Drone Photography: My 5 Top Tips...

[@wojtekw6040]

"Don't buy prints, there is a sale coming" - first time in my life I`m a witness to such honesty. I salute You, sir. BTW: I will act like a jumping, screaming little girl when I see You in person with Your family. (I am 2m, 120kg, so a huge embarrassment coming right up).

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I look forward to it buddy!! :)

[@barrieanthony952]

"I love to be recognised, particularly when I'm with my family" nearly fell off my chair laughing at that. I would be exactly the same.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Haha, thanks for watching mate!

[@barrieanthony952]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto no worries. If I ever see you out I'll run over and ask for an autograph if your with with people haha

[@BeautifulPeopleBTFLPPL]

The winners of the 2020 Drone Photo Awards have been announced as part of the Siena Awards Festival, offering a stunning showcase of kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJzSpJekeqmUl68

[@geekypink2091]

You can say that you hate me personally and I still would be a fan of your work. Your videos are such amazing quality.

[@sava3989]

I just simple love British landscapes. ⛰🏕

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too :)

[@adamdowney3274]

Not often I have a chuckle at these type of KZbin videos, cracking work! Subscribed 👍

[@superduperguy00]

Had my drone out in the Peak District yesterday - have always struggled with them to get shots I’m happy with and thought - damn I wish James did a video on Drone photography...❤️

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

My ears were burning... :)

[@garymanning4578]

Love your insecurity and humility. Your dry humour makes me come back for more. I promise that if I ever meet up with you on my travels I wIll say hello and ply you with effusive praise. If you are with Emily’s parents, will go right over the top. 😁

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, cheers Gary, much appreciated :)

[@seiffertgeorg]

Only a few minutes into the first video I've ever watched on your channel and you allready made me smile 😄 love your personality!

[@alwaysyouramanda]

Well, I’ve learned something very useful! Thankyou!

[@Batlise]

OR - don’t install the battery in the drone until you need it. Charge it up, put it in a bag that is attached/strapped to your mode of transportation (bike, or a pack that is strapped to you) separately so the weight is not pulling you down in a back pack. Pull the battery out of the drone when you are not using it, you may find it lasts longer.

[@kyleflyer7366]

These are an amazing set of tips from a wonderful person. I always believe in checking the flying conditions on apps like UAV forecast or Weather by Tomorrow before flying.

[@mikedudin]

The last tip is most useful and eyeopening for some newcomers to drone photography. It's very hard to stop making more and more shots from different angles ones your drone is up in the air. However, you might be losing precious battery power for the probably much better shot little bit later. Had that quite few times, actually :)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too, nightmare :)

[@zmanro]

I can fully see this dude having his own tv segment for photography, and he would be the best at it imo. 🙌

[@jonihofmann3318]

Your experience, talent, and dry sense of humor keeps me coming back! Best wishes :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Joni :)

[@ibraheemtoure1201]

You really are the best. Theres nothing more to say.

[@quickdry3]

pro-tip - orienting your aerials properly will give you a better connection to your flying camera i.e. don't point the tips of them out, point the tips up. The signal doesn't shoot out their tips like a wizard's wand (or Palpatine doing force lighning), it radiates out the side like an... umm... omnidirectional antenna :)

[@steveg4iwr]

Don't forget the heated steering wheel. That is sublime 😁

[@ynkkruse]

From my experience, 6 year olds tend to cluster around the football and move together around the pitch as a giant meatball. I cant come up with a photography metaphor for this however :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

It's always a good laugh to watch :)

[@firehazard51]

I love how you tell people to not buy your photos as they will be on sale soon. You just doesn't see that kinda of honesty when you could be greedy and get a high profit sale. It's very refreshing. No that I'm likely to see you (I live in Ohio). But if I ever do I'll make a big show of it and demand that I buy you a beer as if you've saved my life before and I'm still trying to repay you back.

