Drone photography has opened up a whole new way of capturing the world. Whether it’s sweeping coastlines, rolling countryside, or the heart of a busy town, drones give us a perspective we could only dream of a decade ago. But while the technology makes flying and filming easier than ever, getting truly professional results isn’t as simple as just taking off.

Over the years at Aerial Cornwall, I’ve seen the same mistakes crop up time and again – both from beginners and sometimes even experienced pilots. Here are the top drone photography mistakes I’ve come across and how to avoid them.

1. Flying Without Planning the Shot

The mistake: Taking off with no clear idea of what you’re capturing. This often leads to random footage and flat images.

How to avoid it: Always plan your flight. Think about your subject, your angles and the light before you launch. I often use Google Maps to scout out locations and figure out what might work from above. A few minutes of preparation saves a lot of wasted battery life and gives you far better results.

2. Ignoring the Weather, Light and Tides

The mistake: Shooting in harsh midday sun or poor conditions, which results in flat skies, glare on the water or dull footage.

How to avoid it: Timing is everything. Early mornings and late afternoons (the ‘golden hours’) offer the best light for aerial photography. I also check the tide times – a beach at low tide looks completely different to one at high tide. One of my favourite tools is SunCalc, which helps me predict where the sun will be at any given time. Using tools like this makes a huge difference to the end result.

3. Flying Too High

The mistake: Many beginners think the higher they fly, the better the photo. But often, this just makes the subject disappear into the landscape.

How to avoid it: Stay lower and frame your subject carefully. Some of the best drone shots I’ve taken are just above head height, where the perspective feels fresh but still detailed.

4. Forgetting About Composition

The mistake: Relying on the drone’s perspective alone to make a shot interesting.

How to avoid it: Remember the basics of photography – leading lines, the rule of thirds, symmetry. Use roads, rivers, or coastlines to draw the viewer’s eye through the frame. Composition is key. Cornwall is full of natural shapes and patterns that lend themselves perfectly to strong compositions.

5. Over-editing the Image

The mistake: Pushing colours, saturation and sharpness too far in post-production.

How to avoid it: I like to keep my images as true and natural as possible, so I edit very lightly – just subtle adjustments to shadows, exposure and highlights. For me, it’s about enhancing what was already there rather than trying to force a look. A natural edit will always feel more timeless and professional.

6. Forgetting Safety and Regulations

The mistake: Flying too close to people, property, or restricted areas just to “get the shot.”

How to avoid it: Always follow the CAA regulations and fly responsibly. Not only is it safer, but respecting the rules helps protect the reputation of drone pilots across Cornwall and beyond the whole industry.

7. Not Telling a Story

The mistake: Capturing a series of random aerial clips with no connection between them.

How to avoid it: Think about how your photos or video will be used. Whether it’s a property film, a tourism campaign, or a personal project, the strongest aerial work tells a story and leaves the viewer with a sense of place.

Final Thoughts

Drone photography is about much more than flying a camera into the sky. With planning, patience and an eye for detail, you can avoid the common mistakes and create images that feel powerful, professional, and timeless.

At Aerial Cornwall, I specialise in capturing Cornwall’s landscapes, properties, and coastlines from the air – always with a focus on creativity, safety and storytelling.

Looking to elevate your project with professional aerial photography? Get in touch today.