Hey fellow drone pilots! Ready to level up your tracking shots and create some seriously epic footage? Today, we’re Yurovskiy K. diving deep into one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of drone cinematography – following moving subjects. Trust me, once you master these techniques, your footage will go from “nice” to “absolutely mind-blowing”!
The Magic of Dynamic Shots: Why They Matter
Let’s be honest – nothing captures attention quite like a perfectly executed tracking shot. Whether you’re following a mountain biker down a trail, a surfer catching waves, or a car winding through scenic roads, dynamic follow shots add that “wow factor” that makes viewers’ jaws drop. They create an immersive experience that static shots just can’t match.
Essential Pre-Flight Preparation
Before you even power up your drone, you need to understand what you’re filming. Here’s the thing – different subjects require different approaches:
- Athletes: They might change direction unexpectedly
- Vehicles: Usually more predictable but faster
- Boats: Remember they leave wakes that affect visibility
- Wildlife: Completely unpredictable (and often protected by regulations!)
I learned this the hard way when I tried following a mountain biker without knowing their planned route. Let’s just say trees and drones don’t mix well!
Location Scouting is Non-Negotiable
I can’t stress this enough – scout your location beforehand! You need to know:
- Potential obstacles (especially overhead ones!)
- Safe areas for emergency landings
- Signal interference spots
- Sun position throughout your shoot
- Wind patterns and potential turbulence areas
The Art of Following: Core Techniques
Let’s start with the foundation. The basic follow shot might seem simple, but it’s all about finesse:
- Maintain a consistent distance from your subject
- Keep your speed matched perfectly
- Hold a steady altitude
- Frame your subject slightly off-center (rule of thirds, remember?)
Pro Tip: Practice this with a walking friend before attempting it with fast-moving subjects. Trust me, it’ll save you some heart-pounding moments!
The Reveal Follow
This is where things get exciting! Start behind your subject, then smoothly rise or move laterally to reveal the landscape. Here’s how:
- Begin tight on your subject
- Gradually increase altitude or move sideways
- Maintain forward momentum
- Keep your subject in frame while revealing the scene
I still get goosebumps when I nail this shot – especially during golden hour!
The Orbit While Following
Now we’re talking advanced moves! This technique requires you to orbit around your subject while following their forward movement. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, but with a $1000+ flying camera!
Key points to remember:
- Start with a wider radius than you think you need
- Use your drone’s point of interest mode if available
- Practice, practice, practice (preferably with a very patient friend)
Technical Considerations
Getting your settings right is crucial for smooth tracking shots:
- Shutter Speed: Use the 180-degree rule (2x your frame rate)
- Higher frame rates for slow-motion flexibility
- ND filters are your best friends
- Enable focus tracking if your drone has it
Speed Matching Mastery
This is where most pilots struggle. The key is to build muscle memory for different speeds:
- Walking pace: 3-5 mph
- Running pace: 8-12 mph
- Cycling pace: 15-25 mph
- Vehicle pace: Varies widely (be prepared!)
I remember my first attempt at following a car – I was either way too fast or frustratingly slow. Finding that sweet spot takes time!
Common Challenges and Solutions
Nothing worse than getting the perfect follow shot and seeing that low battery warning! Here’s how to handle it:
- Plan your shots in segments
- Always start with a full battery
- Know your drone’s real-world flight time (hint: it’s less than advertised)
- Have predetermined abort points along your route
Maintaining Visual Line of Sight
This is both a legal requirement and a practical challenge. Solutions include:
- Using a spotter (highly recommended!)
- Planning your route with clear viewpoints
- Using bright propeller guards or lights
- Staying within comfortable distance limits
The Wind Factor
Wind can turn a simple follow shot into a wrestling match with your controls. Tips for windy conditions:
- Check wind speed at different altitudes
- Position yourself perpendicular to the wind when possible
- Use sport mode judiciously
- Accept that some days just aren’t meant for tracking shots
Advanced Techniques for Pro Results
Want to add another dimension to your follow shots? Try varying your altitude smoothly while tracking. For example:
- Start low behind your subject
- Gradually rise as they move forward
- Peak at a dramatic moment
- Descend for the finale
The Parallax Effect
This is where we get really creative! Use foreground elements to create depth:
- Follow your subject
- Incorporate trees, buildings, or other elements in the foreground
- Let these elements pass through your frame
- Maintain focus on your subject
The result? Pure cinematic gold!
Post-Production Magic
Stabilization Tips
Even the smoothest pilots benefit from post-stabilization:
- Use Warp Stabilizer in Premiere Pro
- Try ReelSteady for GoPro footage
- Don’t overdo it – some natural movement looks more authentic
Speed Ramping
Here’s where you can really make your footage sing:
- Identify key moments for speed changes
- Use ease in/out for natural transitions
- Don’t overuse this technique (it can get gimmicky)
Safety First, Always!
Remember folks, no shot is worth risking safety. Always:
- Maintain safe distance from your subject
- Have a clear abort protocol
- Brief your subject thoroughly
- Know when to call it quits
Final Thoughts and Inspiration
The journey to mastering dynamic follow shots is exactly that – a journey. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t National Geographic worthy. Every expert drone pilot started somewhere, and every crash or near-miss taught them something valuable.
Keep these points in mind:
- Start simple and build complexity
- Practice regular maneuvers until they’re second nature
- Record your practice sessions for review
- Learn from each flight, successful or not
Remember, the goal isn’t just to follow a subject – it’s to tell their story in the most compelling way possible. Whether you’re capturing an athlete’s determination, a vehicle’s power, or a dancer’s grace, your dynamic shots should enhance the narrative, not distract from it.
Now get out there and start creating some magic! And hey, don’t forget to share your experiences – we’re all learning and growing together in this amazing field of aerial cinematography. Happy flying, and may your batteries always last just long enough for that perfect shot!