
Navigating the World of Drone Flying
Have you ever wondered what it is like to experience the world through a bird’s eye view? Or to be able to overlook different landscapes and architecture different from any angle you have seen before? With a drone you have the opportunity to witness a variety of terrains from a whole new light.
The Experience
When I approached the “take-off” area next to Furman University’s chapel, I was filled with a mix of apprehension and excitement. To be given control over the expensive, sleek, compact device felt intimidating. With the controller in my fingertips, I powered up the drone and watched its rotors come to life. I could feel the gentle vibrations while I held the controller in my palms. The initial ascent was a bit nerve-wracking, as I cautiously guided the drone into the sky. However, the more I practiced, the more confident I became.
Through flying the drone, I learned that the controls are very sensitive and every little move will jerk the device. I had to remember to hover over the joysticks and slightly touch them to make the movements smoother. Having a drone is an amazing tool when filming for projects or just to have in the media business.

The drone allowed me to capture stunning aerial footage and explore places from a unique vantage point. It offered a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes and unveiled hidden beauty in the world below. The drone's camera let me frame shots and create cinematic moments that were previously impossible on the ground level for an amateur photographer like myself.
I would love to use the drone for future projects in my digital storytelling class, like my PSA about the mountains. It would be incredible to get an overlooking shot of the fall trees and the grand mountains. I can also utilize drones for my future career of photojournalism and nature photography, as I would be able to get an aerial view/God shot of land and animals that people never see at eye level.