About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
Easy Drone Tips for Flying in Any Weather
Flying a drone is fun and exciting, especially when you capture amazing photos and videos from the sky. But the weather can make flying tricky. Wind, clouds, and even light rain can change how your drone flies and how your photos look.
Don’t worry! With the right tips, you can still fly safely and get great shots in almost any weather. Let’s learn how to handle different weather conditions and make your drone footage look amazing.
1. Flying in Windy Weather: Stay in Control
Know Your Drone’s Limits
Wind is one of the biggest challenges for drone pilots. Some drones can fly in light wind, but strong wind can be dangerous. Check your drone’s manual to see how much wind it can handle.
Tips for Windy Flights
- Fly Low: Wind is stronger the higher you go. Fly closer to the ground to stay safe.
- Use Sport Mode: If your drone has Sport Mode, turn it on for more power to fight the wind.
- Watch the Battery: Wind makes your drone work harder, so the battery will drain faster. Always leave enough battery to fly back safely.
- Avoid Water: Wind can change quickly over water. It’s safer to fly over land in windy weather.
Get Smooth Videos in Wind
- Use Cinematic Mode: This slows the drone down for smoother movements.
- Add ND Filters: These help your videos look smoother by reducing brightness.
- Fix Shaky Footage Later: If your video is shaky, you can fix it with editing software.
2. Flying on Cloudy Days: Capture Cool, Moody Shots
Why Clouds Are Good
Cloudy skies give soft, even light. This makes colours stand out and removes harsh shadows. Cloudy skies can make your photos look more interesting and dramatic.
Tips for Cloudy Weather
- Adjust the Brightness: Your drone might make photos too dark. Increase the brightness to fix this.
- Add Colour When Editing: Cloudy skies can make photos look dull. You can add colour and contrast when editing.
- Use the Mood: Clouds can make photos feel dramatic. Look for cool patterns in the sky or on the ground.
Best Camera Settings for Clouds
- ISO: Keep it low (100–200) to avoid grainy photos.
- Shutter Speed: Use a slower speed to capture more detail.
- White Balance: Set it yourself to make colours look natural.
3. Flying in Light Rain: Protect Your Drone
Is It Safe to Fly in Rain?
Rain is risky for drones because water can damage them. Only fly in light drizzle if your drone can handle it. Always be careful.
Tips for Flying in Rain
- Use a Weather-Proof Drone: Some drones are better in light rain. Check if yours is safe.
- Protect the Camera: Use propeller guards to block raindrops.
- Keep the Lens Dry: Wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth before flying.
- Fly Short Trips: Don’t stay in the rain too long.
Cool Photos in the Rain
- Look for Reflections: Wet roads and water can reflect lights and colours.
- Use Fog and Mist: Rain can make fog, which adds a cool effect to photos.
- Use Manual Focus: Autofocus might not work well in rain. Set the focus yourself.
4. Changing Light: Be Ready for Anything
Plan for Light Changes
Light can change quickly, especially with clouds or storms. Be ready to adjust your settings.
Tips for Changing Light
- Take Multiple Shots: Use different brightness levels to have options later.
- Use ND Filters: These help control bright light when the sun comes out.
- Shoot in RAW: This setting keeps more details, so you can fix the light later.
Catch Dramatic Skies
- Make the Sky the Star: Use wide shots to show off big clouds or cool skies.
- Find Contrast: Storms and sunlight together can make amazing photos.
5. Must-Have Gear for All Weather
Helpful Tools
- ND and Polarising Filters: Manage light and reduce glare.
- Waterproof Case: Keep your drone safe in wet weather.
- Extra Batteries: Wind and cold use up batteries faster.
- Lens Covers: Protect your camera from water and dirt.
- Soft Cloths: Wipe the lens to keep it clean.
Best Weather Apps
- Windy: Shows wind speeds to help plan safe flights.
- UAV Forecast: Gives drone-friendly weather updates.
- MyRadar: Tracks storms in real-time.
6. Safety First: Fly Smart
Stay Safe While Flying
- Know When to Stop: If the weather feels unsafe, don’t fly.
- Do a Pre-Flight Check: Check propellers, battery, and GPS before flying.
- Keep the Drone in Sight: Don’t fly too far, especially in fog or rain.
- Plan a Safe Landing Spot: Always have a backup place to land if the weather changes.
Bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your drone shots. Wind, clouds, and light rain can help you take creative and exciting photos.
Stay safe, prepare your gear, and use these tips to fly smart. The sky is always ready for you to explore—rain or shine!
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