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Drone Dynamics: From Photography to Advanced Applications

Drone Dynamics: From Photography to Advanced Applications

Master drone piloting, focusing on capturing stunning aerial photographs, exploring diverse drone applications, and understanding the impact of AI on the drone industry.


Responsible Mark Clulow
Last Update 05/04/2025
Completion Time 1 day 12 hours 55 minutes
Members 1
  • START HERE
    3Lessons · 1 hr 1 min
    • Intro to Drones 101
    • Assessment Methods
    • Required Equipment
  • Week 1: Introduction to Drones and Safety Protocols
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Course introduction and overview of drone technology evolution
    • Day 2: Types of drones: consumer, prosumer, and professional models
    • Day 3: Essential components of a drone system (frame, motors, propellers, battery, controller)
    • Day 4: Pre-flight checklists and basic maintenance procedures
    • Day 5: Safety protocols and risk management
    • Practical Session: First contact with drones in a controlled environment
      10 xp
  • Week 2: Fundamentals of Drone Flight
    6Lessons · 2 hrs 54 mins
    • Day 1: Principles of flight and aerodynamics
    • Day 2: Understanding drone controls (throttle, yaw, pitch, roll)
    • Day 3: Manual flight practice in beginner mode
    • Day 4: Understanding flight modes and when to use them
    • Day 5: Mastering take-off, hovering, and landing
    • Practical Session: Basic flight manoeuvres in open space
      10 xp
  • Week 3: Introduction to Aerial Photography
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Camera equipment and technical specifications
    • Day 2: Understanding exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for aerial photography
    • Day 3: Composition principles for aerial shots
    • Day 4: Framing techniques and perspective considerations
    • Day 5: Light and time of day considerations for aerial photography
    • Practical Session: Capturing basic still images with drones
      10 xp
  • Week 4: Advanced Drone Flight Techniques
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Precision flying and obstacle avoidance
    • Day 2: Flying in challenging conditions
    • Day 3: Automated flight patterns for photography (orbit, dronie, reveal)
    • Day 4: Waypoint navigation and mission planning
    • Day 5: Tracking moving subjects
    • Practical Session: Executing complex flight maneuvers
      10 xp
  • Week 5: Post-Processing Aerial Images
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Introduction to photo editing software for aerial photography
    • Day 2: Color correction and white balance adjustment techniques
    • Day 3: Advanced editing: perspective correction, noise reduction, and sharpening
    • Day 4: Creating panoramas and HDR images from drone photos
    • Day 5: Developing a consistent editing style
    • Practical Session: Hands-on editing workshop with student photos
      10 xp
  • Week 6: Exploring Other Applications of Drones
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Introduction to aerial videography
    • Day 2: Drones in agriculture and environmental monitoring
    • Day 3: Surveying, mapping, and 3D modeling applications
    • Day 4: Search and rescue operations
    • Day 5: Emerging drone applications (delivery, infrastructure inspection)
    • Guest Lecture: Industry professionals sharing real-world applications
      10 xp
  • Week 7: Legal and Ethical Considerations
    7Lessons · 3 hrs 30 mins
    • TRUST - The Recreational US Safety Test
    • Day 1: Understanding drone regulations (FAA rules in the US or local equivalents)
    • Day 2: Licensing requirements and certification processes
    • Day 3: Privacy concerns and ethical drone operation
    • Day 4: Insurance, liability, and risk management
    • Day 5: International regulations and travel considerations
    • Workshop: Registration and documentation preparation
      10 xp
  • Week 8: The Impact of AI on the Drone Industry
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Current AI implementations in consumer and professional drones
    • Day 2: Obstacle avoidance systems and collision prevention
    • Day 3: Autonomous flight capabilities and their practical applications
    • Day 4: Computer vision applications for drones
    • Day 5: Future trends in AI and drone technology
    • Demonstration: Advanced autonomous drone functions
      10 xp
  • Week 9: Planning and Executing Aerial Photography Missions
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Location scouting and pre-visualization techniques
    • Day 2: Weather forecasting tools and resources
    • Day 3: Creating shot lists and flight plans
    • Day 4: Working with clients and understanding their needs
    • Day 5: Troubleshooting in the field
    • Field Trip: On-location photography mission planning and execution
      10 xp
  • Week 10: Building a Drone Photography Portfolio
    6Lessons · 3 hrs
    • Day 1: Selecting and curating your best work
    • Day 2: Building an online presence for drone photography
    • Day 3: Pricing strategies and business models for drone services
    • Day 4: Marketing your drone photography/videography services
    • Day 5: Developing client relationships and contracts
    • Workshop: Portfolio review and critique session
      10 xp
  • Week 11: Hands-On Project Week
    2Lessons · 2 hrs 30 mins
    • Week 11: Hands-On Project Week
    • Practical Workshop
      10 xp
  • Week 12: Presentation and Review
    4Lessons · 2 hrs 30 mins
    • Day 1-2: Final project completion and preparation
    • Day 3: Student presentations of final projects
    • Day 4: Industry panel review and feedback
    • Day 5: Course review, certification, and future opportunities
  • Certification
    1Lessons · 30 mins
    • Advanced Drone Pilot