Spring is here! Or it was yesterday in the mid-Atlantic… While most girls start thinking about sandals, sundresses, and swimwear, event professionals start envisioning all the outdoor fun to come once the weather turns warm. Top on my list this year is using my drone! Whether it’s an engaging toy for the adult set or a tool to capture overhead images, there are loads of things to consider when you get your first drone. BizBash shares a few tips here, but I have my own Rules of Droning:
- Practice first! To the uninitiated, a drone is basically a remote control toy. It’s actually much more complex to maneuver and requires a few test runs before you can land without breaking all your propellers. This will also give you an idea of battery life, which can be as little as 30 minutes depending on the model you’re flying.
- Check with the venue. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, each venue has different restrictions and “the man” is getting more and more interested in when, where, and how drones can be used in public areas too. Be sure you’ve looked into any restrictions before lift off.
- Huh? What’s that you say? These can be noisy! Regardless of how they’re used, the flight of a drone can sound like a giant hummingbird is circling you. While it can be disruptive to some events, it may not be significant if there’s other sound playing.
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- Why are you doing this again? As with most event elements, make sure that you clearly outline what the goal of this integration is. Shooting event footage from overhead gives sponsors and social media partners amazing content to use. To ensure this isn’t the first thing that’s cut from your budget, remember (or remind your client) that this footage can be critical in extending the impressions of this event.
- Windy much? We don’t all look like Beyonce when the wind blows! Your drone is no exception. It’s frustrating to try to control that thing when nature’s wind machine gets going. Check the weather first. (My favorite weather app is Dark Skies, with hyper-localized minute-by-minute weather forecasting.)
And on that note, I’m off for my pedicure! (Droning in sandals on the beach is the best and have you seen these toes?!)