Drone Photography Is Gaining Remarkable Momentum in Bengaluru
According to local photographers, aerial photography is becoming increasingly popular in the city. This expanding trend was recently brought to light by the viral success of city-based photographer Srihari Karanth’s drone-captured photos of the Majestic BMTC bus stand. Certified drone pilot Karanth frequently posts breathtaking aerial photos and videos, such as highlights of Mysuru Dasara and other tech parks in Bengaluru.
“The popularity of drones for photo and video shoots has grown exponentially,” he claims. He remembers seeing almost 30 drones in the sky at once during the April Nanjangud Rathothsava.
Best Spots to Fly High
According to wedding photographer Deepak Vijay, photographers prefer open areas like Lalbagh, Palace Grounds, Kanteerava Stadium, and the vicinity of Yelahanka when it comes to the best places to fly drones.
Popular areas include lakeside areas like Sankey Tank, BTM Layout lake, Agara lake, and Lalbagh lake, as well as smooth sections like Nice Road and Kanakapura Road.
Although crowded areas can be challenging for novices, they frequently provide interesting aerial views. In keeping with wildlife photographer Arvind Raj’s observation that hidden beauty can be found through a drone’s eye, aerial photographer Kim Aswani adds, “Places like Town Hall and K R Market look entirely different from above.”
Flying Within the Law
Zoning laws established by the Digital Sky platform under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulate the use of drones in India. Among the zones are:
- Red Zone: Needs permission from the central government.
- Yellow Zone requires authorization from the authorities in charge of air traffic control.
- Green Zone: Flying up to 120 meters vertically is permitted without a permit.
“All drones must be registered with the DGCA, and we receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN) after paying a fee of Rs 100” -Karanth clarifies. Before taking off, pilots must also record their flight plans on the Digital Sky platform.
Challenges in the Air
Drone operations in cities are not without their difficulties. Smooth flying can be hampered by obstructions like trees, buildings, and birds. Neil Dsouza, an adventure photographer, cautions that although sensors can help reduce certain risks, rain and thin wires can still be problematic.
Another problem, according to drone pilot Anees Al Faisal, who specializes in photographing urban landscapes and religious sites, is losing signal in midair. He suggests, “Always keep the drone within your visual line of sight and scan the surroundings before flying.”
Cost of Going Aerial
Aerial photography is not an inexpensive investment. Compact drones (less than 250g) cost between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000, while high-end drones cost between Rs 55,000 and Rs 3.5 lakh. DJI and Parrot models are especially well-liked. Drones can also be rented; they usually cost about Rs 10,000 per hour.
While smaller drones can only fly for 20 minutes on a single charge, larger drones can fly for up to 45 minutes. To complete their aerial toolkit, photographers also spend money on laptops, lens protection equipment, and editing software.
Experts claim that drone photography is most effective when it is used to record architectural landmarks, cultural events, and natural landscapes because it provides viewpoints that are otherwise impossible to obtain from the ground.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
