9 Aerial Photography Composition Tips

So you have a drone. Just because your image is from the sky, does that make it a good image? Well, no...

One of the great things about a drone is that you can place it, within reason, in any point in 3D space. This is also one of the bad things! In a way, you have too much freedom!

In fact you don't necessarily need to be 'up in the air'. Your drone can be used like land-based camera that can simply and easily get to positions you cannot.

One of the single most important things that makes a photograph good is that it is showing something different from what our eyes can see. On 'land pictures' this is can be the compressed depth of field, interesting angle or blurred background. This kind of thing is difficult to achieve especially with drones wide just wide angle lenses:

To make an aerial photograph a good aerial photograph requires you to use the composition techniques that you would use on the ground.

1 - Plan Your Shots

Because you have limited time in the air due to battery life and weather, meticulous planning is essential. Study maps, satellite imagery, and weather conditions to identify potential shooting locations and ensure you're aware of any regulations or restrictions. Understanding the terrain, landmarks, and potential obstacles will help you compose your shots well.

2 - Embrace Symmetry

You have an enormous amount of freedeom and, just as you might look for symmetry on the ground, there is more opportunity in the air.

Symmetry can be found in architecture, roads, bridges, and even natural formations like lakes or forests. Position your drone or aircraft to frame symmetrical elements centrally, creating visually pleasing and balanced compositions.

3 - Leading Lines

In the air you can see roads, treelines, rivers and coasts in a way you cannot on the ground. Leading lines are a powerful compositional tool in aerial photography that add depth and interest to you pictures.

4 - Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds one of the most challenging composition aspects to achieve but helps your results immensely. Imagine your image divided into a grid of nine equal parts, like a noughts and crosses game. Place key elements, such as mountains, buildings, or subjects of interest, along these gridlines or at their intersections to create a balanced and visually engaging composition.

5 - Scale and Perspective

One of the unique aspects of aerial photography is the ability to showcase vast landscapes and objects from an elevated perspective but this is not enough! To convey this, include recognizable objects or structures in your shots.

6 - Experiment with Angles

Don't be afraid to experiment with various angles and altitudes. Flying higher can provide a broader perspective, while flying lower can offer more intimate details. Tilt the camera up or down for oblique angles, which can create dynamic and unconventional compositions.

7 - Golden Hour Magic

Aerial photography during the golden hour, which occurs across an hour around sunset and sunrise can give beautiful results. The warm, soft light enhances colors and textures, making landscapes appear more captivating. Plan your aerial shoots during these times to achieve remarkable compositions.

And if you're capturing a sunset, don't put the sun in the middle...

8 - Minimalism

Sometimes, less is more in aerial photography. Embrace minimalism by focusing on a single subject or a simple arrangement of elements. A solitary island in a vast ocean, a lone tree in a desert, or a solitary building amid open fields can create powerful compositions that evoke a sense of isolation and serenity.

9 - Weather and Atmosphere

Weather conditions greatly impact aerial photography. Clouds, fog, mist, or rain can add drama and mood to your images. Experiment with capturing the interplay between your subject and the elements to create evocative and unique compositions.

Conclusion

Aerial photography is a captivating genre that offers a bird's-eye view of the world. To excel in this field, mastering composition techniques used in land photography is crucial.