Book Review: The Photographer’s Guide to Drones, 2nd Edition by Colin Smith

The Photographer’s Guide to Drones, 2nd Edition by Colin Smith

If you’re looking to turn a hobby drone into a serious photographic tool, The Photographer’s Guide to Drones, 2nd Edition by Colin Smith is the single resource you need. Smith walks readers through every stage of the workflow—from selecting the right UAV platform and camera payload, to mastering exposure, composition, and post‑processing specifically for aerial imagery. The book’s clear, step‑by‑step chapters are illustrated with full‑color examples that show exactly how a modest change in altitude, angle, or shutter speed can transform a flat shot into a striking, cinematic perspective.

What sets this guide apart is its practical, field‑tested advice. Smith draws on years of professional experience shooting everything from landscape panoramas to high‑action sports, and he translates those lessons into drone‑specific tips such as how to avoid rolling‑shutter distortion, how to use ND filters at altitude, and how to plan flight paths that keep the subject illuminated by the golden hour. The “quick‑look” checklists at the end of each chapter act like a pocket‑sized pre‑flight briefing, ensuring you never miss a crucial setting when you’re on the go.

Beyond the technical know‑how, the 2nd Edition explores the creative side of aerial photography—storytelling, visual hierarchy, and how to integrate drone shots into a broader portfolio. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer wanting to add a new dimension to your work, or a drone enthusiast eager to move past casual snapshots, Smith’s guide gives you the confidence and artistic framework to produce compelling, publication‑ready images every time you take off.

I actually have this book as the optional book for the drone photography class I teach at the City College of San Francisco, for these reasons above. Highly recommended!