Drone photography has been one of the biggest advancements in aerial photography

and cinematography, especially in the field of architecture¹. Here are some ways
drones are used in architectural photography:

1. **Site Planning**: Before the actual construction starts, drones can be used for
site planning. Photographers can make 3D maps using drones³.

2. **Design Phase**: During the design phase, drones can give clients a visual
orientation of the building or structure being built³.

3. **Construction Monitoring**: The construction industry has begun implementing

drones on construction sites as a way to get a birdseye view of a project, capture
the finished building from a unique perspective, and even be used in the actual
construction of the building itself¹.

4. **Finished Building Photography**: Drones can capture the finished building from
unique perspectives, providing powerful images that showcase the architecture in
its environment¹.

5. **Aerial Cinematography**: Some architectural photographers are actively

embracing drone technology to create quieter, more composed architectural stills².

Remember, before you get started with your initial flight, it is also important to
research your local jurisdiction's rules and regulations on unmanned aircraft¹.
Happy flying! 🚁

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/24/2023

(1) A Guide to Drone Photography/Cinematography for Architecture.
https://www.archdaily.com/899124/a-guide-to-drone-photography-cinematography-for-
architecture.
(2) Using Drones for Architectural Photography to Create ... - Contrastly.
https://contrastly.com/using-drones-for-architectural-photography-to-create-
stunning-images/.
(3) The Power Of The Plan: Drones And Architectural Photography.
https://www.archdaily.com/591341/the-power-of-the-plan-drones-and-architectural-
photography.

Throughout history, various platforms have been used for aerial photography. Here
are some of them:

- **Balloons**: The first known aerial photograph was taken from a balloon by
French photographer Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, known as "Nadar", in 1858.
- **Kites**: British meteorologist E.D. Archibald pioneered kite aerial photography
in 1882.
- **Pigeons**: Julius Neubronner patented a miniature pigeon camera activated by a
timing mechanism in 1903.
- **Aircraft**: With the advent of flight, cameras were taken on board planes to
capture bird's-eye views. This practice matured during World War I, as
reconnaissance aircraft were equipped with cameras to record enemy movements and
defenses.
- **Rockets**: In the early 20th century, rockets were used to take photos from the
air.
- **Helicopters**: Helicopters provided a versatile platform for aerial
photography, able to hover and maneuver in ways that fixed-wing aircraft could not.
- **Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or "drones"**: In recent years, drones have
become a popular platform for aerial photography due to their maneuverability and
the quality of images they can capture.

Each platform has its own advantages and challenges, and the choice of platform
often depends on the specific requirements of the photography project.

Drone photography requires a variety of equipment, including:

1. **The Drone**: This is the most obvious piece of equipment. Drones can either
come with an integrated camera or require a camera as an accessory payload¹. Some
popular drones for photography include the DJI Mavic 3, Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro,
and PowerEgg X Wizard⁴.

2. **The Camera**: The specs of your camera play a central role in how your images
and videos will turn out¹. Drones can carry anything from a tiny, dedicated camera,
GoPro action cameras, to compact and mirrorless cameras⁵.

3. **A Gimbal**: A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an

object about a single axis. In drone photography, a gimbal is used to keep the
camera stable, ensuring that your photos and videos are clear and steady³.

4. **A Transmitter**: This is what you use to control the drone. It communicates
with the drone, allowing you to direct its movement and control its functions³.

5. **FPV Goggles or Screen**: First Person View (FPV) goggles or screens provide a
live video feed from the drone. This allows you to see what the drone's camera is
capturing in real time³.

Remember, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in capturing high-quality

aerial photos and videos. It's important to choose the right equipment based on
your specific needs and the requirements of your photography project¹.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/24/2023

(1) What Equipment Do You Need for Professional Drone Photography?.
https://3dinsider.com/drone-photography-equipment/.
(2) 10 Best Aerial Photography Drones for All Budgets in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com.
https://fixthephoto.com/aerial-photography-drone.html.
(3) 8 Tips For Getting Started With Drone Photography.
https://photographypro.com/drone-photography/.
(4) 8 Tips For Getting Started With Drone Photography. https://bing.com/search?
q=equipment+for+drone+photography.
(5) The best camera drones in 2023 | Digital Camera World.
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-10-best-camera-drones.