Winter is beautiful - ice and snow transform the landscape, creating the perfect conditions for aerial photography. Capturing such dramatic scenery requires preparing for the risks such frigid conditions entail. I hope these tips will help you to fly safely and capture better drone photos and video footage.
- Cozy Batteries are Happy Batteries. When the temperature drops, so does your battery life. Keep your batteries in an insulated bag, or if its really cold you can stow them in your pockets so that your body heat keeps them warm. Also, be aware when your flying that in colder conditions the faster your battery will drain. Always keep a close eye on the battery meter and land with a good margin to spare.
- Know your Snow. Snow comes in many and varied forms, some you can fly in, and some you should avoid. Dry snow is forced away from your drone by the motion of its propellers, wet snow is not so easily pushed aside, and will accumulate and melt on your drone in mid air.
- Beware of Ice. Ice is the bane of all aircraft, and it is no less a danger to UAV's. I have flown often in wintery, frigid conditions, and so far have had trouble with ice buildup on my props only on two occasions. However, those two times I was very fortunate not to crash, and to have had the drone nearby where I could easily spot erratic behavior and land safely. You need to watch out for cold AND humid conditions - that is the recipe for ice. If its cold and foggy, or particularly humid, take a short test flight - then land and check for signs of ice buildup.
- Your drone needs sunglasses too! Snow and ice are bright, and if you aren't using a neutral density filter to reduce the brightness, then you'll have to raise your shutter speed (or F-stop if possible). For cinematic video, a slower shutter speed produces more cinematic video footage
- Bundle Up. It's not just your drone that's cold, you need to think of your own health and comfort as well! It's important to dress especially warmly when flying because it involves a lot of standing around doing nothing. Hands tend to be especially susceptible, so be sure to wear gloves! You'll need ones with capacitive touch-screen compatible fingers so that you can still use your smartphone and control your drone.
Now head out and capture those shots of awesome frozen landscapes before the snow melts! Spring is coming, along with all its own challenges for aerial photographers. Happy flying!
