A drone is a small aircraft with a camera, controlled from the ground. It can hover, fly a programmed route, and capture images from angles that were once the preserve of helicopters and planes. Drone photography has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the medium, used in real estate, agriculture, construction, film, and journalism.

The technology is accessible. A consumer drone can fit in a backpack, launch in seconds, and stream live video to a phone. Professional drones carry larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and flight planning software. Regulations vary widely. In the United States, the FAA requires registration and, for commercial work, a remote pilot certificate. In the European Union, similar rules apply. No-fly zones, altitude limits, and line-of-sight requirements constrain where and how drones can fly. Privacy is another issue. A drone can hover over private property and capture images without consent. Laws are still catching up.

What drones are used for

• Real estate. Aerial views of properties and land.
• Agriculture. Crop monitoring and field mapping.
• Construction. Progress documentation and inspection.
• Film and television. Dynamic aerial shots.
• Journalism. Coverage of disasters and inaccessible areas.

Drone photography is not just about altitude. It is about perspective. The best drone images use the aerial view to reveal something new.