Autumn may well be the most beautiful season to head out with your drone. Nature slowly changes from fresh green to warm shades of red, orange and yellow. Misty mornings create a magical atmosphere and the low sun makes your images even more intense. In this blog you'll read why autumn is the season for drone photography and how you can get the most out of your flights.
Autumn colours from above
Nothing says autumn like a forest turning red, orange and yellow. And it's precisely from above that this colour palette truly comes into its own. Where you see individual trees from the ground, from the air you see a whole carpet of colours.
Tip
Fly straight down (top-down) above a forest or a tree-lined avenue. This way you create an almost abstract image of blocks of colour. Also look for contrast: a red forest next to a green meadow or a dark fen looks stunning.
Misty mornings
Autumn mornings and mist go hand in hand. And mist is gold for a drone photographer: trees, a church tower or a bridge rising above a blanket of mist make for a fairytale image. It means getting out of bed early, but then you've really got something.
Tips
Get up early. The most beautiful mist hangs just after sunrise, and disappears quickly once the sun breaks through.
Only fly in light mist. Dense mist settles on your lens and camera (condensation), and you can easily lose sight of your drone.
Always keep your drone in sight. Sounds obvious, but in mist it can happen before you know it. Stay low and close by.
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Low sun and a long golden hour
In autumn the sun sits lower in the sky. That creates long shadows, warm tones and plenty of depth in your image. And best of all: the golden hour, that first and last hour of light in the day, lasts longer in autumn than in summer. So you have more time to get that perfect shot.
Tip
Fly with the sun to the side of your subject, not directly behind it. Side light brings out structure: the shadows of trees, ridges in a field, the texture of a thatched roof. Shooting straight into the sun, on the other hand, gives beautiful silhouettes and lens flare, which is also fun to play with.
Dynamic autumn weather
Sun, rain and wind alternate rapidly in autumn. Annoying for a walk, but fantastic for dramatic images. Threatening clouds, a rainbow after a shower, raking light breaking through a gap in the clouds: those are the shots that stand out.
Tips
Wait for the right moment. Just after a shower, when the sun breaks through, the sky is often at its most beautiful. That's also when you have a chance of a rainbow.
Watch the wind. Autumn showers often come with strong gusts of wind. Check the weather forecast and the wind speed at altitude, and land in good time.
The right settings for autumn photos
With a few adjustments to your camera settings, you can take your autumn images to the next level.
|
Setting |
Advice |
De ce |
|
Photo format |
Shoot in RAW |
More room to adjust colours and exposure afterwards |
|
ISO |
As low as possible (100) |
Keeps your image sharp and noise-free, even in low light |
|
Exposure |
Bracketing / AEB |
Takes multiple exposures when there's a lot of contrast between sky and land |
|
ND filter |
Use in bright light |
For smooth motion in video and beautiful exposure |
|
White balance |
Set slightly warmer |
Enhances the golden and red tones of autumn |
What rules do you need to bear in mind?
Taking to the air safely and by the rules
Autumn calls for just a bit more preparation than a sunny summer's day. A few things to keep an eye on:
● Cold drains battery capacity. At low temperatures your batteries don't last as long. Keep them warm until just before the flight and expect shorter flight times.
● Wet weather and drones don't mix. Most drones are not waterproof. Don't fly in rain and store your drone somewhere dry.
● Respect nature reserves. It's precisely the most beautiful autumn spots, such as forests and nature reserves (including Natura 2000), that often have restrictions or a flight ban. Check the rules in advance and ask for permission if necessary.
● Keep your drone in sight. Mist, early dusk and short days make that harder. Stay within your line of sight.
Flying safely and legally starts with the right knowledge. With the EU drone certificate you know the rules and can capture those beautiful autumn shots without worry. At Drone Class you can get it online, at your own pace. We recommend it to everyone who takes to the air with a drone.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fly in autumn?
Just after sunrise for the mist, and during the golden hour (the first and last hour of light) for warm colours and long shadows. What's more, in autumn that golden hour lasts longer than in summer.
Are you allowed to fly a drone over a forest or nature reserve?
Not everywhere. Many nature reserves, including Natura 2000 areas, have restrictions or a flight ban to protect wildlife. Always check the local rules in advance and ask the site manager or province for permission if necessary.
Can I fly my drone in mist?
Only in light mist, and with common sense. Dense mist causes condensation on your camera and you quickly lose sight of your drone. Always keep your aircraft within your line of sight.
