Drone filming for “Loch Ness: They Created a Monster” involved following a tour coach along Loch Ness and capturing aerial views of the surrounding landscape.
The work ranged from wide establishing shots showing the scale of the location to more intricate flying through woodland, revealing the coach as it crossed a bridge.
From landscape views to a moving reveal
Wide aerial shots helped establish the setting, placing the coach within the landscape around Loch Ness. The woodland sequence called for a different approach, coordinating the drone’s movement with the coach to bring the bridge crossing into view.
These shots show the variety involved in documentary drone work: capturing both the wider surroundings and specific movements that help tell the story.
Preparing the take-off area
Alongside the aircraft and camera equipment, a suitable take-off surface is a practical part of a location filming setup.
The Whitetail weighted drone take-off mat provides a dedicated surface over grass, gravel and other loose ground. Covering the material directly beneath the aircraft helps reduce debris disturbed by prop wash, while the weighted edge is useful on hard ground where securing a mat with stakes isn’t possible.
The accompanying photograph illustrates a DJI Inspire 2 and Whitetail mat setup beside the water. It was taken at a separate location from the Loch Ness production.