6 Online Courses for Drone Piloting and Aerial Photography: Master the Skies from Home
Drone piloting and aerial photography have become popular hobbies and professional pursuits in recent years.
With the right skills, you can capture stunning images and videos from unique perspectives or even start a new career.
Online courses offer a convenient way to learn drone piloting and aerial photography techniques. You can gain valuable knowledge and skills from expert instructors without leaving your home. These courses cover topics like drone operation, safety rules, camera settings, and creative techniques for capturing amazing aerial shots.
1) DJI Drone Academy
The DJI Drone Photo Academy offers a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring drone photographers.
You’ll find courses designed to boost your skills in aerial photography using DJI drones.
This academy provides a range of classes suitable for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
You can start with the basics of drone operation and progress to advanced photography techniques.
One of the key offerings is the Getting Started with Drones and Aerial Photography course.
It’s perfect if you’re new to the world of drones and want to jump-start your knowledge.
The academy also features specialized courses like post-processing drone photos.
In this two-hour class, you’ll learn how to handle common issues in drone photography and achieve professional results.
What sets the DJI Drone Photo Academy apart is its expert instructors.
Randy Braun, a co-founder, is an international expert in aerial drone photography.
He brings years of experience from working at DJI’s corporate headquarters.
The academy’s workshops are not just online.
They also offer traveling workshop series across North America.
This gives you the chance to learn in person and get hands-on experience.
By enrolling in the DJI Drone Academy, you’ll gain access to valuable resources.
These include practice photos and free-trial processing software, allowing you to apply your new skills right away.
2) Udemy: Drone Photography
Udemy offers a wide range of drone photography courses for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
You can learn from top-rated instructors who share their expertise in aerial imaging.
These courses cover essential topics like camera settings, composition techniques, and post-processing tips.
You’ll gain skills to capture stunning aerial photos and videos using your drone.
Many Udemy courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
You can revisit lessons as needed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
Some popular drone photography courses on Udemy teach you how to use drones for content creation.
These can be helpful if you want to enhance your social media presence or start a drone photography business.
Udemy’s platform makes it easy to access course materials on various devices.
You can learn on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, fitting lessons into your busy schedule.
When choosing a course, look for ones with high ratings and positive reviews from past students.
This can help ensure you’re getting quality instruction from experienced drone photographers.
Remember that Udemy often has sales and discounts, so you may be able to find affordable options for expanding your drone photography skills.
3) Drone U
Drone U offers comprehensive online drone pilot training courses and programs.
You can access a wide range of lessons taught by expert pilots who fly drones professionally.
For just $57 per month, you get unlimited access to all of Drone U’s courses and resources.
This includes drone flying techniques, aerial photography tips, and business strategies.
One standout course is the Comprehensive Aerial Photography program.
It covers night photography, editing tricks, and client deliverables.
You’ll learn valuable skills to enhance your aerial imagery.
Drone U also provides a supportive community.
You can connect with other drone enthusiasts and professionals to share experiences and get advice.
The platform offers flexibility in your learning.
You can study at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed.
This allows you to fit the training around your schedule.
Drone U keeps its content up-to-date with the latest industry trends and regulations.
You’ll stay informed about new drone technologies and best practices.
If you prefer hands-on learning, Drone U also offers in-person training sessions.
As a member, you’ll get discounts on these practical workshops.
For beginners, Drone U has specific courses to help you get started.
Their Don’t Crash Course series covers essential pre-flight settings and mission modes for various drone models.
4) SkyTango Training
SkyTango offers an online course that helps you become a skilled drone pilot and aerial photographer.
The program covers both technical and creative aspects of drone use.
You’ll learn about drone flight controls, safety procedures, and regulations.
This knowledge is crucial for operating your drone legally and responsibly.
The course also teaches you how to capture stunning aerial images and videos.
You’ll discover techniques for framing shots, adjusting camera settings, and planning flight paths for optimal results.
SkyTango’s training includes lessons on post-processing your aerial footage.
You’ll gain skills in editing and enhancing your photos and videos to create professional-looking content.
The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
You can access the materials anytime, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Upon completion, you’ll have a solid foundation in drone piloting and aerial photography.
This knowledge can be applied to various fields, from real estate marketing to event coverage.
5) FlytBase Academy
FlytBase Academy offers courses to help you learn about drone technology and automation.
You can find courses on connecting drones with other systems through their platform.
The academy teaches you how to use FlytBase software for drone operations.
You’ll learn about key features and benefits of the FlytBase platform.
Courses cover topics like setting up drones for automatic flights and connecting them to other devices.
This can be useful for tasks like security monitoring or emergency response.
You’ll get step-by-step guidance to ensure you understand each concept.
The courses build on each other, starting with basic ideas and moving to more complex topics.
FlytBase Academy helps you unlock the potential of drone technology.
You can learn how to use drones for different jobs like site security and asset inspection.
By taking these courses, you’ll gain skills in drone automation and integration.
This knowledge can be valuable for various industries that use drones.
The academy aims to teach you practical skills you can apply to real-world drone operations.
You’ll learn how to make drones work smoothly with other systems and software.
6) UAV Coach: Drone Pilot Ground School
UAV Coach offers a popular online course called Drone Pilot Ground School.
This program helps you prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam, which is required for commercial drone pilots in the United States.
The course includes over 70 video lessons covering essential topics for drone pilots.
You’ll learn about airspace regulations, weather patterns, and flight operations.
