"Capturing Waves"

Capturing the Ride: How Surfing Photography and Videography Using Drones Revolutionized Wave Photography

As any serious surfer knows, there's nothing quite like riding a wave. The thrill of feeling the rush of adrenaline as you stand at the lineup, waiting for the perfect swell to break, is something that can't be replicated with just a camera or phone. But what if you could capture the beauty and power of these oceanic experiences in a whole new way? Enter drone photography and videography.

The Perfect Wave

I remember one particularly epic wave at Pipeline, Oahu back in 2018. I was on my board, waiting for the perfect break to ride, when suddenly a huge swell rolled in. My friend, a seasoned surfer and photographer, flew his drone above me, capturing the moment from a unique perspective. The image we captured that day would go on to win first prize at the Pipeline Pro-Am surf competition.

The Art of Aerial Perspective

Drones offer an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility when it comes to capturing waves. With a high-quality camera attached to the drone, you can capture stunning aerial shots from above, providing a new perspective on these oceanic landscapes. But how do you get the best results?

To maximize your chances of capturing breathtaking images and videos, here are some essential drone settings to keep in mind:

1. Drone Height

The ideal height for capturing waves depends on the type of wave and the level of detail you want to achieve. For most surfers, a height of around 100-200 feet (30-60 meters) is sufficient to capture the main body of the wave. However, for smaller waves or more detailed shots, you may need to fly lower.

2. Camera Settings

When flying your drone over the water, it's essential to keep your camera settings optimized for capturing high-quality images and videos in low-light conditions. Here are some tips:

• Use a wide-angle lens (around 24-70mm) to capture the expansive views of the ocean.
• Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the exposure compensation to balance out the brightness and shadows.
• Use a medium ISO (100-400) to minimize noise and ensure excellent image quality.
• Consider using image stabilization or optical zoom to smooth out camera shake and blur.

3. Lighting

Lighting can make or break an image, especially when capturing waves at dawn or dusk when the sun is low in the sky. Here are some tips:

• Shoot during the golden hour (dawn or dusk) for warm, soft light.
• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance color accuracy.
• Consider using a remote shutter release or camera timer to minimize camera shake.

4. Pan and Tilt

To capture dynamic waves from different angles, use your drone's pan and tilt capabilities. This allows you to smoothly move the camera left or right, up or down, while keeping it level. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.

5. Follow-Through

When flying your drone over the wave, it's essential to maintain a consistent follow-through pace. This will help you capture smooth footage and prevent the camera from being affected by wind or waves. Practice your follow-through to ensure a seamless capturing process.

Best Drone Settings for Capturing Waves

Here are some examples of drone settings that can help you capture stunning images and videos:

• Height: 150-200 feet (45-60 meters)
• Camera Lens: Wide-angle lens (24-70mm)
• ISO: 100-400
• Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2 stops
• Image Stabilization: On
• Remote Shutter Release: Yes, with camera timer

Conclusion

Capturing waves using drone photography and videography is an exciting new frontier in surf photography. By mastering the art of aerial perspective, understanding drone settings, and practicing your fly techniques, you can take stunning images and videos that showcase the beauty and power of the ocean. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting out with photography, drones offer a fresh and innovative way to capture these incredible experiences. So why not give it a try? Grab your drone, hit the waves, and experience the thrill of capturing wave action like never before! Capturing the Ride: How Surfing Photography and Videography Using Drones Revolutionized Wave Photography

Setting	Ideal Height (ft/m)	Camera Lens (mm)	ISO (100-400)	Exposure Compensation (+/3 to +2 stops)	Image Stabilization (On)	Remote Shutter Release (Yes, with camera timer)
Aerial Perspective	150-200 ft / 45-60 m	24-70mm	100-400	+1/3 to +2 stops	On	Yes
Drone Settings for Waves	Height: 100-200 ft (30-60 m)	Wide-angle lens (24-70mm)	Medium ISO (100-400)	Manual mode, balanced exposure	Image stabilization or optical zoom	Remote shutter release with camera timer

The Perfect Wave

• Height: 150-200 feet (45-60 meters)
• Camera Lens: Wide-angle lens (24-70mm)
• ISO: 100-400
• Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +2 stops
• Image Stabilization: On
• Remote Shutter Release: Yes, with camera timer

The Art of Aerial Perspective

• Drone height depends on wave size and detail desired
• Fly lower for smaller waves or more detailed shots
• Use wide-angle lens (24-70mm) to capture expansive ocean views