Drones: Are You Sure You Want to Be Part of This?
My journey with drones began when I turned 35. The first drone I flew was a DJI Mavic Air, purchased impulsively to explore aerial photography for weddings. Previously, I had been focused on social photography with my reliable Nikon D700, but after seeing many posts about wedding aerial shots, I felt inspired. The turning point came when I got paid for a wedding shoot and stumbled upon an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a slightly used DJI drone.
With $600 spent, I became the proud owner of a DJI Mavic Air, complete with a remote controller, three batteries, a multiple charger, and an unattractive DJI bag. I remember feeling frustrated about the bag; it seemed like a glaring advertisement for thieves, much like a new photographer’s flashy Nikon or Canon bag. Therefore, I chose to transport my drone discreetly instead.
The Drone That Shaped My Path
Despite its unappealing bag, the Mavic Air became my constant companion for the next two years, enabling me to discover the joys of aerial video capture. I vividly recall my nerve-wracking experience flying it into “Pailón del Diablo” or “Devil’s Pot” while still a novice pilot. Navigating the complexities of a large waterfall and its wind currents, coupled with the weak signal of the Mavic Air in this gorge, was a harrowing yet transformative adventure that guided my evolution into a videographer.
After that experience, everything changed rapidly. I sold my DSLR, bought my first mirrorless camera (the original Sony Alpha A7), and began producing my first commercial videos. Though they might not have been technically perfect, they felt monumental to me, giving me a sense of exhilaration that was unmatched. It all stemmed from that initial “toy.” I can assure you, the moment you send your drone soaring into the sky, your life will be forever altered.
Embracing the Title of Pilot
For many, the term “pilot” invokes images of high-flying commercial airline captains, while we, the drone enthusiasts, pilot smaller “hummingbirds” at lower altitudes. Yet, we share a profound love for the breathtaking views from above. A pilot’s title may hold different meanings, but it connects us through our quest for bird’s-eye perspectives.
The Addiction to Flying
As I delved deeper into drone flying, I quickly realized how addictive it is. Whether on vacations, work trips, or even during serene sunsets and sunrises, you’ll find yourself wanting your drone nearby. I recall a family vacation where I brought my Mini 3 Pro along, flying all six batteries daily. While I was captivated by the incredible footage, my wife was understandably upset about my reduced family engagement. This led me to question the worth of devoting so much time to flying over family experiences, emphasizing the importance of balancing flying time and personal moments.
Finding Fulfillment in Flight
For some, flying is therapeutic—my joy stems from the act of flying itself. Occasionally, I take to the skies without capturing photos or videos, appreciating the mental clarity and emotional stability that accompanies flight. Other times, I engage in paid projects like creating commercials or real estate videos. I also love to experiment with the drone’s potential, teaching others about new filming techniques or different colorization styles.
However, being part of the drone community means so much more than just enjoyment or photography; it’s about personal growth and the quest to achieve more.
