Now that it is legal to shoot video with a drone-mounted camera, we know there are several small business owners who will be taking up the hobby — or side job. Here are six tips for using a drone to capture video from the pros at the website StoryHunter.com. (Note: In an upcoming article, we will be sharing ways to find a professional drone videographer and also update our past coverage of ways small businesses are using drones–or starting new companies that drones make possible.)

To really take stunning videos, you need to practice the when, where, and how of flying. If you follow these six tips, you’ll be well on your way to calling yourself a drone cinematographer.

1 | Master the classic aerial shots

There are five classic aerial shots that any great drone cinematographer should know. They are in this video from Story & Heart, drone professionals.

5 Killer Drone Shots and How To Pull Them Off from Story & Heart on Vimeo.

2 | Avoid the wind

In the US, you can’t legally fly a drone above 400 feet. But to keep wind from bumping the drone and camera, keep it less than 300 feet in the air.

3 | Fly smooth and slow

Use slow, tiny movements with the controller and your video will come out smooth.

4 | Map the location

Scout your location and map it out with Google Earth. Know where trees, electric wires, buildings, or other obstacles are and can better avoid them.

5 | Take longer shots

Start rolling a few seconds before you believe the shot begins and keep shooting past your finish. This will give you more flexibility when editing the video.

6 | Film during the golden hour — at sunrise or sunset

There are deeper shadows that make the landscape more dynamic. And you’ll shots will pick up the golds and reds of dusk.

Thinkstock

VIA | StoryHunter.com (…)

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