My first Wedding
The happy couple and their guests…
Thursday was Dom and Caras big day. They had reached out after I had posted on social media a free drone wedding session, in exchange I would be able to use the resulting images for OVA marketing.
The day was very enlightening. And for these specific reasons
I need more batteries, constant stress of running out!
Focus air time. I was in the air when I didn’t need to be. (first point!)
Better communication with the photographer. Try and arrange shots at the start of the day.
Beware children. Obviously they are going to want to play with the drone. It looks like a toy!
Take business cards with you. (I did remember some)
Shout! And don’t be shy.
The official photographer was really accommodating and really helpful. I just wish I had pushed a little more for a few group shots, of the Best Man and ushers the bridesmaids and perhaps some of the couple on their own.
There was a problem though. Waiting patiently for the ceremony to finish and the guests to re-emerge, the wind had picked up in gusts. I measured a particular gust at 27mph, a full 7mph over what I would consider to be safe flying over people under my control. So this development restricted the rest of the day’s shots. I will always er on the side of caution if people and property are involved. Never wanting to test my public liability insurance!!!
This resulted in the rest of the day's drone shoot being shot from afar at low altitude specifically enabling a quick landing if required to do so.
Another plus side of the day was the location. Having only recently filmed at Peckforton Castle which you can see here, I felt comfortable in the surroundings, and concious of just how different the conditions would be if I flew above the walls. This resulted in all flights conducted within the confines of the courtyard walls which do provide a lot of shelter.
So how would I sum up my first drone wedding filming and photography experience? Exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I’m really happy with some shots and the positive feedback I got. It was particularly nice to get the feedback from Peter the ‘hired’ Master of Ceremonies. As a veteran of 35 years’ worth of weddings, he was impressed with how professionaliy I conducted myself and how safely I operated. He had never seen a courdoned off area, high vis or any of the other elements of the flight that enable a safe and successful operation.
I’m already looking forward to my next one.