Shoot Footage From a Drone
Learn to plan and safely pilot a small drone with adult supervision to compose and record short aerial video clips, practicing framing and steady flight.
Step-by-step guide to shoot footage from a drone
The Submersible Drone (360 Video)
Step 1
Ask an adult to pick a large open outdoor spot away from people trees and roads and to check any local flying rules.
Step 2
Put the propeller guards on the drone so the blades are protected.
Step 3
Insert a charged battery into the drone and make sure it clicks into place.
Step 4
Insert the memory card into the drone so your videos can be saved.
Step 5
Turn on the controller then turn on the drone and wait for the ready light or GPS lock.
Step 6
Place a towel or cone on the ground to mark a clear takeoff and landing spot.
Step 7
Do a preflight safety check with the adult to confirm propellers are secure battery level is full and the camera is pointed the right way.
Step 8
Practice hovering at 1 to 2 meters above the ground and keep the drone steady for 30 seconds.
Step 9
Practice slow straight movements forward backward and side to side while keeping the camera aimed at a chosen object.
Step 10
With the adult pick three short shot ideas you want to film such as a hover reveal a slow pan or a straight flyover.
Step 11
For each shot position the drone at the start point frame the view check the camera angle then press record and fly the planned movement slowly for 5 to 15 seconds.
Step 12
Land the drone gently at the takeoff spot power everything off remove the battery and memory card review your favorite clip with the adult and share your finished aerial clip on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have propeller guards or a memory card?
If propeller guards are missing, don't fly until an adult can provide a drone with guards for safety, and if you lack a memory card check whether the drone has internal storage or can record to a phone/tablet connected to the controller.
The drone won't get a GPS lock or the ready light stays off—what should we try?
Try powering everything off, remove and reinsert the charged battery until it clicks, restart the controller then the drone, and move to a larger open area away from trees or buildings to get a GPS lock or ready light.
How can we adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids (5–7) have the adult handle takeoff/landing while the child practices hovering at 1–2 meters with propeller guards on, ages 8–12 can control slow straight movements and film the three short shot ideas for 5–15 seconds, and teens can plan multi-shot sequences and edit clips before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we enhance or personalize our drone video project?
Make a simple storyboard for your three shot ideas, mark start and landing points with a towel or colored cones, vary camera pitch and altitude across 5–15 second takes, then edit the clips together with music or titles before sharing on DIY.org.
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Facts about drone safety and aerial videography for kids
⚖️ In many countries lightweight drones must be registered or flown under adult supervision—always check local rules before flying.
📷 Aerial photography began in the 19th century with photos taken from balloons and has grown into an essential tool for maps, movies, and art.
🚁 Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) trace their roots to early 20th-century pilotless aircraft used for experiments and wartime tech.
🎥 Many modern consumer drones can record 4K video and are used widely in filmmaking for dramatic aerial shots.
🔋 Small camera drones typically have about 10–30 minutes of flight time per battery, so short, planned clips work best.
How do I teach my child to shoot aerial footage with a drone?
What materials and equipment do I need to shoot drone footage with my child?
What ages are suitable for kids to learn to pilot a drone and record videos?
What safety rules should parents follow when a child is flying a drone to record videos?
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