Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones

“You couldn’t ask for a better field guide to this new frontier.”

– From the Foreword by Adam Savage, co-producer and co-host of Mythbusters on Discovery Channel

Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones is the ultimate how-to book about aerial imaging using consumer quadcopters.

Drones have exploded in popularity worldwide because of the unprecedented ease of using them to get cameras in the air. Eric Cheng’s book, Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones, is a timely educational resource, a beginner-to-intermediate level field guide for learning how to capture still photos and videos from the air using consumer drones (quadcopters / multirotors).

The book covers recommended equipment, pilot training, tips for how to be successful when shooting both aerial stills and video, and the regulatory environment in the United States. The content is generic enough for learning how to shoot with any consumer drone with a mounted camera, but focuses on mainstream manufactured products from established companies and does not go into detail about how to build drones from scratch. Most of the discussions feature the DJI Phantom 3 as the primary sample drone, as well as drones that carry GoPro HERO action cameras, but the lessons are applicable to more modern drones.

About the Author

Eric Cheng is an award-winning photographer, technologist and drone expert. Cheng is known for his thought leadership in the drone industry and spent nearly two years as Director of Aerial Imaging at DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer and creators of the Phantom quadcopter, which nearly singlehandedly gave birth to consumer aerial imaging.

“I am asked many times every day what drone to buy, and how to get started in aerial imagery,” Cheng said. “[Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones] summarizes what took me many years in the field to learn, and is full of useful and pragmatic advice about storytelling using drones from the air.” [full bio]

Testimonials

Eric is perhaps the most dedicated envelope-pusher I’ve ever met when it comes to equipment and technology. You couldn’t ask for a better field guide to this new frontier.

— Adam Savage, Lifelong maker, Co-producer, co-host of Mythbusters on Discovery Channel

Drones dramatically change the way we think about film and photography, allowing for the capture of completely new perspectives. Eric leads you down a path of getting to know this new language; it’s thrilling and beautiful.

— Damian Kulash, Jr., lead singer of OK Go and music video director

… the ultimate guide for aerial imaging.  From techniques, to demystifying gear, to understanding the regulatory environment, this is essential reading for new and experienced operators alike.

— Gregory McNeal, JD/PhD Co-Founder of AirMap, Professor of Law and Public Policy at Pepperdine University, Contributor to Forbes.com

Essential reading for anyone curious about consumer quads, especially all my family and friends who can’t stop asking about my funky flying camera.

— Norman Chan, Editor of Tested.com

Aerial photography has been overly complicated ever since cameras were first introduced to DIY drones. Eric delivers a much needed introduction to give you the best possible start in the craft.

— Austin Furey, Marketing Manager, Flite Test

News & Updates

• Peachpit interviews Eric Cheng about flying drones (Dec 10, 2015)
• Drones, the book, and Good Morning America (Nov 17, 2015)
• Eric Cheng interviewed in That Drone Show (Nov 16, 2015)
• “Eric Cheng’s New Book on Drones is the Definitive ‘Drone 101’ Textbook,” a review by Sally French (“Drone Girl”) (Nov 15, 2015)
• #1 in New Releases in Digital Photography at Amazon (Nov 3, 2015)
• Aerial Photography and Videography Using Drones is now shipping! (Oct 29, 2015)