[@debbys-abqnm4537]

KZbin's "Normal Mexican Guy" has a drone video showing how his drone's battery died as he was video-ing a huge building in downtown Mexico City. He chose astounding music for the background. Fortunately, he recovered the drone and continues to make incredible videos of that huge, almost unbelievable metropolis. I'm glad others are making similar videos. Also, much to the relief of farmers probably, now drones are being used to video crop circles, when in the 1990s, enthusiasts used to attach cameras to long poles and hope for the best (though it was cheaper than hiring an airplane!)

[@DariuszTech]

Great tips James. Fantastic channel. Can't wait to check your other videos. I love Peak District but at the moment I'm exploring my local Cannock Chase with my mini 2 which is also amazing. Greetings from Stafford

[@jamescosgrove2064]

I really enjoyed that little video, thanks for sharing. Subscribing right now and looking forward to seeing more of your content👏👏👍

[@stevemozzie6497]

James, 3 people don't like your vlog ... send me their names and I'll TROLL them. How dare they!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Haha, i've never understood that button... :)

[@morrisbagnall2690]

It's 4 now. And it wasn't me, even though I have no interest at all in drone photography. I just tuned in for the humour and the inevitable footage of Winnats Pass (so not disappointed :))

[@BeautifulPeopleBTFLPPL]

The winners of the 2020 Drone Photo Awards have been announced as part of the Siena Awards Festival, offering a stunning showcase of kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJzSpJekeqmUl68

[@adibrex2692]

That would be a great spot for a timelapse

[@supermatt614]

"Wow, look how far I've passed that ball, I'm only 6!" 😂 I remember playing football when I was a kid. It was something akin to angry bees swarming the ball.

[@walkaholic1682]

Matt screen covers for your phone work wonders with the drone.

[@StephenBell_video]

From beginning to end- the MOST ENJOYABLE tutorial I have seen in the longest time. From your new friends across the pond in Canada- Bravo good sir!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much :)

[@vintage_lenses9878]

Love your content............ Isn't it great to have an aerial tripod!!!!! One of the few channels where I watch the whole video from start to finish.... Keep it up Big Time Man

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much :)

[@esox_media9403]

Amazing that drone camera MPs have more than doubled since this vid! Cropability galore. Loved the vid tho and love your humor, cheers

[@JamesBillingsPhotography]

Just got my first drone a couple of weeks ago. Agree on batteries, on my first test flight I spent 10 minutes spanking around an empty field in sport mode for the lols and used half of one! Now I'm actually starting to shoot with it, tripod mode is more commonly used :)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

It is fun doing that though! :)

[@maritimemogul5793]

Your sense of humour kept me captivated. Liked and subscribed, and look forward to future content!

[@advancelast1740]

Unclear why this video dropped in to my recommend but glad it did as well presented, not stuffy , humorous and genuinely interesting. I have now subscribed.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much :)

[@granthoyt5291]

Just got the last copy of your 2018 book in the mail! Totally made my day! Thanks so luch for signing it and the little note on the invoice! Such a cool personal touch! The commentary was just as wonderful as the shots themselves, keep up the amazing work and thanks for serving as an awesome inspiration!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much for the support Grant :)

[@flyingarmyaerial]

You are hilarious.....well done chap!

[@emanuelschimpfossl5919]

Two days ago I was able to catch a lightning strike with my drone in the air😇 Never heard of that one done before

[@Stevenandrewsiamges]

heated seats are nice really nice

[@bmuses6092]

peak district again?? - don't worry James - it's obviously a beautiful place!

[@tyejohnson9400]

Making life analogous to football, and you get an instant sub from me.

[@SEWADRONEBABAT]

Beautiful footage👍🏻😍😁

[@sander5086]

Now I need a heated seat on my bicycle, thanks James!!!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Oooooh that sounds good! :)

[@nigelwest3430]

You say "it probably doesn't look that bad on camera" !!!!!! I'm shitting myself and i'm watching from my sofa

[@chrisgwright80]

You got closer to that edge than I could. I felt sick watching this lol

[@markrmonteith]

Great work and useful!

[@TkErz]

Love your videos James! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos for all of us. I really hope you have a great weekend as well!

[@JohnsJunk]

I've been recognized at events by Instagram followers. Which is really weird because it's always been a thousand miles from home and I only have 1,110 followers. I always treat them like friends I haven't met yet. I got to see a young fan of a friend of mine who's pretty well known meet her for the first time. Such a cool experience.

