28 Jun Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Drones for Construction Photography

Drones have gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly when considering drones for the construction industry. They offer a unique perspective and invaluable data for construction photography. However, to ensure quality results and safe operation, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top five mistakes to avoid when using drones for construction photography in Sydney, Australia, brought to you by HLH Marketing.

Mistake #1: Not Understanding Drone Rules and Regulations

Drones are subject to a variety of local and national regulations in Australia, particularly when used for commercial purposes. To avoid fines or legal issues, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the rules. Resources like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) website can help you stay up to date with drone regulations. Here are some of the rules for recreational drone operators in NSW:

• You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
• You must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from other people.
• You must only fly one drone at a time.
• You must keep your drone within visual line-of-sight. This means always being able to see the drone with your own eyes (rather than through a device, screen or goggles).
• You must not fly over or above people or in a populous area. This could include beaches, parks, events, or sport ovals where there is a game in progress.
• Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent
• If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport, which generally have a control tower at them.
• You must only fly during the day and you must not fly through cloud or fog.
• You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway.
• If you intend to fly your drone for or at work (commercially), there are extra rules you must follow. Like, you will need to register your drone.

Mistake #2: Not Conducting a Thorough Pre-flight Check

Conducting a thorough pre-flight check is crucial for ensuring both safety and quality results. Before each flight, ensure your drone’s battery is fully charged, the GPS signal is strong, and all equipment is functioning properly. Additionally, double-check that your drone’s firmware is up to date to prevent any unexpected issues during flight. At HLH Marketing, we always emphasise the importance of pre-flight checks to our clients.

Mistake #3: Not Accounting for Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on drone photography and flying, making it important to monitor the weather before each flight. High winds, rain, and fog can reduce visibility and make it difficult to control the drone. Always check the weather forecast before flying and be prepared to postpone your flight if necessary. As stated in the CASA rules,

“You must only fly during the day and you must not fly through cloud or fog”.

Additionally, be aware of any sudden changes in the weather that may occur during the flight and adjust your flight plan accordingly.

Mistake #4: Not Using the Right Camera Settings for the Situation

The quality of your construction photographs and videos largely depends on your drone’s settings. Factors such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture can impact the final image or video. To achieve the best results, adjust your settings based on the lighting and environmental conditions. For example, use a lower ISO for bright conditions to avoid overexposure or a higher ISO for low-light situations. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal combination for your specific situation. At HLH Marketing, we ensure that our drone operators are properly trained and equipped to capture your construction footage at the highest possible resolution.

Mistake #5: Not Prioritising Construction Site Safety

While drone photography offers a new and exciting perspective on construction projects, it’s crucial to prioritise safety above all else. Failing to follow safety protocols could result in accidents, including collisions with heavy machinery or other equipment. Always ensure that the construction site is clear and that all workers are aware of the drone’s flight path. At HLH Marketing, we prioritise safety at every stage of the project, from pre-flight checks to post-flight analysis.

Benefits of Drone Construction Photography

Using drones for construction photography in Sydney can offer a wealth of benefits, from exceptional marketing to more efficient project management. However, avoiding common mistakes can be challenging, especially for those without experience in drone operation. That’s why at HLH Marketing, we offer professional drone photography services for construction projects. Our team of experienced operators and the latest drone technology ensures that we capture the best possible footage, without any of the hassle.

Drones for Construction Photography

In conclusion, to ensure the highest quality results for your construction photography, avoid the common mistakes we’ve discussed, and trust the experts at HLH Marketing. Contact us today at (02) 8985 2019 or email us at michael@hlhgroup.com.au to discuss how we can help with your construction project needs.