The Art of FPV: Building Skills One Flight at a Time
Flying the DJI Mini 2 that day was both exciting and challenging. I set out to practice and showcase some of the cinematic moves this little drone is capable of, from smooth pans to sweeping reveals. The results were beautiful, but the conditions weren’t easy—an extremely cold day in St. Ignace left my fingers stiff and clumsy on the controls. Still, there’s something rewarding about pushing through less-than-ideal weather to capture unique footage. Each flight reminds me that drone work isn’t just about the final video—it’s about adapting, practicing, and learning how to fly with precision no matter the circumstances.
This video was captured with the DJI Avata as I continue practicing FPV flying. I spent time weaving between buildings and experimenting with different techniques to refine my control and flow. Training with a simulator has been a huge help—it builds muscle memory and confidence without the risk of crashing expensive gear. That practice has made real flights feel more natural, and I’ve been slowly transitioning into full manual flying, where every movement is mine to control. Each session brings me one step closer to smoother, more cinematic FPV footage.
This latest video is a creative blend of footage captured with both the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Avata. To give the final product a unique perspective, I overlaid the Avata’s FPV flight over the wide, stable shots from the Mini 2. The contrast between the cinematic aerial view and the immersive FPV angle adds depth and energy to the story unfolding on screen. I edited the entire project in Adobe Premiere Rush, which made it easy to layer the footage, sync the timing, and polish the final cut. The end result is a smooth mix of traditional drone cinematography and FPV excitement—showing how two very different drones can complement each other in a single video.
In the end, each of these flights has been more than just practice—they’ve been stepping stones in my journey as a drone pilot and storyteller. From battling the cold while testing the DJI Mini 2, to weaving between buildings with the Avata, to combining both drones into one creative edit in Adobe Premiere Rush, every experience has pushed me to grow and refine my skills. Flying drones isn’t just about capturing beautiful footage—it’s about patience, practice, and embracing the challenges along the way. With every takeoff and landing, I’m reminded that the sky is not only a canvas for cinematic shots but also a classroom, teaching me something new with each flight.