Aerial drone shots have become a staple of premium Kerala wedding photography and videography. A well-executed drone sequence transforms a wedding video from beautiful to cinematic. But flying responsibly requires knowledge of both technical operation and legal requirements.
DGCA Rules You Must Follow
In India, recreational drones under 250g (nano category) do not require registration. Commercial wedding photography typically uses larger drones that require DGCA registration, a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), and flight permission in controlled airspace. Never fly within 5km of airports (Kochi, Calicut, Trivandrum) without permission.
Best Drone Shots for Weddings
- Reveal shot: Start close on the couple, pull back to reveal the venue and landscape
- Top-down: Directly overhead of the mandap or altar — works best with circular decor
- Orbit: Rotate around the couple at a consistent radius and altitude
- Tracking: Follow a moving procession or couple walking
Settings for Sharp Aerial Footage
Use the 180-degree rule: shutter speed = 2× frame rate (so 1/50s for 25fps). Keep ISO low (100–400) in daylight. Enable ND filters to control exposure without raising ISO in bright Kerala sun.
Video editing and drone footage editing is part of the Video Editing Master Program at CIMT Kochi.