Discovering Your Drone Photography Editing Style

With drone photography, developing a unique editing style doesn’t happen overnight — it is a pursuit marked by experimentation and artistic expression. Sharing his creative evolution with us is Dwi Aryana, a Bali-based photographer specializing in FPV (First-Person View) aerial drones. His stunning images of terraced hills, smoking volcanoes and enchanting rainforest villas have garnered him an impressive online following.

1. Consistency Breeds Clarity

At the heart of his process lies a steadfast commitment to consistent creation. By immersing himself in the creative process and meticulously honing his skills with each flight and edit, Dwi has generated a substantial body of work. He has trained his eye to discern what resonates most with him and his artistic sensibilities. This dedication to continuous practice has led to the evolution of his craft, gradually perfecting his unique vision into a discernible signature style.

2. Exploration Leads to Revelation

Experimentation is key. Photographers need to explore a variety of subjects and editing techniques consistently to learn what works for them. Through this iterative process, patterns begin to emerge, revealing the aesthetic elements that truly speak to the photographer's specific vision. Dwi advocates for a fearless approach to creative discovery, urging photographers to cast aside limitations and embrace the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the horizon. By venturing into uncharted territories, you invite opportunities to discover profound insights into your aesthetic preferences.

3. Mastering the Technical

Beyond artistic intuition is technical proficiency, which serves as the bedrock of excellence in drone photography. Dwi recommends maintaining a low ISO and utilizing Auto Exposure Bracketing to capture the optimal shot. He also suggests shooting in RAW format to preserve maximum detail and flexibility in post-processing. By paying meticulous attention to technical details, photographers can unlock the full potential of their equipment, capturing moments with unparalleled clarity and depth.

4. Unlocking Creative Perspectives

Central to his creative ethos is Dwi’s pursuit of novel perspectives and compositional techniques. Dwi believes in the transformative power of vertical panoramas in drone photography. By capturing and stitching together multiple RAW images, photographers transcend the constraints of conventional framing to capture breathtaking vistas from above.

5. Embracing Evolution

Evolution is a natural part of the journey toward mastering your editing style. Dwi champions a philosophy of continuous knowledge-seeking and innovation by incorporating new techniques and tools into the editing process. Each new discovery contributes to refining the craft. Stagnation is the enemy of growth in the ever-changing landscape of creative expression, and adaptation leads to transformation.

6. Harnessing the Power of Luminar Neo

From the ethereal Glow tool to the immersive atmospherics of the Misty filter, Dwi highlights the key role that the vast arsenal of creative tools in Luminar Neo plays in his editing process. With the revolutionary SkyAI tool, photographers can infuse their compositions with an otherworldly allure that captivates the imagination. Photo editing software empowers photographers to explore and enhance their creative vision while elevating their craft.

7. Chasing the Golden Hour

The golden hour holds a special allure for drone photographers. During this magical window of time just after sunrise and before sunset, you can make the most of the interplay of soft lighting and warm hues, creating a mesmerizing ambiance that enhances the beauty of aerial landscapes.

8. The Importance of Rest and Reflection

Finally, Dwi underscores the importance of taking breaks to recharge and gain fresh perspectives. Stepping away from the editing process allows photographers to return with renewed clarity, enabling them to fine-tune their creations with precision and discernment.

Take to the Skies with Your Edits

Dwi’s journey to finding and refining his drone photography editing style serves as an inspirational skymap for aspiring aerial photographers. It’s a testament to the power of dedication to continuous growth, experimentation and unwavering passion. Learning from his example, you can also unlock the full potential of your photography and create imagery that speaks to your unique artistic vision.

For deeper insights into Dwi's creative process and to witness firsthand the techniques he employs in his distinctive drone photography editing style, be sure to check out his YouTube channel. Dwi's channel offers a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge to elevate your skills to new heights through tutorials and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his journey.