I recently completed the Drone Mastery course offered by iPhone Photography School, and I have to say, it was an exceptional experience that has completely transformed how I use my DJI Mini 3.
Packed with insightful content, practical tips, and hands-on demonstrations, the course is a must for anyone looking to take their aerial photography and videography to the next level. In this detailed review, I’ll take you through the various chapters and share my thoughts on what makes this course a fantastic resource for drone enthusiasts.
About the Author
Andreas De Rosi is the founder and editor of PhotoWorkout, a leading photography resource, where he shares over a decade of experience in photo software, gear reviews, and creative techniques. His deep passion for photography drives his exploration of the latest equipment and software, helping photographers of all levels find the best tools to enhance their craft.
As an avid drone enthusiast, Andreas currently flies the DJI Mini 3, capturing stunning aerial footage while uncovering the hidden potential of drone photography.
PhotoWorkout’s Rating: 5/5
The Drone Mastery course by iPhone Photography School offers comprehensive training for drone enthusiasts. Led by Clifford Pickett, an expert photographer and drone pilot, the course covers everything from pre-flight checklists to advanced techniques like cinematic movements, hyperlapses, and smooth footage settings. With 7+ hours of video lessons, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced pilots. Bonuses include drone regulations, shooting tips, and personalized photo feedback. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime access.
$1,245 | Now 80% OFF at $239- Excellent teaching based on real drone shots in the field.
- Outstanding video quality.
- Strong community with a Q&A section for each lesson.
- A bit pricey.
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Module 1: Essential Techniques for Breathtaking Aerial Photos
The first module sets the foundation for capturing stunning aerial shots with your drone. It begins with a warm welcome and the Pre-Flight Checklist, which is essential for safe flying. The instructor emphasizes the importance of preparation to avoid accidents, from checking your drone’s battery to ensuring GPS connectivity.
One of the most valuable lessons in this module is the Secret Formula For Capturing Incredible Aerial Images Every Time. This part of the course breaks down a simple yet effective method to frame your shots and adjust your drone settings for perfect results. The course walks you through the Correct Drone Settings for High-Quality Photos, ensuring you make the most out of your DJI Mini 3/4 or any other drone.
The module also offers specialized tips on capturing specific landscapes, such as the chapter on How to Shoot Stunning Seascape Photos with a Drone. It’s amazing how lighting and positioning play a crucial role in creating beautiful, moody shots of the sea. My favorite part of this section was the 5 Lighting Hacks for Perfect Aerial Mountain Shots, which gave me the confidence to capture high-altitude landscapes under varying light conditions.
One chapter I found particularly useful was 7 Tricks to Get the Best Image Possible (Even in Challenging Situations!). As someone who frequently flies in changing weather conditions, this part helped me navigate those difficulties while still coming away with impressive shots.
The module also dives deep into composition, teaching techniques to enhance your shots with unique perspectives. The Secret Composition Element That Transforms Your Aerial Shots introduces an overlooked element that instantly adds a sense of scale and depth to your photos, making your work stand out. This tip alone changed how I approach drone photography.
From capturing Unique Urban Drone Photos to Proven Techniques for Incredible Sunrise Photos, the module is a treasure trove of useful information. The Hidden Drone Feature for Capturing Breathtaking Panoramas was another gem. I didn’t even realize my drone had this capability until taking the course!
Module 2: How to Shoot Captivating Aerial Videos
While the first module focuses on photography, Module 2 is all about capturing stunning aerial videos. It kicks off with an Introduction to Aerial Videography, which sets the stage for creating smooth, professional-looking videos. I was particularly impressed with the section on Correct Drone Settings for High-Quality Videos. The instructor explains how to balance frame rates, resolution, and other settings for the best possible footage.
The standout chapter in this module is 23 Cinematic Moves for Jaw-Dropping Videos. This part of the course outlines different drone movements, such as the “Orbit” and “Dolly Zoom,” that immediately elevate the cinematic quality of your shots. What makes this section so helpful is the clear explanation of how to execute each move using specific controls.
I also learned a ton from Hidden Drone Setting for Effortlessly Smooth Videos. Smoother footage often means the difference between an amateur and a professional-looking video. With the settings tweaks discussed in this chapter, I was able to drastically improve the quality of my aerial videos.
The chapter on Waypoints: The Ultimate Shortcut for Incredible Aerial Videos taught me how to automate certain flight paths for consistency and precision. This is particularly useful for anyone interested in creating time-lapses or hyper-lapses, which are covered in another excellent chapter.
One unique tip that stood out was the One-Click Hack for Shooting Cinematic Videos of Yourself. This made it much easier to create high-quality, dynamic self-portraits using my drone.
For anyone who enjoys social media, the module also includes How to Shoot Engaging Vertical Videos for Social Media. Vertical video is becoming increasingly popular, and the course provides detailed insights into how to capture it in an engaging, professional way.
Also read: Instagram Academy by iPhone Photography School
Finally, Advanced Drone Settings for Pro-Level Footage wraps up the module by teaching how to fine-tune your drone’s settings to create content that stands out, even in challenging lighting and environmental conditions.
Module 3: Advanced Techniques for Creative Drone Shots
In Module 3, the course dives into advanced techniques that add a creative flair to your drone shots. This section begins with the Introduction: The Power of Storytelling for Engaging Drone Shots. Here, I learned how important storytelling is in creating not just beautiful footage, but also videos that captivate an audience.
The chapter on 7 Pro Tips to Track a Moving Car was both exciting and informative. Tracking a fast-moving object with a drone can be tricky, but these tips made it much easier. Another standout is How to Capture Spectacular 360° Sphere Panoramas, a feature I didn’t know I had access to on my drone until now.
For those interested in viral social media content, the chapter on Match Cuts: The Secret Behind Viral Social Media Videos is a goldmine. This chapter explores how to execute transitions that are smooth, dynamic, and visually impressive.
The module ends with some excellent advice on editing. The chapter 3 Editing Apps for Transforming Your Aerial Photos and Videos introduces software that takes your raw footage and turns it into a polished final product. This has been incredibly helpful in improving my post-production process.
Bonus Content: Even More Value
The bonus sections of the course are like a cherry on top. From Drone Rules and Regulations to Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Drone, these extras provide invaluable information for keeping your drone in top condition and flying safely.
The course even includes a section on editing, with chapters like Taking Video Editing to the Next Level, which demonstrates advanced editing techniques that bring your footage to life.
For those with a DJI Avata or DJI Mavic 3 Pro, there are specific chapters that focus on unlocking the full potential of these drones, which I found very insightful even though I fly a Mini 3.
Conclusion
The Drone Mastery course from iPhone Photography School offers a comprehensive, practical approach to mastering drone photography and videography. With its well-structured lessons, real-world examples, and expert guidance, it has significantly improved my DJI Mini 3 skills. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your techniques, this course is a valuable investment. Plus, with the current 80% discount and a 30-day money-back guarantee, now’s the perfect time to enroll and elevate your drone flying skills!