I’ve wrote a post about getting a basic drone and trying to check on the ease of use and quality of photos and videos. The aim was to see if the drone could achieve a level of photography similar to what I was getting with my DSLR. That was just before Covid hit and stopped the world in its tracks. Technology has advanced in the short span of 4 years since then. DSLR’s are now being replaced with mirrorless cameras, and similarly, the entry level drone that I had felt inadequate and I’ve upgraded to a drone with better flight and camera capabilities.
Although drone camera systems have seen notable advancements, they still fall short of the performance offered by DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. In my experience, drone cameras now offer photo quality comparable to that of a premium smartphone. This achievement is impressive, especially considering the multitude of components drones must integrate, including motors, flight control electronics, transmission systems, GPS, and camera setups with gimbals.
Flying and controlling a drone is one thing, but getting good photos from it is another. The basic concepts of good photography still apply like good composition and proper exposure, Rule of Thirds, using leading lines, having interesting foreground and background elements, and looking for interesting patterns. Think of the drone as a flying camera which can go places or take photos from a position you would normally find inaccessible.
Iceland is a place where its incredible scenery really lends itself to drone photography. Here are some photos taken with the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. I find this drone a good compromise between compactness and image quality. It’s small size and lightweight design makes it convenient for travel, while providing superior camera capabilities.
The contrast of the white waves breaking over jet black sand and the fiery glow of sunset is something to behold.
Icebergs that break off from the glacier float through the outlet of the lagoon into the North Atlantic Ocean and wash back onto the beach, forming the famous Diamond Beach.
The contrast of bare metal against black sand, with the mountains behind is a sight that is out of this world.
The landscapes of Iceland are already stunning at eye level, but their beauty takes on a different dimension when viewed from the air. The breathtaking scale and stark contrast between steep cliffs, rugged lava fields, expansive glaciers and black beaches often leaves one wondering if they are on another planet.
Beyond the Little Red Dot 
Wonderful post, and you are correct, Iceland is a perfect place to not only see incredible scenery, but to also create something special with drone photography. I’ve mentioned this to you before, how I’d love to get into drone photography… it is a door to a higher level of creativity with photography – but also needs commitment :-) Congratulations on taking your skills to another level, and technology is just going to make it even better (I still shake my head in amazement at the quality of photos cell phones are capable of these days!). Cheers to a great spring ahead.
Thank you, and I look forward to more amazing photos from you too.
Love the B&W wave shot, very artistic!
Thank you! 😀
Wow nice shots Edwin! I’m excited, I’m finally going this summer and hopefully we can properly use our done there too. 🙂 I love the drone shots of the roads. You have two photos that look very similar – one in winter and another one in another season. They are the same road, aren’t they?
They are different roads. The one covered in snow is in the north of Iceland in the Highlands. The rest are in the South Ciast and east.
Oh I see hahaha I was wrong! But wow Highlands from the north, that’s awesome! I have also just contacted a tour company to bring us to the Highlands, but we are going in from the south. Fingers crossed that it won’t be raining everyday during our visit. 🙂
Do the Ring Road which brings you round the whole Iceland. I would recommend Troll Expedition which does small group tours.
Oh yeah they’re one of those I contacted but their private tour was uber expensive (compared to the one I’m thinking of going). When you say small tour, is that around 5 or 6 pax? Maybe I’ll relook into my plan for the highlands.
It’s around 12-15 pax, goes in a mini-bus.
It probably expensive because you are going summer. That’s peak period 😅
Yah and we decided too late on the trip, too (just earlier this month and going next month already) – that there was literally only one accommodation left in ViK.