Inspiring Creativity: Exploring Cinematic Aerial Photgraphy Production in Schools

Coxana Admin
Aug 1, 2020
2 min read

Drones have become increasingly popular as filming tools over recent years. Not only do they eliminate the need to rent helicopters for aerial shots, but they also simplify the process of capturing stunning aerial footage, making aerial cinematography accessible to everyone.

INSPIRE's Cinematic Aerial Photography Production Course offers students the perfect opportunity to explore and master this emerging technology. Our course combines drone filming techniques with various filming equipment—such as DSLR cameras and camera stabilizers—empowering students to tell their own stories from unique and diverse perspectives.

INSPIRE has been conducting drone courses since 2016. With nearly a decade of experience in drone education and having taught over 4,000 students, we are committed to equipping learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in this innovative field.

In the autumn of 2019, students from Lok Sin Tong Wong Chung Ming Secondary School participated in our drone education course. During the program, students were divided into four groups, each creating a unique short film. They applied the techniques they learned in class and incorporated interesting moments from their daily lives into their micro-movies. Here, we'd like to share some highlights from the course.

Session 1 / Laying the Foundation: Prioritizing Safety in Drone Flight Training

The first few lessons of the INSPIRE Cinematic Aerial Photography Production Course emphasizes student flight safety. Before students operate professional drones, instructors provide comprehensive guidance on drone flight principles, Hong Kong's aviation regulations, and important safety considerations. Through indoor flight practice sessions, students learn the essential techniques for controlling small drones (such as the DJI Tello EDU), reducing human-related flight accidents. This foundation ensures they become confident and proficient when transitioning to professional drone operation.

**Students using DJI Tello EDU for flight practice**

**Indoor flight practice is an essential part of learning aerial photography**

Additionally, course instructors reinforce students' understanding of drone flight through class discussions and Q&A sessions. They also simulate various flight scenarios, guiding students to choose appropriate solutions for each situation.

Session 2 / Hands-on Drone Training at Scenic Hong Kong

Aerial Filming in Nai Chung, New Territories

Besides filming within school premises, INSPIRE Cinematic Aerial Photography Production Course also arranges for students to participate in off-campus practical filming activities. This allows students to capture diverse stories in various locations, while becoming familiar with essential guidelines for flying drones safely in different environments.

In our recent course, we organized an off-campus filming session for students from Lok Sin Tong Wong Chung Ming Secondary School at Sai Kung's Nai Chung area. Situated near Ma On Shan New Town, Nai Chung has become a popular photography destination in recent years, featuring scenic spots such as the iconic broken pier, small jetty, distinctive black rocks, and picturesque red wooden railings—making it a favorite "check-in" spot for young visitors. Students not only enjoyed capturing stunning imagery amidst Nai Chung's beautiful landscapes, but also gained valuable hands-on experience controlling drones in open spaces, enhancing their piloting skills.

Below are some snapshots from our off-campus filming activity: