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The Photographer's Guide to Drones Paperback – November 11, 2016

by Colin Smith (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 176 ratings
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The Photographer's Guide to Drones, 2nd Edition
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The Photographer’s Guide to Drones explains everything photographers need to know about drones and quadcopters in order to take their photography to new levels.

Consumer drones and quadcopters have become the hottest new gear in photography, whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur shooter. These “flying tripods” have given photographers the ability to place their cameras virtually anywhere they want, creating still images and video footage that were previously impossible to capture. Many photographers have a drone or quadcopter right at the top of their “I want” list. And many others have already purchased a drone a bit ahead of the curve.

No matter what model one may own—DJI, 3DR, Yuneec, GoPro—all of these photographers need to learn how to put this new gear to good use in their aerial photography. They need to learn how to safely operate and fly a drone, how to create compelling photos and video, and how to make their work stand out from the crowd in this exciting new field.

The Photographer’s Guide to Drones explains everything photographers need to know about drones and quadcopters in order to take their photography to new levels…literally.

Photographer and author Colin Smith guides the reader along, as he teaches:

    • How to fly a drone, including practice flight patterns and controller tips that will help readers master the basics
      • New rules of composition for aerial photography as they apply to drone and quadcopter imagery
        • How to create the best files for both still photos and video
          • •
          Post-processing techniques unique to aerial photography that readers need to know, such as how to make videos look both dynamic and smooth

          The book also features award-winning and beautiful aerial photography. Plus, at the beginning of each of the book's eight chapters, beautiful three-page fold-out images inspire readers on their journey to creating images that truly stand above the crowd.

          Take your aerial photography to new heights with The Photographer's Guide to Drones.

          Read more Read less
          Previous page
          1. Print length
            240 pages
          2. Language
            English
          3. Publisher
            Rocky Nook
          4. Publication date
            November 11, 2016
          5. Dimensions
            10.5 x 1 x 8 inches
          6. ISBN-10
            1681981149
          7. ISBN-13
            978-1681981147
          8. See all details
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          From the Publisher

          DJI Inspire 1 Pro, Zenmuse X5 With DJI 15mm Lens

          DJI Zenmuse X5 With DJI 15mm Lens

          Editorial Reviews

          About the Author

          Colin Smith is a best-selling author, trainer, and award-winning digital artist and photographer. His newest obsession is with drones, quadcopters, and aerial photography. Colin is an Adobe Community Professional (ACP) who has authored or co-authored nearly 20 books on Photoshop, including the best-selling How to Do Everything with Photoshop. He is also the founder of one the world’s most popular Photoshop resource websites, PhotoshopCAFE.com, which boasts over 30 million visitors. He is a regular columnist for Photoshop User magazine, and has been featured in most major imaging magazines including Computer Arts, Photoshop Creative, Digital Photographer, and many more.

          Product details

          • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rocky Nook (November 11, 2016)
          • Language ‏ : ‎ English
          • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
          • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1681981149
          • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1681981147
          • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.8 pounds
          • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.5 x 1 x 8 inches
          • Customer Reviews:
            4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 176 ratings

          About the author

          Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
          Colin Smith

          Colin Smith

          Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
          Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

          Colin Smith is a Los Angeles based trainer, photographer and digital artist. He is founder of one of the worlds most popular websites for creators, PhotoshopCAFE.com. Which has received over 50 million visitors.

          As an Award winning digital artist, Colin has 3 guru awards under his belt. His work has been featured in most of the industry magazines as well as Time Magazine and the New York Times.

          His client list includes, Toyo Tires, Microsoft, Saatchi and Saatchi and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, David Lee Roth.

          As a leading trainer, Colin has written 21 books, and too many video courses to count. His training clients include Adobe, Apple, Disney and Edison International. He is a regular speaker at major conferences, including Adobe Max, PPE, WPPI, Photoshop World, Creative Pro and Imaging USA

          He runs a popular youtube channel (photoshopCAFE) with 300,000 subscribers.

          When he isn’t at his computer, Colin can be found pursuing his passion of travel and capturing beauty with this drone and camera.

