Flying a drone is about more than just capturing pretty landscapes—it’s about telling stories, showing scale, and revealing perspectives that aren’t possible from the ground. Whether you’re creating content for social media, real estate, travel vlogs, or just for fun, the right shot can make your footage stand out.
In 2025, drone cameras are more powerful than ever, with 4K, 5K, and even 8K recording, HDR imaging, and advanced stabilization. That means the creative potential is limited only by your imagination. To help spark some ideas, here are ten epic drone shots you can try on your next flight, along with tips on when, where, and how to use them.
1. The Top-Down (Bird’s-Eye View)
Few perspectives are as striking as a true bird’s-eye view. By flying directly overhead and pointing the camera straight down, you can capture symmetry, patterns, and details that are invisible from the ground.
- Best for: Roads, rivers, beaches, farmland, architecture, and group formations.
- Pro tip: Look for contrast—like a red car on a gray road or surfers in blue water—to make the shot pop.
2. The Reveal Shot
One of the oldest cinematic tricks in the book, the reveal creates anticipation. Start with your drone hidden behind trees, walls, or even low to the ground, then rise or pan out to uncover the full scene.
- Best for: Property showcases, city skylines, mountain ranges, or hidden gems.
- Pro tip: Add slow, steady movement for a dramatic, cinematic effect—don’t rush the reveal.
3. The Orbit (Point of Interest)
Orbiting around a subject adds motion, depth, and context. Most drones today have an automated orbit or “point of interest” mode that makes this easy.
- Best for: Monuments, people, lighthouses, or houses in real estate marketing.
- Pro tip: Keep your altitude consistent and try varying your distance for multiple angles.
4. The Tracking Shot
Drones excel at tracking moving subjects, especially with intelligent flight features like ActiveTrack. Whether it’s a runner, biker, or car, this shot creates an immersive action sequence.
- Best for: Sports, travel content, or following someone through landscapes.
- Pro tip: Combine tracking with obstacle avoidance to safely follow subjects in forests or urban areas.
5. The Push-In (Dolly-In)
This classic cinematic move mimics a camera dolly. Fly your drone slowly forward into the scene, drawing viewers into the frame. Reverse it for a pull-back shot to reveal more context.
- Best for: Dramatic entrances, property reveals, and travel vlogs.
- Pro tip: Keep movements slow and steady—this is about building emotion, not speed.
6. The Rise and Tilt
A simple yet powerful move. Start with the camera tilted forward, then rise while slowly tilting down. The transition from ground-level detail to wide landscape view creates a wow factor.
- Best for: Showing both micro and macro perspectives—like a person in a field with mountains beyond.
- Pro tip: Use this shot at the start of a video to establish location and scale.
7. The Hyperlapse
Aerial hyperlapses turn time into motion. By flying slowly while shooting at intervals, you create mesmerizing sequences of moving clouds, shifting city traffic, or changing light.
- Best for: Cityscapes, sunsets, or weather transitions.
- Pro tip: Keep your drone movements smooth and consistent for the best results.
8. The Low and Fast Flyover
Not every drone shot needs altitude. Flying low to the ground over water, grass, or terrain creates a thrilling sense of speed. It’s especially dramatic when paired with wide-angle lenses.
- Best for: Lakes, rivers, deserts, or coastal landscapes.
- Pro tip: Always check your settings and fly in an open space to avoid obstacles.
9. The FPV Dive Shot
FPV (First-Person View) drones opened the door to exhilarating new shots, and the dive is one of the most iconic. Point your drone down and let it descend dramatically toward your subject.
- Best for: Waterfalls, cliffs, tall buildings, or sports stadiums.
- Pro tip: Practice first in open areas. FPV diving requires skill, but when done right, it’s jaw-dropping.
10. The Golden Hour Cinematic
Sometimes the move matters less than the light. Flying during golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—bathes your footage in warm, cinematic tones.
- Best for: Almost any shot, from landscapes to portraits.
- Pro tip: Plan ahead with apps like Sun Seeker or PhotoPills to time your flights perfectly.
Bonus: Mixing Shots for Storytelling
The real magic comes from combining these shots into a cohesive sequence. For example, start with a reveal shot, cut to a tracking shot, then finish with a golden hour orbit. This layered approach creates flow, variety, and narrative in your footage—key to making your drone videos feel professional.
Final Thoughts
Great drone footage isn’t just about flying high—it’s about creativity, composition, and timing. By experimenting with these ten shots, you’ll elevate your skills and capture footage that inspires, engages, and feels cinematic.
Next time you take off, set yourself a challenge: pick two or three of these techniques and work them into your flight. Over time, your drone reel will grow into a portfolio that truly stands out.