Ever seen those breathtaking aerial videos where the camera flawlessly circles a beautiful landmark, a moving boat, or a group of friends, and wondered, “How did they do that?” Well, you’re about to learn one of the most essential skills in the aerial cinematographer’s toolkit. Learning How To Perform An Orbit Shot With A Drone is a game-changer, transforming your footage from simple fly-bys into cinematic, professional-grade sequences. It might look complex, but trust me, whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just unboxed your first drone, this guide will have you executing silky-smooth orbits in no time. Let’s get you flying in circles—the good kind.
What Exactly Is a Drone Orbit Shot?
A drone orbit shot, also known as a “circle shot” or “Point of Interest” (POI) shot, is a dynamic aerial maneuver where the drone flies in a perfect circle around a stationary or moving subject while keeping the camera locked onto it. Think of it as a cinematic dance where your drone is the partner, gracefully circling the star of your show.
Why is it so effective? The magic lies in the parallax effect. As your drone orbits, the foreground (your subject) moves at a different speed than the background. This creates a powerful sense of depth, dimension, and scale that’s incredibly pleasing to the eye. It’s a fantastic way to:
- Reveal a location: Start close on a detail and slowly orbit outwards to reveal the stunning landscape surrounding it.
- Showcase a subject: Give a full 360-degree view of a building, a statue, or a car.
- Add dramatic tension: A slow, creeping orbit can build anticipation in a narrative scene.
It’s a foundational shot that, once mastered, opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Before You Fly: The Pre-Orbit Checklist
Before you even think about spinning your drone in the air, a little prep work goes a long way. A great shot is a safe shot. I remember my first attempt at an orbit; I was so focused on the controls I nearly flew into a tree I hadn’t noticed. Don’t be like me.
- Scout Your Location: Walk the area first. Identify your subject and look for any potential obstacles in your intended flight path—trees, power lines, buildings, or light posts.
- Check Airspace and Regulations: Ensure you are cleared to fly in the area. Use an app like B4UFLY (in the US) or check with your local aviation authority (like the FAA or EASA) to be aware of any restrictions.
- Assess the Weather: High winds are the enemy of a smooth orbit. A gentle breeze is manageable, but strong, gusty winds will make it nearly impossible to maintain a perfect circle.
- Calibrate Your Drone: Always ensure your drone’s compass is calibrated, especially if you’re flying in a new location. This is critical for the GPS stability needed for a clean orbit.
The Two Paths to Perfection: Manual vs. Automated Orbits
There are two primary ways to achieve this iconic shot. The path you choose will depend on your drone’s capabilities and how much control you want. Let’s break down both.
Method 1: The Art of the Manual Orbit Shot
This is the old-school, pilot-centric way. It requires more skill but gives you ultimate creative control and is an incredibly satisfying skill to master. It’s all about a delicate “two-stick dance” on your controller.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to the manual approach:
- Position Your Drone: Fly your drone to your desired starting point. Frame your subject in the center of your shot. Your distance from the subject will determine the radius of your orbit.
- Set Your Sticks (The Dance Begins): This requires coordinated input on both control sticks. Let’s assume you’re flying in Mode 2 (the most common setup).
- Left Stick (Yaw): You will need to apply gentle, constant pressure on the left stick, either left or right, to keep the drone’s nose (and camera) pointed at the subject as you circle it.
- Right Stick (Roll/Strafe): Simultaneously, you will push the right stick in the opposite direction of the left stick. So, if you’re pushing the left stick to the right (to yaw right), you’ll push the right stick to the left (to strafe or roll left).
- Find the Sweet Spot: The key is to find the perfect balance of pressure on both sticks. Too much yaw and not enough strafe, and you’ll just pivot in place. Too much strafe and not enough yaw, and you’ll fly past your subject.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Start with a wide circle around a large, stationary object (like a distinctive tree in an open field). As you get more comfortable, you can tighten your circles and increase your speed.
Pro Tip: Don’t just think about the circle. Think about your altitude. You can add another layer of cinematic flair by slowly increasing or decreasing your altitude (using the left stick’s throttle) as you perform the orbit, creating a beautiful spiral effect.
Method 2: Letting the Tech Help: Automated Orbit Modes (POI)
Most modern GPS drones from manufacturers like DJI, Autel, and Skydio come equipped with intelligent flight modes that make this shot incredibly easy. This is the best way to start if you’re a beginner.
While the exact name might vary (“Point of Interest,” “Circle,” “Orbit”), the principle is the same. Here’s a general guide on how to perform an orbit shot with a drone using these modes:
- Fly Over Your Subject: Position your drone directly above the center of the object you want to orbit.
