Justin Moore - Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky

Dedication and Acknowledgments

This book is dedicated to the light of my life, Sarathe best daughter ever!

I would like to thank my parents, Jack and Jerri. Without their support and patience, this book would never have happened. Period.

A huge thanks, too, to my best friend, Joel, who provided lots of encouragement when I needed it most.

To Romeo Durscher for inspiring me, helping me become a much more competent drone pilot, and being such an amazing role model!

Finally, to all of the people in my life whose love gave me strengthmy siblings Jason and Jeanine, my sweet Kristina, and everyone who believed in me. Thank you!

Copyright 2019 by Justin Moore.

All rights reserved.

All photographs by the author unless otherwise noted.

Published by:

Amherst Media, Inc.

PO BOX 538

Buffalo, NY 14213

www.AmherstMedia.com

Publisher: Craig Alesse

Associate Publisher: Katie Kiss

Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins

Editors: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt, Beth Alesse

Acquisitions Editor: Harvey Goldstein

Editorial Assistance from: Carey A. Miller, Roy Bakos, Jen Sexton-Riley, Rebecca Rudell

Business Manager: Sarah Loder

Marketing Associate: Tonya Flickinger

ISBN-13: 978-1-68203-408-8

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018960369

Printed in the United States of America

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher.

Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the authors experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.

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CONTENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I grew up on the south side of San Antonio, Texas, less than a mile from Stinson Field. When the skies over your childhood home are often filled with small airplanes, they can leave a lasting impression. I still recall the low humming noise that would send me running into my backyard to find the Goodyear Blimp hovering directly over my house, awaiting final clearance to land. The night sky would be filled with the colorful, changing letters and images displayed on the side of the huge airship. The experience awakened in me a love of aviation and all things flying.

Fast forward to the late 90s, when I decided to make a lifelong passion for photography a source of income. I started with nature photography, but turned to portrait photography so I could earn a few bucks. A few years later, my childhood dream of flying became a reality when I earned my Private Pilot certificate at Stinson Field and went on to get an instrument rating so I could literally fly into the clouds above me.

Aviation and photography: little did I know that in 2014, these two passions would merge when I got my first drone as a Christmas gift. That low-altitude view of the world blew me away. I was seeing familiar places from a whole new perspective.

I launched Airborne Aerial Photography later that year, and became one of the nations first Remote Pilots in August 2016.

Ive made it my mission to educate the public about the beneficial uses of drones through speaking engagements at Interdrone and professional photography conferences across the country. Ive also used drones extensively for conservationfrom wildlife monitoring to habitat restoration efforts.

For more information about me and my work, go to:

www.TexasByAir.com

www.facebook.com/texasbyair

www.twitter.com/texasbyair

FOREWORD

W hen most people consider the drone industry, they rarely look back more than one or two decades, at the most. In truth, unmanned aerial aircraft, or so-called drones, have been in use for over 70 years. Nevertheless, the exponential growth and development of the platform for use by hobbyists, amateurs, and professionals over the past decade has defined the technology as a cultural phenomenon reaching critical mass. The drone has achieved notoriety and, in some instances, infamy, in the popular press and public mind share.

As we move into the third decade of the 21st century, the novelty of owning and using a drone as a hobby or pastime has attenuated, while adoption of the drone as a serious tool by artists, photographers, surveyors, and myriad other professional users has flourished. Indeed, what made the drone such a hit among casual users (ease of control with stable, high-quality cameras) has fueled its incorporation into almost every field where imaging, meteorology, or visual documentation are important.

High-quality aerial footage is ubiquitous now in film and television programming, to the point that viewers expect and barely notice shots that would have been impossible for independent or low-budget productions. Directors and cinematographers now view the drone as one more tool for storytelling, rather than simply a special effect. Wedding photographers, event managers, and advertising agencies incorporate a sky-borne camera as a part of their routine and as a requirement of their respective customers. In many ways, we are seeing the drone take its place in commerce, where results matter more than flash or sex appeal.

The demand among professionals has, out of necessity, developed a need for training to comply with the rigorous rules and regulations. The enterprise sector continues to grow, and drone applications are being implemented in public safety, utilities, and infrastructure inspection, construction and humanitarian missions. To date, drones have saved over 200 lives worldwide. Most rescues have been achieved by public safety entities utilizing the technology for search and rescue, structure fire, or HAZMAT missions. While drones will inevitably change how we undertake certain tasks, they will also continue to create new opportunities in the workforce. In order to meet those needs, education and training programs will continue to evolve.

Justins book provides valuable insights while also educating readers about drones, their abilities, and data set options. As an educator, avid drone user, and photographer, Justins knowledge and experience make him a leader in the industry. His expert knowledge will help new adopters and seasoned drone operators alike. Justins manned aircraft experience puts him in a prime position to share useful information on safety and best practices as well.

Romeo Durscher

INTRODUCTION