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.

[@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... :)

[@adamdowney3274]

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

[@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!

[@sava3989]

I just simple love British landscapes. ⛰🏕

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too :)

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :)

[@ibraheemtoure1201]

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

[@jamescosgrove2064]

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

[@SEWADRONEBABAT]

Beautiful footage👍🏻😍😁

[@jonihofmann3318]

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

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Joni :)

[@alwaysyouramanda]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@maritimemogul5793]

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

[@flyingarmyaerial]

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

[@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 :)

[@steveg4iwr]

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

[@mdrocketry]

"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.

[@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!)

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@jonathanandrews6077]

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

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nice, enjoy it :)

[@zmanro]

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

[@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! :)

[@adibrex2692]

That would be a great spot for a timelapse

[@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

[@3ArtDigital]

How do you feel hiking and riding your bike alone ?

[@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... :)

[@lisarobertson7011]

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

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@bobmorse5896]

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

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for watching Bob :)

[@markrmonteith]

Great work and useful!

[@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 :)

[@VandroizCh]

wow amazing view buddy👍👍👍 i like it bro

[@robertray1284]

Thank you for the video.

[@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

[@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!

[@hachewie]

You are awesome. That is all.

[@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! :)

[@afistfulofvideos]

I wonder what's your take on the CAA regulations that were supposed to hit this week but were postponed. I'm a drone photographer who moved to the UK last year and it's very frustrating how much red tape seems to layer on top of each other to do this here. I'm full on for making it safe etc but I don't know if I can do it at all especially with my equipment not being allowed to be used with the new categories/classifications coming that just apply to the UK.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I know mate, I think it'll only get worse too - who knows where we'll be in 5 years time... Hopefully still able to fly sensibly... :)

[@afistfulofvideos]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto 5 years from now is unimaginable to me as I did all the schooling to fly commercially here, passed my exam beginning of February, and then was hit over the head with the new regulations just a few weeks later without warning. Now I'm debating if I just sell my kit and cut my losses...

[@thelifeofgreg]

The drone situation in the UK makes me sad. CAA regulation changes are pretty much irrelevant - if you look into it all the more scenic places have bylaws banning them or good luck finding the land owner to ask permission. Less scenic areas you struggle to meet the 50m distance requirements for avoiding building, cars or stray joggers. My local parkland/woodland is all owned by a trust who has banned drone flights. I sold my drone and bought a massive pole and an insta360...might look into kites for the beach.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

As someone who's been disturbed whilst sitting in a quiet location, just chilling and chatting I hate drones. As someone who's seen pictures of places that can't be taken without a drone I hate drones. I want a drone now because the walking part of photography is becoming particularly difficult, basically I'm down to get out of my heated car seat take picture and get back in my heated car seat. Stay safe, I hope one day to meet you in a car park. 🤣

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Do you think that eventually you will have to log a flight plan?

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@wido123123]

Hi James! sorry for going slightly off-topic, but may I ask you 2 things? 1) how do you work your greens in post? they are amazing and I love them and I can't replicate that color tone. 2) I've noticed you had a little fur-ball in your mic, is it helping you to get rid of the wind sound? (because it kinda looks like it)

[@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!

[@LWill-jg3me]

What flies behind you at 2:04 thru 2:08? I thought it was a drone or maybe a bird. Watch what happens. Did you edit it out?

[@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 :)

[@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

[@casperghst42]

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

[@YoSpiff]

Useful opinion as always. I bought a Mavic Mini last year as my learning experience and then added an Autel Evo to my fleet this year. After 2 weeks had another learning experience. I almost lost it over downtown, but I dropped altitude and turned crosswind to get it back. Then when landing, It got caught in an updraft and crashed upwards into the bridge I was under. *sigh*. Brings up another question, how are you toting the drone on the bicycle? I have a Lowepro Droneguard CS150 that will fit into a pannier, though it doesn't hold everything the Evo needs. The Evo stands a little taller than your Mavic II and the sticks don't remove from the controller.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Still in the backpack unfortunately, I think I'll always have a backpack with me...

