learn how to fly professionally from the industry’s best drone pilots
Aerial photography & videography
Taught by emmett sparling
BONUS – Get Emmett’s exclusive Photo Preset and Video LUT package with your course
Meet your new instructor
Introducing Coastal Drone PRO – A ground breaking new series of courses taught by the industry’s best pilots
Our mission has always been to bring you the highest quality online drone training courses in the industry. We have partnered with some of the best around to teach you what it takes to be a professional drone pilot.
Learn to Take Professional Photos and Videos from the Air
This first course teaches you the fundamentals of using your drone to capture the best possible content, while remaining safe and professional.
Have you ever wondered how to go from good to pro? Learn where to place your subject, move your drone, set your camera, and edit your content to create stunning shots for your business, social media, or just for fun!
Meet Your Instructor
Emmett Sparling
Emmett Sparling travels the world creating content for some of the world’s largest brands. He is also one of Instagram’s most up and coming photographers with 700K + followers @emmett_sparling
Emmett has been flying drones professionally for years, and is excited to share is wealth of knowledge with you.
notable brands Emmett has worked with
“This course is for anyone who has a drone, and wants to take their skills to the next level. We cover all the fundamentals of capturing engaging content with your drone, and we dive into what will take your photos and videos from good to PRO. I am excited to share what I have learned from years of experience working with some the World’s top brands.”
Course Structure
Chapter 1 - Understand Your Drone's Camera
1.1 – Exposure. Learn about exposure and how to properly ‘expose’ your image. | ISO | Shutter Speed | Aperture | F-stop | Exposure |
1.2 – Adapting for Video. Learn how these different settings change when you’re shooting video. | Exposure | ISO | Shutter Speed |
1.3 – Resolution and file type. Learn how to get the best possible resolution with your drone footage. | RAW vs JPEG | Video Resolution |
Chapter 2 - Colour Settings | Picture Profiles | Your Controller |
2.1 – Manual Mode. Manual mode on your DJI controller. | Manual Photo Mode | Manual Video Mode |
2.2 – Picture Profiles. How to get the sharpest possible video from your DJI drone. | Picture Profile Settings | Aperture | RAW |
2.3 – Controller settings. Drone controller sensitivity settings. | Controller Sensitivity | Dynamic Home Point |
Chapter 3 - Sensitivity & Lighting
3.1 – Rules of Composition. Composition is broken down into a number of different rules that you can either choose to follow or break. | Rule of 3rds | Straight Horizons | Leading Lines | Centered Weight Composition |
3.2 – Working with a Subject. The most engaging/eye-catching photos have subjects. | Subject | Subject + Composition |
3.3 – Lighting. Shooting at mid-day vs sunrise/sunset. | Time of Day |
Chapter 4 - Drone Camera Movement
4.1 – Movement for video. Different camera movements, when executed correctly, will give your drone footage a professional, cinematic look. | Dolly Forward | Dolly Backward | Upwards Motion | Forward Tracking | Orbital Movement | Orbital Follow Movement | Camera Movement | Camera Zoom |
4.2 – High resolution vertical photos. | Portrait Aspect Ration | Panorama | Horizontal Panorama |
Chapter 5 - Post Production in Lightroom
5.1 – Post Production in Lightroom. Editing is one of the most important aspects to photography. It is where your photos come to life. Here are some quick non-technical tips to get you started. | Real Life | Fiddle Around | Presets | Subtle | Style |
5.2 – Workflow. One of the most important things, especially when working with clients, is organization. | Backing Up Cards | Importing | Modules |
Chapter 6 - Vertical Panorama Edit
6.1 – Learn to edit and stitch vertical panorama drone shots together to create stunning images. A skill every drone pilot should have.
Chapter 7 - What Gear & Tools Should You Use
Learn what type of gear people like Emmett use on every shoot so that you show up prepared every time you fly.
Chapter 8 - Helpful Tips on Filming and Flying
Learn what some of the do’s and don’ts of flying professionally.
Chapter 9 - Get to Know Your Instructor
A final interview with Emmett where he reveals his life as a professional photographer and drone pilot.
Drone Specific LUT & Preset Download
Get an exclusive downloadable video LUT and photo Preset package, only for students of this course.
Aerial photography & videography
the first course in the new coastal Drone pro series
Here’s a quick recap of what’s included:
1 – Learn what it takes to take aerial photos and videos like a pro from one of the industry’s best – Emmett Sparling.
2 – Fully online at-your-own-pace course delivery so you can learn when and where you want.
3 – Two hours of content from high-end video lectures to comparative examples using Emmett’s personal shot library.
4 – Bonus Content! A downloadable Photo Editing Preset and LUT package from Emmett Sparling, exclusive for students of this course.
BONUS – Get Emmett’s exclusive Photo Preset and Video LUT package with your course
Coastal Drone Pro | Aerial Photography & Videography
- Learn From the Best: Your instructor, Emmett Sparling, is a world class drone photographer and a successful professional drone pilot with over 700K Instagram followers.
- Take Your Skills to the Next Level: Included in this course is everything you will need to take professional drone photos and videos. Learn all of Emmetts tips and tricks that has taken him from zero to flying all over the world creating content for the World’s largest brands.
- Have fun! Getting better at capturing content is always fun. See results instantly and start building an audience that will take you to the next level.
- You’ll be in Good Company: Over 6000 pilot enrolments into our courses!
Aerial photography & videography
Taught by emmett sparling
BONUS – Get Emmett’s exclusive Photo Preset and Video LUT package with your course
FAQS
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification?
Since June 1, 2019, anyone flying a drone outside in Canada which weighs more than 250g will require a pilot certification, regardless if the purpose of the flight is for fun or work. There are two types of pilot certifications – Basic and Advanced. The type of certitication you require depends on where you want to fly, and how close to bystanders.
What happens if I fly without certification?
Flying without a pilot certification can lead to hefty fines. Individuals caught flying without a license can face fines of up to $3000 for their first offence. For organizations, those fines can go up to $15,000! Worst case scenario is being charged with a criminal offence.
What kind of certification do I need?
There are two types of pilot certifications in Canada – Basic and Advanced.
1) BASIC is for flying in un-controlled airspace (far away from airports), and further than 30m from bystanders.
2) ADVANCED is for flying in controlled airspace (close to airports, and populous areas), and closer than 30m from bystanders.
If you are going to be flying frequently or for work, we recommend getting an Advanced certification. The Advanced certification gives the pilot the most freedom to operate
How hard are the Transport Canada pilot exams?
They are no joke! Transport Canada has some tricky questions in there, and it can get overwhelming. Taking our Exam Prep course is a great way to get yourself ready and confident to pass.
What is an RPAS?
RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. It’s the technical term for “drone” and it is the official government term you will see in any laws or regulations related to drones. Previously, Transport Canada referred to these aircraft as UAV so many provincial and municipal bylaws will still reference drones this way, but it means the same thing.
What are the restrictions for drones that weigh 249g or less?
You must not cause a hazard to people or their property while flying your drone. If you do, you can be subject to fines and/or criminal charges. We always recommend getting at least the basic pilot certificate regardless of drone weight as it will only help you stay out of trouble!