During the season of generosity, perhaps someone presented you with one of the finest drones, or you acquired one for yourself as a hobby you’d like to explore in 2025.
Aerial photography is incredibly thrilling and can help unleash your artistic side, but it can also be quite daunting. As a reviewer for Tom’s Guide, I evaluate drones and test their capabilities to determine whether they are a suitable choice or not.
I’m a certified drone operator as well, and I possess knowledge in the discipline of aerial photography, so I’m here to provide my top 9 recommendations before you operate your brand new drone.
1. Verify the weather
(Image: © Nikita Achanta / Future)
Bright weather and a clear sky are perfect for aerial photography, but that isn’t always the reality. Assess the weather conditions prior to launching, but don’t just review the forecast. It’s vital to evaluate wind speed, wind direction, likelihood of rain or snow, possible strong wind gusts, and cloud coverage. The UAV Forecast app provides detailed insights on all these elements at no cost, and I consistently check it before flying.
2. Perform a pre-flight inspection
(Image: © Future)
Prior to flying, examine the drone’s components. Ensure the gimbal operates freely, and that the propellers are intact. Propellers are delicate, but most drones include extras, so if you notice signs of wear, replace them. It’s also wise to recalibrate the compass and gimbal before each flight. This can be accomplished through the controller or your smartphone based on the drone model.
Ensure the drone has sufficient storage as you wouldn’t want to run out of space while capturing a breathtaking scene.
3. Understand local flying regulations
(Image: © DJI)
There are various categories of airspace, including restricted, prohibited, controlled, and no-fly zones. Therefore, it’s crucial to review your local laws and operate in open airspace. There are numerous apps and websites available to verify local regulations, but I typically utilize the DJI Fly app which concisely displays everything necessary.
You might also need to register as a drone operator with the FAA in the U.S. and the CAA in the U.K. (and with equivalent authorities in the EU and Australia) if the drone weighs more than 8.78oz / 249g. I suggest registering to be cautious.
4. Bring additional batteries
(Image: © Future)
Ensure that both your controller’s and your drone’s batteries are completely charged before taking off. You wouldn’t want to deplete power while airborne, would you? If you received just a drone as a gift, purchase backup batteries and a charging hub, and consider acquiring a portable power bank for charging while out and about.
5. Operate within visual line
(Image: © Future)
Always maintain your drone in visual line of sight (VLOS). This means you should be able to see where the drone is to anticipate potential obstacles, people, vehicles, and more.
6. Regularly monitor your controller
(Image: © Future)
The drone’s controller provides a wealth of critical information, making it essential to familiarize yourself with it. For instance, illustrated above is the RC-2 controller utilized for operating the DJI Air 3S. Its display reveals crucial details such as the number of connected satellites, signal strength, altitude, distance, speed, drone battery status, remaining flight time, and camera details.
It also features a mini map to help determine your position relative to the drone’s location. Always monitor your controller for any flight alerts.
7. If uncertain, use RTH
(Image: © Future)
If you find yourself in a complicated situation, remain calm. Most drones are outfitted with smart Return to Home technology that, when activated, compels the drone to return to its last launch point. Simply hover the drone and press the RTH button (usually found on the controller) and trust it to perform its function.
This also activates automatically when the drone’s battery is low.
8. Avoid disrupting wildlife
(Image: © Nikita Achanta / Future)
Keep a safe distance from animals and birds. The image above was captured using the DJI Air 3S’ 3x zoom. Do not fly directly over animals as the loud sounds may startle them. Birds may also aim to safeguard their nests and perceive the drone as a threat. If you notice disturbances in local wildlife, promptly return home and land.
9. Try new things!
(Image: © Nikita Achanta / Future)
Numerous drones, including the DJI Neo and the Potensic Atom, incorporate QuickShot functions. These utilize subject recognition to track the individual within the frame and capture brief videos (an example can be seen above). Try out QuickShot functions, such as Follow, Rocket, Spiral. The DJI Air 3S also records in D-Log, which allows for a broad dynamic range, enabling you to color-correct footage during post-production. Don’t hesitate to explore to unleash your creativity!
Having learned the essential suggestions for piloting a drone, you’re prepared to soar into the skies. Remember to enjoy yourself, be adventurous and innovative, while also prioritizing safety. If you’re seeking some motivation, be sure to check out the sample video footage in my reviews of the Neo, Air 3S, and Atom — to discover one of the most effective applications for a drone.