Behind the Shot: Aerial Excellence
When our client requested a dramatic sunset shot of their coastal property, we knew we had to push our drone photography skills to new heights. Using our DJI Mavic 3 Pro equipped with its Hasselblad camera system, we carefully planned this challenging shot to capture the perfect moment where architecture meets nature.
Technical Details:
- Drone: DJI Mavic 3 Pro
- Camera Settings: f/2.8, 1/120 sec, ISO 100
- Height: 250 feet
- Time of Day: Golden Hour (20 minutes before sunset)
- Weather: Light coastal breeze, clear skies
The Challenge:
The main challenge was balancing the bright sky with the darker foreground while maintaining the dramatic cloud formations. We needed to time our flight perfectly to catch the sun’s position just as it painted the clouds in brilliant oranges and pinks.
The Execution:
Our pilot positioned the drone at a 45-degree angle to maximize the leading lines created by the coastline. We used bracketed exposures (-2/0/+2) to capture the full dynamic range of the scene, later blending them in post-production to achieve the perfect balance between sky and ground.
Safety Considerations:
- Pre-flight location scouting
- Wind speed monitoring
- Maintaining visual line of sight
- Checking for local flight restrictions
- Coordinating with local authorities
The final result showcases not only the property but also the natural beauty of the location, creating a compelling visual story that exceeded our client’s expectations. This shot demonstrates how careful planning, technical expertise, and perfect timing come together in professional drone photography.
Post-Processing:
- HDR blending in Adobe Lightroom
- Selective color enhancement
- Subtle clarity adjustments
- Perspective correction
- Final color grading
Equipment, skill, and patience – that’s how we got the shot.