[@hachewie]

You are awesome. That is all.

[@chrisseveris5126]

Most entertaining photographer on KZbin.

[@bobmorse5896]

Your videos are always enjoyable.....and informative, of course. Thank you for sharing them.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for watching Bob :)

[@lisarobertson7011]

Many thanks James - always enjoy your content and epic locations!

[@robertray1284]

Thank you for the video.

[@jonathanandrews6077]

Great. Thank you. Just purchased a Mavic Air 2 for photography.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nice, enjoy it :)

[@4uhairmakeupphoto]

I have heated seats.... crule of me I know lol loved the humour and content

[@Auhana50]

Most of my drone shots are based what I see behind my Fuji XT3 landscape photography. Works all the time 😊

[@GeneWaddle]

I almost had to fast forward past the cliff part of the video as I get a bit freaked out even seeing someone standing on a cliff. 🙄 I'm glad I kept watching though because you made some really good points about drone photography and of course at 11:21 there were 🐑! I promise if I see you wandering around somewhere in Nebraska I will come up and say hi. 🙂

[@adamlawonphotography5219]

Me too...I don't like heights and seeing someone you care about near an edge....makes my stomach sink....James step away from the edge I insist....best

[@andrewjditton]

The music, oh the music! I thought I was doing well this week with a foofy French number but you had to go one better didn’t you...? 🤣🤣🤣

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Haha, I'm rather enjoying the Bossa Nova at the moment... :)

[@casperghst42]

Entertaining as always, and very informative. I'm starting to get what it is; you basically say what ever comes to your mind...

[@banog42]

Great video if your mind is blown with air photography you should take up paragliding now that your coming here to North Wales to live. I love taking ariel shots and videos while paragliding

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Sounds epic Philip, I'd love to give that a try!

[@lyndonhooper932]

James most of the photos I take are drone shots because I am not able to climb that mountain or walk that far, as I have some serious health issues. I am sure there more like me out there who are not able to do everything a healthy person can! I think a good shot is a good shot, does it matter how you took it or what you took it with? Your statement at the begin about effort made me sad. Love the channel you are one of the reasons I started taking photos, can`t wait for you sale.

[@3ArtDigital]

How do you feel hiking and riding your bike alone ?

[@Realletsplaygrey]

I've struggled with getting shots with my drone, this helped. Definitely going to get her back up in the sky soon haha.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome to hear Geremy :)

[@droneshakk]

It's not illegal at night where you getting your info

[@alangoulden79]

Brilliant video. Full of useful info - but also some wonderful dry humour. I'll ensure I'm suitably 'gushing' and 'lovie' if I ever meet you. Oh, and btw (rather randomly) - what are those trousers?

[@ceaabe]

Well, thank you for your tips about drone photography. Sadly, I don't own one. But if I do someday... i will have forgotten what you said.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha! Time well spent... :)

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Great tips and advice I had my drone out this weekend but did some b roll totally forgot to take the photos. Gutted. I love people coming to say hello as well makes you feel a bit special. Hope to meet up some day i was in the peaks all weekend.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I've done that in the past a fair bit :)

[@therekish]

James, I'm not sure if anyone had pointed it out.already, but K2 is in Karakoram, not in Himalayas :)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

ahh, thanks for the heads up - I didn't know that! :)

[@M1LIFECREATIVE]

great vlog dude :) when my girlfriend comes up in a couple of weeks (social bubble) I'm taking her to the peak district. I will probably do some filming, more car based though. I've watched quite a few of your vids over the years, loved them all. I've got the same drone and think it's absolutely amazing :)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers mate, have fun! :)

[@brianbracherphotography]

Here’s an extra tip that I learnt early on James. Don’t wear a the bright jacket when flying a drone, especially when filming video. I used to have a bright red jacket I loved but stopped wearing as I had to clone myself out of quite a few great shots in the early days, and it’s much harder with video i.e. 5.01! 😂

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Yep, fair point Brian :)

[@steveg4iwr]

Thanks James a great video as usual. Not heard anyone say don't buy before, I like that and if I see you in the peak district I promise I will say hello. Take care and have fun.

