This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Liu Daqian, a professional wedding videographer who has been using drones for capturing wedding moments. In this article, he shares his personal experiences and insights on how drones have transformed the way weddings are filmed. Here’s what he had to say:
It all started in 2016 when I first used the DJI Mavic Pro drone. The experience was truly captivating. However, due to high costs and limited flight permissions in Beijing, I didn’t fly as often as I would have liked. Most of my flights were for friends’ casual shots, which I later edited into small samples. But now, I’ve set a new goal: to create a full wedding video. Recently, I completed a project titled "Golf Course Lawn Wedding," and I’m excited to share my process and lessons learned along the way.
ⶠEarly Communication
Proper communication is key. As a professional, I always start by discussing the vision with the photographer. Understanding the venue, the timeline, and the specific scenes you want to capture helps me prepare more effectively. It also allows me to plan the equipment and shooting strategy in advance. A clear schedule is essential—no mistakes allowed.
â· Pre-Flight Preparation
Once the details are confirmed, it's time to check the drone. I always bring backup equipment if possible. For this shoot, I used the DJI Mavic Pro 4 and needed a total of 7 batteries. I made sure that the phone, camera, and vehicle were all in order. No detail is too small when it comes to preparation.
⸠On-Site Shooting
Shooting Format: I always shoot in 4K, even though the final output is 1080P. This ensures better quality after editing. I use D-LOG mode for color grading, which gives more flexibility in post-production. However, I noticed that in the latest firmware, the EV settings are locked, so I no longer need to check the histogram. There’s also a nice feature where you can instantly preview the image while still recording in D-LOG.
Empty Lens Shots: Before the ceremony, I like to take a lot of empty shots to add variety to the final edit. Since I don’t have a handheld gimbal, I simulate walking shots using the Mavic Pro 4 in the ballroom. I focus on close-ups to avoid visual fatigue from too many wide-angle shots.
Ceremony Recording: During the ceremony, I manually control the drone to keep the footage dynamic and natural. Safety is the top priority, and I avoid flying too close to people or objects. I also make sure not to let the drone lose its connection, which could lead to serious issues.
Ring Delivery: One of the most intense parts of the wedding was delivering the ring. I used a long ribbon to avoid any danger. I also made sure the ribbon was straightened before taking off, so it wouldn’t get caught in the propellers. The best man signaled the drop, and I captured a great shot just in time.
â¹ Post-Production
Material Management: After the shoot, I organize the footage by scene and lens. I back up everything before deleting any unnecessary clips. Using QuickTime’s trimming function (Command+T) helps me quickly edit and manage large files efficiently.
Concept Development: I believe in working within my abilities and creating something realistic. I try to match the final product with the available materials and time constraints.
Music Selection: Choosing the right background music is important. I prefer unique tracks over common wedding songs. Using platforms like NetEase Cloud Music helps me find the perfect soundtrack.
Editing: I use Final Cut Pro X for editing. I start by aligning the music with the footage, then refine the story flow. Adjusting the composition and color balance helps improve the overall look.
Color Grading: I use DaVinci Resolve for color correction. Although I tried various LUTs, I ended up going back to the default DJI 709 profile. Noise reduction and local color adjustments were necessary to achieve the desired look.
Final Output: I recommend using ProRes 422 HQ for high-quality results. The final resolution is 1080P at 25fps, which is sufficient for most wedding videos.
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