Why Drone is NOT included by Default

Let me be clear, I absolutely will use a drone camera if requested. I like drones, they’re fun. But there are a few very good reasons why I don’t automatically include drone footage in any of my packages by default, even the highest tier ones.

What is the point of a wedding film?

My brand revolves around showcasing a particular couple’s personality, giving an intimate and engaging glimpse into their lives. We do this so that in twenty years couples can look back on their wedding days and relive every moment, from the most exciting reception sparkler exit to the simplest exchange of knowing looks just after slipping on the rings for the first time. I’m not just pouring my heart and soul and finances into this company to “make stuff that looks cool.” I mean, that is definitely part of it but it’s just one part. The more important thing to me is to “make stuff that feels human.” That’s the only way I’m going to survive against AI, after all.

What is the point of a Drone shot?

Even the best looking drone footage basically solves none of my major concerns when creating a compelling wedding film except for two things. A great drone shot will showcase the architecture and landscape around a beautiful venue. It will also look expensive and cool. However, it does not get us anywhere closer to experiencing what it’s like to be this couple, on this day, with this friend group, and with these words and emotions. A drone is simply too far away to really capture that…

My favorite drone shots that I’ve been able to get have been carefully recorded by drones flying only about 12 feet up in the air, usually orbiting slowly like some kind of tiny flying lawnmower inhabited by the ghost of a Michael Bay nightmare. These shots are cool, but they don’t even come close to the same exact shot achieved by using a handheld gimbal and just running around the couple in an orbiting arc. That sleepy Michael Bay at home style shot deserves its own blog post because it’s one of my favorite “cool looking” shots that also gives a real sense of who it is that’s being filmed.

I’m not going to pontificate about how expensive drones are and how little value those one or two shots provide compared to the footage from a handheld camera. I’m not going to complain about how you are legally required to re-take the $200 FAA test every two years in order to commercially fly drones. I’m not going to go into detail about how the video files from a drone are typically much more difficult to color match even when the drone costs twice as much and is one eighth as versatile a camera as a handheld rig. And I’m certainly not going to talk about the ever changing regulations around importing drones made in China.

What I am going to do is offer Drone footage as an optional add-on for those who really want it, and if you do want drone footage then I want it, too. I just also want to be clear about the real cost and limitations invovled. The cost is $400 which covers the rental of a high end drone for a day. This cost does not cover anything else, and the footage is not guaranteed due to FAA restrictions and weather. I will not profit when you add drone to one of your wedding packages but I will happily do it because it’s part of my job to film your wedding in the way you want it to be filmed. If your venue has architecture or landscape that absolutely requires a drone and can’t be filmed by simply holding a gimbal high on an extended monopod, then I’m on board.

One last thing I want to mention is that any drone footage gathered is going to take time. I typically do it at the beginning of the day and maybe again near sunset if the early reception is already done. If I’m the only video personnel, this is time taken away from being able to film something else. For a big package with multiple video and/or photo personnel, drone can make sense as an add-on for sure. However, if I’m filming a wedding solo I would urge you to consider whether the increased cost and time is really worth it for your situation.

If you’re looking for a wedding filmmaker who prioritizes the look in your eyes when you cut your cake over the quality of your venue’s shingle work, let’s talk.