Jamie Haigh, lead videographer at Shield Media Services, gives his expert advice on whether or not to choose drone filming in a wedding photography package

Jamie Haigh, lead videographer at Shield Media Services, answers questions on whether or not to choose drone filming in a wedding photography package.

Why is it important to consider drone filming in a wedding photography package? What can it achieve that traditional filming can't?
Many of the venues where weddings are held are naturally stunning but often not fully visible from ground level. Drones are now used as standard by those in film and television production because the technology they carry offers the ability to capture clear footage with high definition quality utilising all angles of the venue that simply cannot be captured from the ground.

Can most venues cater for drone photography?
Most wedding venues are suitable for aerial filming and photography but we never take that for granted. During the consultation phase, the venue will be contacted and strict pre-flight checks will take place to ensure the safety and legality of any flight. In the few cases where a flight is impossible, we use a very tall sky pole to which a camera is attached to still get the feel of the aerial shot.

Is the quality of the pictures the same as a normal camera?
As with any job, the right equipment is imperative. I've seen many operators at wedding fairs with drones that are not much more than toys or hobby-level models. We use video cameras, DSLR's, 360-degree and time-lapse cameras alongside our drones to create a production quality end product. All of our professional equipment produces imagery of the very highest quality and our drones are no exception.

Is it expensive compared to a standard film package?
We offer aerial filming as standard with all our videography packages and are competitively priced, with all packages including a shorter length film for use on social media and a feature length film. In addition to this, we also capture stills for use in our films, so whether your photography is done by us or by an outside supplier, you'll also get extra photographs free of charge.

Does the weather affect when the drone can be used?
Yes and no, obviously there are limits but we have drones for every occasion. If you're brave enough to be out in the open, we have a drone that can cope with those conditions.

Are there any additional benefits?
One of the things that we like to offer are interviews with guests. During the evening, we set up an interview area and invite people to join us individually, in couples or groups to have a chat and leave messages for the bride and groom. We also invite the bride and groom separately, to leave a message for their new husband or wife. This all makes for some relaxed, funny, emotional and completely natural footage, which integrates brilliantly with the films and gives it a really personal feel.

www.shieldmediaservices.co.uk