[@ToBCreations]

I love my Mavic 2 Pro! And I dont't care about pride in hiking miles for one good photo.😉 Especially when not able to. Drone gives a kind of freedom. 😁👍

[@jace3132]

Man, I'd love to meet you but I'm in the big Texas state, so fat chance. Great vid, James. Always have a good time watching you.

[@Bill.Pearson]

Here's an idea...You could go to England.

[@jace3132]

@@Bill.Pearson Oh rest assured, that is definitely on my bucket list. I want to know what's it's like over there, I've even been practicing an English accent (albeit that started as an accident).

[@VandroizCh]

wow amazing view buddy👍👍👍 i like it bro

[@haythamfpv]

Thanks Sooo much James!

[@neilford5262]

Great video as always. The heated seats fixation was amusing. I sense they are some way away for you, what with the house move and all. Good luck with that BTW.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

You're too right Neil, thank you :)

[@Axonteer]

Hey James, first of all - i just enjoy your "humor" .. i sort of guess have the same type of humor (maybe a reason why most people that stay longer than 5 miuntes around me have a cringy face ;-) ) and on the topic: Drone shots look amazing and make some of the best desktop or "artsy-wall" wallpapers.... and they do look amazing and yes it takes skill and a keen eye to also "create" those pictures. But i feel sort of the same with videogame screenshots, when you see an funky or amazing picture and you ask the guy "maan how long did it take for you to manage "that" " - and the answer you got was "i just used /noclip and flew there" ..... it takes something away from the picture. Especially in Landscape and also Wildlife / nature in general - quiet often it takes "effort" to get there and even if the picture is "shit" - the suffering the photographer had to go trough even if it was just a normal 3h hike, adds "something" to the picture. Like a beautifull picture of a sunrise in the swiss alps - if you know where it is and that there is not like a SAC-Cabin 5m out of the frame... it gives something special because you know that guy had to biwac up there at 3000m or something over the night, in the cold (even summertime its cold up there) to get that picture... Im not saying droning is cheating but... one shall not underestimate the "details" that arent shown in the picture but rather with the picture (like the k2 shot) Im not the craziest landscaper, my average hike duration is 5h if level 20km but if it goes upwards... well i have to lift my belly up there somehow ;-) still - even a mundane picture i wont show anybody just has MUCH MORE power to it because i knew "i did that myself" - and even a good picture i like to share looks maybe less important for the viewer because he doesnt have that feeling "i was there"... and thats also what i like about photography - that "i was there". Again - sorry for the ramble ;-) - drone pics look amazeing but they dont give at least for the photographer that sense of pride about what happend before.

[@richardturner81]

Nice one for the advice on drones James, think I’m going to stay away from them and continue playing with my normal camera. Also cheers for the heads up regarding the print sale, you didn’t need to do that 👍🏻 might have to partake in one or two of my favourites. Would be cool to bump into you one day, I think it’ll more than likely be on a workshop though if we are ever allowed to do them again.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Richard, much appreciated and hope to bump into you soon :)

[@jeffbrown8117]

Hi James! Big fan! Just got your presets today and have been going through all of your videos (will buy a print or a book as soon as I get some cash flow coming in). Have you done a video on your printing process (paper types, paper sizes, photo sizes best for printing to keep quality, how megapixels factor in, if at all, etc etc? If not, it may be a great video! Another video I’d love to see is the process of making a book to sell. I’ve decided to go down the path of fine Art photography and am just looking for the best solution for printing. Thanks!

[@bogrunberger]

Hi James. I know this is quite a bit from what you usually make videos of, but your videos have given me a desire to get to the UK to take some photographs of that beautiful landscape. I have a feeling that I'm not the only one! So how about making a video or maybe a series of videos about shooting in the UK? Maybe some good locations but also other tips for non-UK residents who want to discover the UK with a camera?