[@YoSpiff]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto Consider a rack and panniers if you don't want all that weight on your back. It also frees up your back for a hydration pack if desired. But you may not need that much in the UK. I'm in Texas and lots of water is a necessity for riding here.

[@bmuses6092]

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

[@danielhenzphotography]

Well the most helpful bit is braketing. But with my Mavic Pro Platinum is the way how to edit the picture. I can't get it right. But maybe bracketing could solve the problem. Is there a bracketing mode or do you have to do it yourself?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

There is a mode mate, look out for AEB :)

[@danielhenzphotography]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto thanks, found it a few days ago. It does help indeed.

[@Stevenandrewsiamges]

heated seats are nice really nice

[@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.

[@ellyelzinga01]

Even though I don't have a drone and probably won't be able to buy one anywhere soon, I really enjoyed this video. How long does a drone battery last? I have heard before that they don't last very long.. What does the cheapest decent one cost, do you know that?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

The battery in mine lasts about 30 minutes which is pretty good - and DJIs website is the best place for prices :)

[@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?

[@chrisseveris5126]

Most entertaining photographer on KZbin.

[@haythamfpv]

Thanks Sooo much James!

[@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.

[@droneshakk]

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

[@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 :)

[@Auhana50]

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

[@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).

[@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 :)

[@orphanuprising]

What do you think will happen to MFT now that Olympus is potentially being gutted? Do you think Panasonic will be able to keep it afloat?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I hope so :) I'll be keeping my gear regardless! :)

[@lockland93]

I dont know if you will reply or not but what type of trouser are you wearing in this video? Bit of a random question but they look perfect for hiking and photography.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Fjallraven is the company, not too sure on the model :)

[@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 :)

[@culinarykid92]

What happened with the new backpack you were testing? Isn't it coming out soon?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I hope so! :)

[@warrenswales5693]

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

[@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! :)

[@peterlemke3468]

Some great footage there Jimmy. How much air time do you get with a single battery?

[@thomthesheep]

Hi James, would you recommend an SSD or a HDD for photo storage?? Thanks!

[@NicholasYg]

SSD, they are way faster if you don't mind spending a bit more for the performance

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

SSD for photos you're working on and for your portfolio, HDD is fine for deep storage, as long as you've got a few of them :)

[@thomthesheep]

James Popsys ok great thank you James!

[@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 :)

[@jeffsturgess2530]

Bit of a random question when changing lenses have you any tips for stopping dust getting on the sensor and how to clean the sensor? Always nervous about changing lenses outside.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Do it quickly, camera pointing to the ground with the camera turned off :)

[@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! :)

[@4uhairmakeupphoto]

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

[@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... :)

[@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. 😁👍

[@scrptwic]

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

[@sander5086]

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

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Oooooh that sounds good! :)

[@BenGeorgeWALES]

Hi James. Thanks for this; really helpful! Amy chance you could do us a video to show us how to edit a bracketed photo? Thanks; keep up the good work. 💪

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Ben, check out a video I made about bracketing a couple of months back - 'bracketing' should be in the title :)

[@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 :)

[@pgm316]

Good advice, thank you.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for watching Paul :)

[@tamasdebreczeni5335]

What backpack do you use ?

[@WhenLeeIsFree]

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

[@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...😂

[@EminenceFrontX5]

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

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@GutS7u6]

I have recently bought a Magic Airbus and am loving ye new perspectives it offers. Still getting used to visualising aerial shots after being a terra firma photographer for so long. Also, if I ever see you in London... I will gladly come and ask for an autograph and a selfie.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Magic Airbus! haha!

[@GutS7u6]

D'oh! Fkin auto correct and fat fingers aren't a great combination on a phone screen... although magic Airbus does sound good.

[@tyejohnson9400]

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

[@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!

[@ekjellgren]

What jacket and trousers are those?

[@matthewbaker4274]

I would like to make the jump into drones but I'm hard scared of paying into it and they ban them completely. Do you think that the rules on them are constantly tightening?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I think an outright ban is a long way off to be honest. If everyone got one then maybe, but I think the price point will stay the same, and therefore the number of drones will stabilise :)