)

[@foreverfilms7209]

Love your style and humor, plus your content is top notch. subbed!

[@kiwiadventurer]

You hooked me straight away. A captivating class act

[@aleksandrakaurseera7592]

Hey! Great videos, I love them! I’ve been trying some of your techniques and will come back for more. Fantastic channel:)

[@SoundLegion]

Thank you for this video. I am getting my first drone to start filming for music videos and cant wait to try a few of these tips. Great video. Bless

[@TommyGunsDunleavy]

This is golden. Hopefully people realize how Golden this video actually is.

[@vedranculjak8262]

For an average dad looking guy, you are an awesome guy. Love the videos. 3 hours straight of your videos

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

This is one of the most useful drone tip videos I have ever watched. I will take this advice to heart, I'm going for a dji mavic air 2 soon

[@VeronicaxoEllis]

Love your humor and straight to the point approach!

[@rappcu]

No fluff. Real talk. Actionable instruction. Humorous. New sub incoming

[@TheDollePret]

Great video! Probably the best drone tutorial I've ever seen. Probably the best tutorial video I've ever seen. Love it.

[@Rico-bj2gy]

This was great, loved the style and some genuine useful tips. You got yourself another sub

[@1EagleDave]

Love your videos bro, awesome to the point no bull youtube needs more guys like you. anyway thanks for the great content Photographer myself, (wildlife) thinking very seriously about drone, now for some great captures thanks and will stay tuned Dave

[@aerialrendition]

You’re making the best “how to” videos. Thank you for the pro tips.