Last updated on December 21st, 2024 at 11:15 am
Reading Time: 5 minutesI did a lot of research. After that, I bought my DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone in 2021. I purchased it from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Kucha Chaudhary camera market. Nonetheless, interestingly, I didn’t know how to fly a drone. Furthermore, I had never used anyone’s Drone before.
Out of curiosity, I bought a DJI Mavic Drone. I wanted to learn something extra in this evolving creative field. I believed I would learn to fly a Drone by myself.
It was a superb feeling!
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Chandni Chowk is undoubtedly a fantastic place for street photography. But the motive to visit this time was to find a Drone shop. I passed through a small, packed alley, and climbed upstairs which was even more congested.
I reached the shop. I stood excitedly in front of the seller. He unboxed the Drone box and showed me what was inside.
While opening, he gave me a basic overview, which I knew would be hard to remember for the first-timer. Nevertheless, I knew I had to read the manual and watch videos before taking my first flight.
After a while, I left the place happily.
Table of Contents
After Reaching Home
I opened the box and removed all the required items, like the drone battery and propellers, to attach. Here, you can see the video tutorial of the Mavic Air 2 Drone.
Indeed, the manual had a step-by-step guide. Moreover, I feel we often overlook the manuals of electronic items, but they are handy to get you started.
I had to attach the batteries and propellers to the provided slots. Attaching the battery was straightforward. The propellers, but, needed careful connection to the drone. They had certain markings and required precise alignment for smooth operation during flight.
How did I learn to fly a Drone for the first time?
Hurrah!
I checked everything, and the Drone was ready for take-off.
But, I was at home, and seriously, I didn’t know about flying a drone outdoors. Like, will I need permission to fly outdoors?—I didn’t know anything about it.
The second-floor people acquired the house rooftop; they keep it locked and generally need a solid reason to go upstairs. I was hesitant to ask them and also not confident about flying the Drone outdoors.
Hence, I only see flying indoors as the only choice.
Yes, you heard it right. I flew my Drone indoors!!
But, I shouldn’t have done that. The Drone requires a larger area to work. It needs more space to use its full potential. But at that time, flying indoors was the only choice I saw, so I did that.
I enjoyed flying my Drone indoors to take creative shots of myself from a top angle.
It was indeed so much delight and happiness to see the shots.
My first few flights had happened indoors only. Yet, flying indoors comes with its own set of challenges. If you take this other way around, you stay on your toes and shoot because “savdhani hati toh durghatna ghati“!
Honestly, at one moment, I accidentally crashed my Drone from the home walls! After hitting the walls, the Drone fell on the floor. For instance, I stood still and then checked if everything was fine.
Gladly, nothing happened to the Drone—the propellers got some scratches.
Yet, when flying indoors, the risk of the Drone hitting an object increases. So, in that case, fly cautiously!
What mistakes did I make when learning to Fly a Drone?
1. Flying Indoors
Creative shot of myself reading a magazine, Photograph © Vansh Tiwari
Biggest mistake!
Drones can turn out to be dangerous when not handled carefully. Especially, the drone propellers are very sharp and can easily hurt you when not taken care of. Flying indoors, undoubtedly, would be a small area, with too many restrictions. So, staying cautious is indeed required.
After Yoga Practice at Home, Photograph © Vansh Tiwari
Staying alert wherever the Drone is in the air is the most promising way to avoid damage.
2. Sticking to one flying choice
Drones have intelligent flying modes like time-lapse, hyper-lapse, course lock mode, etc. which can ultimately enhance the viewing experience when used correctly.
Still, for years, I only stayed stuck to one or two flying modes and did not use the other modes.
For example – I only used to take top-down static shots that made me content. I stayed restricted and habitual in using the top-down shot. Hence, at that time, I couldn’t think of taking any other shots.
Using the other available modes provides you the flexibility to plan other various shots and support your idea.
3. Only taking photos
I only used to take photos from the Drone for about 2 years. Undoubtedly, it’s an individual choice, but when you have options, you must use them.
After using the same drone for 3 years, I am still discovering new things. This process ultimately allows me to enhance my skill set.
Earlier, I didn’t prefer making videos. But, when I learned the process, I gradually started taking small clips. After that, I loved making videos that conveyed a story.
Also read, Why I wasn’t able to Fly my Drone in Kuala Lumpur?
How you can avoid the mistakes I made?
1. Flying outdoors
Jaisalmer Desert, Photograph © Vansh Tiwari
First and foremost, choose an open area outdoors to fly your Drone. Outdoors will give you much-needed flexibility for trial and error.
Ooty, Photograph © Vansh Tiwari
Even if you’re a first-timer, you have space to manage and practice.
2. Testing different flying options
When you’re using your Drone, don’t stay confined to only shooting images.
Indeed, the same mistake I used to make for years—ventured outside without any plans.
You most often limit yourself to the shots you already know when you head to your location without a plan. You also limit yourself to shots that are easy to execute. That shouldn’t happen.
Years after I realized I was not utilizing my Drone’s full potential.
Whenever I head out, I make sure I have a plan. This plan should include the desired shot list.
3. Take videos as well
Like I said above. When you have a plan, you move suitably. Otherwise, you stick to basics and make easy movements when you have no idea what to do.
Taking both photos and videos demands a plan, in that sense, you’ll be capable of utilizing your Drone’s full possibility.
How I’ve been utilizing the Drone now?
Now, I am getting involved in more video shooting. Ultimately, composing a storyline and developing video content around that.
As you can see below, in the recent videos, I’ve utilized my Drone and camera skills.
Summing-Up
Whenever you’re flying a drone, make sure you fly it in an open space. Follow all the rules and regulations.
Rest everything you’ll learn by practicing and practicing.
Happy flying!