Drones: Are You Sure You Want to Be Part Of This?

I flew my first drone when I was 35 years old.

It was a DJI Mavic Air. I bought it as an impulsive reaction to create aerial photography for weddings. At the time, I did a lot of social photography with my faithful Nikon D700, and started seeing numerous posts featuring wedding aerial photography. When I received a payment for a wedding and saw an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a “slightly used DJI drone,” I knew the opportunity had arrived.

The Opportunity Arises

Six hundred dollars later, I was the proud owner of a DJI Mavic Air, a remote controller, three batteries, a multiple charger, and an ugly DJI bag. That was the day my distaste for DJI bags began. It’s similar to when a new photographer buys a camera and then wants a bag that loudly displays “NIKON/Sony/CANON/FUJI” in a huge font size—essentially a sign for all the thieves around you, letting them know you’re an easy target. The DJI bag is just like that. Yes, the drone fits, and I understand they have good intentions by providing a way to carry your drone and batteries, but I prefer to transport my drone in another bag and not announce to everyone around me that I have a $600, $900, or $2000 device with me.

A really ugly bag

The Drone That Forged My Path

That drone, despite its ugly bag, became my companion for the next two years. It taught me that I could capture video from the air. I sent it into “Pailón del Diablo” or “Devil’s Pot” when I had less than 30 hours of flight time as a pilot—which was terrifying. I not only had to navigate flying into a large waterfall and battle wind currents but also deal with the poor signal the Mavic Air experienced in that specific gorge. That drone ultimately shaped my path as a videographer.

My first Drone Video

After that experience, everything progressed like a snowball: I sold my DSLR, bought my first mirrorless camera (the original Sony Alpha A7, but that’s another story), and created my first commercial videos.

My first commercial video

They weren’t objectively the best videos, but to me, they were extraordinary. The feeling was better than any high. I felt like I was riding the wave, and it all began with that “toy.”

I don’t know why you want a drone, but I want to tell you that the moment you fly that device into the air, your life will change.

Now You Are a Pilot

That’s a significant title. Usually, when we think of pilots, we envision Tom Cruise in Top Gun, or perhaps those men and women dressed professionally at airports with their small luggage behind them and their three or four golden stripes on their shoulders. Those are commercial airline pilots. We’re the ones who fly small “hummingbirds” at lower altitudes (for now). But we all share a profound love: experiencing that beautiful bird’s-eye view. Maybe commercial pilots fly higher, but who cares? You can now call yourself a pilot.

Welcome to our fascinating world.

The Addiction of Flight

After flying drones for some time, I can tell you one thing with certainty: you can never get enough. During vacations, work trips, sunsets, and especially sunrises, you’ll want your drone with you—and you’ll want to use it frequently. I remember once when my entire family and I spent a week on a beautiful island for New Year’s Eve. I had the Mini 3 Pro with me and six batteries. Believe me when I say that I flew through all six batteries every single day. My wife was understandably unhappy. I did create a remarkable video, but that raises an important question: Was it worth not spending time with my family during our vacation, at least four hours each day? We need to learn to regulate our desire to fly and find balance.

The famous Island video

And Now What?

For some people, flying a drone is therapeutic. In my case, I thoroughly enjoy the activity of flying itself. Sometimes I fly without taking a single photo or recording any video. That flight time is invaluable for my mental and emotional well-being. Other times, I have paid activities like creating commercials, real estate videos, or other projects. I’m also constantly exploring new ways to maximize the drone’s capabilities, such as teaching people new shooting techniques or different approaches to colorization.

But you have to be part of our community. It’s not only about fun. It’s not just about soaring through the skies—it’s about challenging yourself to grow and accomplish more.