We have a drone at The Press (actually, it’s our second drone, I’m sworn to secrecy about the status of the first drone).

It’s significantly improved our coverage of certain stories where an
aerial shot can be used to help explain an issue or put it into perspective.

We’re not new to using aerial images, we used to hire a plane (i
nfrequently) in the past to take a photographer up to take certain shots, but that was usually an expensive endeavor, and they would get as many shots for as many possible stories as they could. Not only expensive, but it took a lot of pre-planning.

Now, we can get something at a moment’s notice if a story lends itself to it.

We’ve had fun videos of the annual polar bear plunge, dramatic footage of rebuilding a beach that had eroded and lots of shots of areas proposed for development.

At first, there was a real wow factor when we used the drone, but now it’s become a matter of course and, I think, an integral part of our journalism toolbox.

Depending on the regulations, and how they develop, I think you’ll see drone footage used more and more to help explain stories.

I’m curious to see if the addition of smaller 360-cameras like the 360-fly will add an ever greater dimension to the footage as the technology continues to improve. Maybe something to try soon.