Let’s talk about The Art of Capturing a Killer Sunset, because if you’re not sending your drone up while the sky is on fire, are you even flying?
This week, I took my DJI Mini 3 Pro out for another round of "How Close Can I Get to a Tree Without Crying?" Spoiler alert: pretty close. But that’s the price of greatness. And the price was paid before, by hitting and sticking in a tree, 3 meters above longest non-firebrigade-length-ladder...
Why the Mini 3 Pro?
Because I was walking, and let’s be real, lugging around a full-sized drone rig while trying to “enjoy nature” sounds like a great way to end up in a ditch. The Mini 3 Pro is that perfect mix of portability and power, like a muscle car that somehow fits in your backpack. And guess what? The colors it can capture are still ridiculous.
Aerial Zen Mode
There's something about flying over empty fields, dirt roads, and distant trees that feels borderline meditative, like nature whispering, “Yeah, you’re crushing it.” The golden-hour glow turns basic landscapes into cinematic masterpieces, making me feel like I'm directing a National Geographic documentary... except with slightly more adrenaline and significantly less planning. Oh, and not the paycheck afterwards.
Pro Tips for Sunset Flights (AKA How to Not Screw It Up)
1️⃣ Timing is Everything
Sunsets don’t wait for you to finish scrolling Instagram. Get your drone in the air 15-20 minutes before peak golden hour to catch those deep shadows and chef’s kiss colors.
2️⃣ Manual Exposure = Guru Mode
Auto mode is fine... if you like mediocrity. Want that pro-level contrast? Drop your ISO low, adjust the shutter speed, and embrace ND filters. Trust me, your footage will thank you. Top Tip? Underexposing by about 1 stop can make those colors really pop!
3️⃣ Be Mindful of Wind (And Dumb Birds)
Even the Mini 3 Pro, as mighty as it is, has its limits. Sudden gusts can turn your cinematic sweep into a full-blown search and rescue mission. And birds? Yeah, some of them are not cool with your flying robot. Stay alert. Some WILL attack!
4️⃣ Reflections = Instant Drama
Water + sunset = pure magic. Whether it's a lake, puddle, or a random flooded field, low-angle shots over reflections add insane depth to your footage. Just don’t get too low, unless you like heart attacks and wet underpants (no, not from the puddles!)
Fly more, worry less
Another day, another batch of insane sunset shots that make my past self jealous. If you’re not out there pushing your drone to its creative limits, what are you even doing? Quit waiting for perfect conditions! Just fly. Mess up. Learn. Get better. And most importantly… don’t crash into a tree (again).
Now, go send it. 🚀
📸 Captured & Edited
Shot with: Apple iPhone 14 Max Pro
Edited using: Lightroom Mobile & Skylum Luminar AI
All photos are my own work. Dive deeper and explore more on my website or check out my links.
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