Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of flight, of freedom, of seeing the elevated perspective from “God’s eye.” These clumsy earthbound feet just seemed too limiting for my imagination. So when I began creating photos and videos professionally, it was inevitable that I’d get into drones. But I quickly learned that for this still-emerging craft, there is a lot to learn in order to create beautiful images safely and legally. 

With increasing popularity for drones, the FAA had to rapidly update its rules and regulations to make sure drones operating in controlled airspace did so safely. And that protected natural areas, like New York State Parks, remained undisturbed. [Editor’s note: Drones are not permitted to be launched in Scenic Hudson parks.]

That said, don’t let the restrictions discourage you. Because while they do exist, there is immense freedom to explore and create within those parameters both with and without a remote pilot’s license. So let’s dive in!

Do you need a remote pilot’s license to fly a drone? No. Only those who intend to fly commercially and earn money from their drone operation need to acquire a Part 107 Remote Pilot’s (small UAE) license. However, it is encouraged that even recreational flyers study up on some of the materials to better understand airspaces in order to fly safely and be aware of restricted areas.

What types of drones are there? Drones, like most technologies, can be very simple or highly specialized, from a small pocket-sized camera drone to an industrial-grade cargo drone. But in general, there are mainly two types of drones, FPV (first-person view) and GPS (global positioning system).

FPV drones are flown using VR-style goggles, immersing the pilot’s complete field of vision in the drone’s flight via a remotely- synced video signal. These types of drones offer dynamic fly-through style footage, like that of a bird soaring through the air. But this style drone does come with a steep learning curve. A visual observer is mandated while flying in that mode. There is the definite possibility of a few crashes! (Crashes that result in more than $500 in damages should be reported to the FAA.)

GPS drones are fully stabilized by accelerometers and GPS signals. These craft are much easier to fly and offer smooth cinematic footage.

Whether you’re flying for fun or business, here are a few things to consider:

Know where you are flying. Even if you’re nowhere near an airport, there are many restricted areas that you may not expect. Using free FAA-approved apps, like ALOFT, you can look at local sky maps to see where you can and cannot fly. And for those with a Part 107 license, you can even request authorization to fly in spaces and altitudes otherwise prohibited. When it comes to locations like New York State Parks, go to their websites and check the rules for drone usage. Some allow for flight in specific areas, while others require permission in advance. Respecting these rules is important, not just for the people around, but also for the wildlife.

Keep it below 400 feet AGL (above ground level). While it’s tempting to fly above the clouds, drones are not to fly over 400 feet without authorization.

Bring a friend. While flying you’ll need to maintain line-of-sight with your craft at all times, which can be very hard if you’re also trying to frame a spectacular landscape! So having a friend there to help spot is crucial.

It’s all about perspective. Yes, going as high as you can and looking at the horizon from the heavens is exciting, but using the drone for low-level flights offers a unique way to frame an image and create smooth flight over often rough terrain. Glide over tall grass or kiss the ocean waves.

Timing is everything. Unlike most photography, you cannot leave a drone in the sky and wait hours for the right moment. Whether it’s capturing a sunset or a sailboat gliding across the Hudson River, you have to plan ahead. Check the weather. Send the drone up for short flights to find a frame that you like. Try different movements such as long swoops or top-down topography.

With drone photography, the hardest thing is the seemingly endless possibilities. But that’s the beauty of flight! You are only limited by your imagination. And perhaps the FAA.