Nature photography tip: Consider a drone

Friday 20 June 2025, 22:44 by Rob Dijkstra | 2,030 views | 3 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

A drone opens up new perspectives for nature photography. From the air, you can capture patterns in the landscape, see how wisps of mist cover it and get a unique perspective. Modern drones are compact, deliver excellent image quality and are relatively easy to operate.

However, a drone is not always the best choice. Many nature reserves have strict rules or even a ban, especially to prevent disturbing animals.

Drones weighing more than 250 grams also require a permit, and flying in windy conditions can be difficult. A drone also takes up extra space and adds weight in terms of equipment, with a controller and spare batteries.

Flying a drone requires experience that you have to build up.

For anyone who often photographs in open areas and takes the time to learn about the regulations, a drone can be a valuable addition. But if you mainly work in protected nature reserves, it may not be a worthwhile investment.

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About the author

Rob Dijkstra is fotograaf, freelancer voor onder andere Zoom, Sony en Adobe. Rob is specialist op het gebied van filmen met de DSLR en systeemcamera. Zijn passie voor de Nederlandse natuur deelt hij door foto-excursies.

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3 comments

Alex Leys wrote on Tuesday 24 June 2025 at 10:31 | reply
Still, more emphasis on the regulations would be preferable! There are enough drone cowboys already!
A good tip fdr1.be (not commercial)
Translated from Dutch.

Theo van beek wrote on Tuesday 24 June 2025 at 12:23 | reply
In the Netherlands, it is almost impossible to fly a drone legally. Many beautiful areas have been designated as Natura 2000 areas or have a flight ban for other reasons.

Flying is not allowed particularly in the western part of the country and around ports and airports.

Are you considering buying a drone, or flying a borrowed drone to take photos, then first consult the GoDrone app (free of charge), look up the area where you think you will be flying a drone more often to take beautiful pictures. If you see (many ) restrictions there, then you know that in practice you will be disappointed, or run the risk of fines and confiscations.

To be able to fly legally in prohibited areas, it is necessary to obtain a permit. For recreational use, this is generally refused.

Furthermore, I agree with Alex Leys.
Drone cowboys ruin it for the well-intentioned pilot/photographer.

fdr1.be is a very informative site and definitely highly recommended.
Translated from Dutch.

Paul van Aken wrote on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 00:14 | reply
It actually has absolutely nothing to do with photography either. Of course you can take aerial shots with such a thing, but are you then capturing what you experience? Are you yourself up there? It can be done, but it's fake.
Translated from Dutch.

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