One of the standout features is the guarantee to pass your exam or get your money back.
This shows the confidence UAV Coach has in their training materials.
More than 50,000 students have used Drone Pilot Ground School to prepare for their FAA exam.
The course has received positive reviews from many pilots who found it helpful in their certification journey.
You’ll get lifetime access to the course materials when you sign up.
This allows you to study at your own pace and review content as needed.
The program also provides bonus resources for new drone pilots.
These extras can help you start your career in aerial photography or other drone-related fields.
UAV Coach recently updated their Drone Pilot Ground School course.
The new version offers improved content and features to better prepare you for the Part 107 exam.
If you’re serious about becoming a certified drone pilot, Drone Pilot Ground School is worth considering.
It offers comprehensive training to help you pass your exam and start your drone career with confidence.
Importance of Drone Piloting Skills
Drone piloting skills are crucial for safe and legal operation.
You need to master both safety protocols and regulatory requirements to fly drones responsibly.
Safety Protocols for Drone Operation
You must follow key safety practices when flying drones.
Always check your equipment before takeoff.
Look for any damage or loose parts.
Make sure batteries are fully charged.
Keep your drone in sight at all times.
Don’t fly in bad weather or low visibility.
Stay away from people, vehicles, and buildings.
Learn emergency procedures.
Know how to land safely if you lose control.
Practice flying in open areas before tackling more complex environments.
Use the right drone for each task.
Larger drones need more skill to operate.
Start with smaller models as you build experience.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
You need to understand drone laws before flying.
In the U.S., most commercial drone pilots must pass the FAA Part 107 exam.
This test covers airspace rules, weather, and flight operations.
Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs over 0.55 pounds.
Always fly below 400 feet and away from airports.
Don’t fly over people or moving vehicles.
Check local laws too.
Some areas have extra rules about drone use.
You might need permits for certain locations or types of flights.
Stay updated on changing regulations.
Drone laws can shift quickly as technology advances.
Essential Techniques in Aerial Photography
Mastering aerial photography requires understanding key camera settings, composition principles, and post-processing skills.
These techniques will help you capture stunning images from your drone.
Understanding Camera Settings
To get sharp aerial shots, set your camera to a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second.
This helps freeze motion and reduce blur from the drone’s movement.
Use a low ISO setting, ideally 100-400, to minimize noise in your images.
Bright daylight allows for lower ISO values.
Set your aperture between f/4 and f/8 for a good balance of depth of field and image quality.
Wider apertures like f/2.8 can be useful in low light conditions.
Enable RAW format shooting to capture more image data.
This gives you more flexibility when editing your photos later.
Composition and Framing Tips
Look for leading lines in landscapes like roads, rivers, or fences.
These guide the viewer’s eye through your image.
Use the rule of thirds to create balanced compositions.
Place key elements along the gridlines or at their intersections.
Experiment with different altitudes.
Low flights can capture unique perspectives, while higher altitudes reveal patterns in landscapes.
Try various angles.
Top-down shots can make ordinary scenes look abstract and interesting.
Include a point of interest in your frame.
This could be a building, vehicle, or natural feature that draws the viewer’s attention.
Post-Processing and Editing
Start by adjusting basic settings like exposure, contrast, and white balance in your editing software.
Use the dehaze tool to reduce atmospheric haze often present in aerial shots.
Be careful not to overdo it, as this can make your image look unnatural.
Adjust color temperature to enhance the mood of your photo.
Warmer tones can create a golden hour feel, while cooler tones work well for coastal scenes.
Crop your images to improve composition if needed.
Sometimes removing distracting elements at the edges can strengthen your photo.
Use selective adjustments to enhance specific areas of your image.
You might brighten shadows or darken highlights in certain parts of the frame.
Apply sharpening as a final step to bring out details.
Be careful not to over-sharpen, which can create unsightly artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online drone courses cover a range of topics from piloting to aerial photography.
These programs cater to different skill levels and interests, offering both free and paid options.
What are the top-rated online courses for becoming a certified drone pilot?
DJI Drone Academy offers comprehensive training for aspiring drone pilots.
You’ll learn about flight regulations, safety procedures, and hands-on piloting skills. Drone Pilot Ground School is another popular choice, providing extensive preparation for the FAA Part 107 exam.
Which online courses offer the best training in aerial photography techniques?
Udemy’s drone photography courses are highly rated for teaching aerial photography skills.
You’ll learn about composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques specific to drone imagery.
SkyTango Training also offers specialized classes in cinematic drone videography.
Are there any free drone piloting courses available online that provide quality education?
Yes, you can find free options for basic drone education.
Some drone manufacturers offer free introductory courses. Coursera has free drone-related classes that cover fundamentals of UAV technology and applications.
Can beginners find online drone coursework that guides them from the basics to advanced piloting?
Drone U provides a structured curriculum that takes you from beginner to advanced levels.
You’ll start with basic flight controls and progress to complex maneuvers and specialized applications.
What qualifications are required to enroll in an advanced drone engineering or technology course?
For advanced courses like those offered by FlytBase Academy, you typically need a background in programming or engineering.
Some programs may require prior experience with drones or a basic understanding of aviation principles.
How can I compare different online drone photography courses to determine the best fit for my needs?
Look at course outlines, instructor credentials, and student reviews. Drone Launch Academy offers detailed course previews.
Consider your goals, budget, and available time when comparing options.