[@virginiafrank317]

You live in a very beautiful place!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks Virginia! I'm very lucky :)

[@joepalmer75]

Well, you have convinced me...stay with the heated seat option in my car. If I need aerial footage I will usually get from stock. Here in the U.S. (as you say) it is becoming more and more difficult to to fly drones legally and the fines aren't worth the risk. Another informative video. BTW...once you get heated seats you'll never go back...LOL

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Joseph :)

[@scrptwic]

James All my photos of landscapes are areas I hiked myself I don't have a drone.

[@thewolstenbeast7965]

What a beautiful place where you live

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

It really is :)

[@boblogan2511]

The music Reminds me of Flight of the Conchords

[@briannamatthews819]

Came for the tips, stayed for the commentary on 6-year-olds playing football.

[@warrenswales5693]

Thought Peak District National Park bans drone use from March to August?

[@PaulApplebyphotography]

FYI, it's not illegal to fly at night as a hobbyist.

[@EminenceFrontX5]

Here we go...he is going to drone on about what to take photos of...🤪🤪🤪😜😜

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@HolybasilYT]

I would love to discover you one day. Unfortunately I live in one of the least photographic cities in one of the most photographic countries in the world, so chances are slim. Will keep a look out just in case though!

[@chriswillzphotographyandfilm]

Best guy on KZbin ! Where about in Wales you going to go ? I live on Anglesey and if you ever want to pick up some of the best sites I’d love to go shooting with you sometime ! Keep up the good work buddy. Chris

[@IslamicTalksPodcast]

James you should come St Ives, Cornwall next weekend and take some pictures. I can also say hi to you like a fanboy

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I'm hoping to come to Cornwall at some point soon! :)

[@paulmoran2437]

Good advice, thank you.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for watching Paul :)

[@wildbill4680]

I always wondered if you’d transfer well to the “big screen”, then I realised I had KZbin on my telly.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha! I hope it didn't look too ugly...

[@fabiovanroon1524]

Thank you James on another great video. Great tips on battery management! Maybe you can have a second drone by your car to deliver you that second battery...😂

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Great vid mate love your delivery agreed re the drone pix I bought the wee spark with the sole intension of using it for b roll footage for the channel I considered drone photos to be cheating since then of course I’ve realised what an incredible variety of photos I can take with it. Hate the sparks battery life actually lack thereof I have three and chew through them fast. Love the tip on bracketing shots I will try that cheers. 📷

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Paul :)

[@EminenceFrontX5]

Great vlog. Interesting indeed about it being all about battery power. Maybe there needs to be a gas powered drone

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

ooooh interesting! I guess it could still only have a tiny tank though :)

[@Dreyno]

So what I took from this is not to tell anyone when you’ve taken a photo out the window of the car.

[@WhenLeeIsFree]

Please come say hi - killed me! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@robfj3414]

Brilliant! Although, for scenery like that, I'd have to drive quite a distance here in Southern Ontario. I'm noticing a lot of comments about how restrictive the UK regulations are becoming for use of drones. It's similarly complicated here in Canada but, regardless, I just recently bought my first drone and am thrilled with the results so far. I'll soon go through the licensing process just to ensure I'm familiar with all the regulations and not stepping on too many toes and, also, because I'm not sure a Mavic Mini, (drones under 250 g. are exempt from the need for registration in Canada although one must still obey regulations) will satisfy me forever.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Rob! Much appreciated and yes - hopefully the rules don't get any tougher :)

[@LondonViewpoints]

Loved this vlog, laughed so much from the apirplanes used to be handy and being bigtime next to friends jokes😂Drone are cool indeed but being London based and seeing how more and more London grammers decide to ignore any drone laws and fly around the Shard, above the Gherkin or next to City Airport makes be sick people are stupid enough to give them massive praise in the comments and having the photos shared on so many popular big hubs and reshare by brands that should know better before working with criminals like that 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers buddy! Hope you're well and I know, they're going to ruin it for everyone sooner or later... :(

[@dinellejeneve6217]

Where were you?

[@paultidsy4019]

Damn, your neighbourhood is ridiculously beautiful! Also, heated seats are super. You should get some. Just saying.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I'm on it Paul :)