- Select the Mode: In your flight app (like DJI Fly), enter the intelligent flight modes or “QuickShots” menu and select the Orbit or Point of Interest function.
- Set the Point of Interest: The app will prompt you to confirm your subject. You may need to draw a box around it on your screen or simply mark the GPS coordinates by hitting a button while you’re hovering above it.
- Set the Parameters: Now, fly your drone backwards away from the subject. As you do, the app will let you set the orbit’s radius, altitude, and speed. You can also choose the direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise).
- Engage and Monitor: Once you’ve set your parameters, hit “Go” or “Start.” The drone will take over and begin performing a perfect, automated orbit. Your job now is simply to monitor the drone’s flight path, keep an eye on the surroundings, and be ready to take back control if needed.
Camera Settings for a Flawless Orbit Shot
A perfect flight path is only half the battle. Your camera settings are the secret sauce that will make your orbit shot look truly cinematic.
Frame Rate & Resolution
For a smooth, cinematic look, shoot in 4K at 24fps or 30fps. If you plan on slowing down the footage in post-production for a dreamy, slow-motion effect, you can shoot at 60fps.
Shutter Speed (The 180-Degree Rule)
To achieve natural-looking motion blur, your shutter speed should ideally be double your frame rate. This is known as the 180-degree rule.
- If shooting at 24fps, aim for a 1/50s shutter speed.
- If shooting at 30fps, aim for a 1/60s shutter speed.
To achieve these slower shutter speeds in bright daylight, you will absolutely need ND (Neutral Density) filters. They’re like sunglasses for your drone, allowing you to get the correct exposure without a choppy-looking high shutter speed.
White Balance & Color Profile
Avoid “Auto” white balance, as it can shift during the shot as your lighting changes. Set a manual white balance (like “Sunny” or “Cloudy”) for consistent color. Shooting in a flat color profile like D-Log or D-Cinelike will give you the most flexibility for color grading later.
“An orbit shot is pure visual storytelling,” says Alex Chen, a seasoned aerial cinematographer. “It’s not just about circling an object; it’s about revealing its relationship to the environment. The movement should feel motivated. Ask yourself, what am I showing the audience by circling this? The answer to that question is what separates a good shot from a great one.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As you learn, you’ll likely run into a few bumps. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
- Jerky or Uneven Movement: This is the number one problem with manual orbits. The fix is practice and developing “soft thumbs.” Make your stick inputs as smooth and gentle as possible. Also, try enabling “Cine” or “Cinematic” mode on your drone, which dampens the controls for smoother flights.
- Losing the Subject: In a manual orbit, it’s easy for your subject to drift out of frame. The key is to prioritize your yaw (left stick) to keep the camera pointed correctly, then adjust your strafe (right stick) to maintain the circle.
- Incorrect Altitude or Radius: You start the shot too close and can’t keep up, or too far away and the effect is lost. Plan your shot beforehand and do a dry run if necessary to find the perfect distance and height.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to do an orbit shot?
The easiest method is to use your drone’s built-in automated flight modes, often called “Point of Interest” (POI), “Circle,” or found within a “QuickShots” menu. This lets the drone handle the flying while you focus on the shot.
Can I do an orbit shot with any drone?
You can perform a manual orbit shot with almost any drone that has a camera and standard controls. However, automated orbit modes are typically found on GPS-enabled drones from brands like DJI, Autel, and Skydio.
What is the best speed for an orbit shot?
It depends on the mood you want to create. A slow, graceful orbit (2-5 mph) is often more cinematic and majestic. A faster orbit can create a sense of action and excitement, but it’s harder to control manually.
How do I orbit a moving subject like a car or a boat?
This is an advanced technique. For automated modes, you’ll need a drone with a robust “ActiveTrack” or subject tracking feature that can update the Point of Interest in real-time. Manually, it requires a huge amount of skill, as you have to constantly adjust your speed and radius to match the subject’s movement.
Why does my orbit look wobbly even in low wind?
This could be a few things. First, ensure your controller sticks are calibrated and that you’re making smooth inputs. Second, check your drone’s gimbal settings in the app; make sure they are set to “Follow” mode and that the smoothness settings are turned up.
Your Turn to Fly in Circles
Mastering how to perform an orbit shot with a drone is a rite of passage for any aspiring aerial videographer. It’s a versatile, dynamic, and powerful tool that will instantly elevate the production value of your projects. Whether you choose the hands-on challenge of a manual orbit or the reliable precision of an automated mode, the key is to get out there and practice. Find a safe, open space, pick a subject, and start your cinematic dance. You’ll be amazed at what you can create.