          website: https://www.photoshopcafe.com

          youtube. https://www.youtube.com/photoshopcafe

          IG https://www.instagram.com/photoshopcafe/

          TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@photoshopcafe

          facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photoshopCAFE

          twitter: https://twitter.com/photoshopCAFE

          Behance: https://www.behance.net/kiwicolin

          Customer reviews

          4.7 out of 5 stars
          4.7 out of 5
          176 global ratings

          Top reviews from the United States

          F. Anderson
          5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Drone Photography
          Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
          Verified Purchase
          I am new to drone photography and this is an excellent overview of how to fly, how to shoot video and photos. I was impressed with the order and thoroughness on the topic as well as the discipline of the author to not stray down rabbit holes.
          Helpful
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          Jim
          5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put it down. A text and a coffee table book.
          Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2016
          Verified Purchase
          I found Colin's writing to be clear, well thought out instruction from the viewpoint of one who is clearly experienced in aerial photography and video production. While I'm relatively new to flying a drone  DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter 4K UHD Video Camera Drone , I've taken stacks of photos over decades and a pretty fair amount of video, too. His plain english descriptions combined with really good graphics plus his examples showing the shooting techniques that he explains in the book will be helpful to refresh my thinking time and again. Because the software and hardware now on the market is quickly evolving, some of the material will become somewhat dated, but the basic techniques and the skills he teaches are fundamentals well worth studying and applying for amateurs and pros alike. Enjoy the easy read, enjoy the great photos, and let the book stimulate you to get out there and start practicing the skills that will be rewarding no matter how far you want to pursue the art.
          12 people found this helpful
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          Amazon Customer
          4.0 out of 5 stars Basic Photo tactics sound, Drone details woefully dated.
          Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2019
          Verified Purchase
          I am pursuing my Drone Certification with the PPA. This book is one of a few recommended for preparation. I will do a quick flyover of the topics within the exam, and how the book prepares you for each section.

          Regulations:
          Covers the basics that haven't changed such as fly under 400 feet, Line of Sight, respect controlled airspace and the types.

          Flying and Operations
          This section is reasonably covered as well. Controller basics and the patterns you should master under manual control

          Safety
          This section is also reasonably well covered. Safety, maintenance, storage of batteries. Importance of preflight and what is in it. Maintaining a pilots log and maintenance log.

          Cameras and Aerial Composition
          Covers the basics of photography composition as well as the abilities drones bring you on the third dimension. The book does very well at explaining how to better leverage the technology to get those golden shots

          Post Processing and File Storage
          Gives the reader a fairly good set of recommendations on how to store your photos and reference using Lightroom. I have been a Photoshop user, however, am going to incorporate Lightroom into my workflow as the book sold me on some of its advantages

          Videography
          This book does a basic rundown on videography basics. The author is clear that the book is written for photographers, not videographers. However, does a respectable job at introducing the topic.

          The equipment referenced is Dated, I would hope the author would make updates regarding equipment and software capabilities. ie Inspire 2 vs Inspire 1. Key items such as Panos are now included in DJI Go (Litchi had that capability for years). Other features now available but not referenced include Orbit, Dronie, Rocket, Corkscrew, Track.

          Even with the material being dated, I think it is worthwhile to read the book.
          6 people found this helpful
          Helpful
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          Glennallen Helitack
          5.0 out of 5 stars Really good reference
          Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2018
          Verified Purchase
          One of those books that is good the first time you fast scan it. The first read and I can tell I'll keep going back to it. Interesting reading and lots of good information.
          Oh' some really dang good photos too!! ;)
          One person found this helpful
          Helpful
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          zero11
          5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, lovely design, very complete.
          Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
          Verified Purchase
          Seems to me to be the Definitive Guide. Nice work.
          Helpful
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          Sergio L. Cariello
          5.0 out of 5 stars A True Guide for aerial Imaging
          Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016
          Verified Purchase
          Breathtaking pictures! Packed with helpful tips and information on the subject! Invaluable book to have for anyone with a passion to aerial photography and film. Highly recommended!
          4 people found this helpful
          Helpful
           Report
          Brownboss
          5.0 out of 5 stars Drone photography
          Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2017
          Verified Purchase
          Well written, a little technical in places for me as a begainer. As my skill improves, I am sure I will refer to it more and more.
          2 people found this helpful
          Helpful
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          Nicholas Wilson
          4.0 out of 5 stars A pretty coffee-table book survey of the kinds of drones available for photographic use.
          Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2018
          Verified Purchase
          This is a pretty coffee-table style book that surveys the basic kinds of photo drones available. It is not a detailed handbook for photo drone usage.
          2 people found this helpful
          Helpful
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          Top reviews from other countries

          Translate all reviews to English
          Robson
          5.0 out of 5 stars Ótimo livro
          Reviewed in Brazil on February 20, 2019
          Verified Purchase
          Conteúdo bem diversificado e interessante. Bons conceitos e explicações fáceis de entender. Belas fotos. Recomendo.
          Report
          Robert Andrassy
          4.0 out of 5 stars Review
          Reviewed in Germany on November 27, 2019
          Verified Purchase
          It's a pretty good book, and gives information about drone flying, video making, and photo editing. My problem is that the photography part is pretty short.
          Report
          Alister
          5.0 out of 5 stars Gifted: recipient very pleased
          Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2019
          Verified Purchase
          Purchased as gift.
          Bought for my Dad as he's just bought a camera drone, and was really good with a camera. Quality of book is great, and content appears to be along the right lines for his needs. He was very pleased anyway.
          Report
          oppenjack
          5.0 out of 5 stars Maîtriser les techniques de photo et de vidéo avec des drones
          Reviewed in France on February 5, 2019
          Verified Purchase
          Beau livre avec superbes photos réalisées avec des drones DJI.
          Techniques de vol et de photo/video sont traitées.
          Report
          Amazon Customer
          5.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners
          Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2017
          Verified Purchase
          Very good book.
          Report