Intermediate

Fake Drone

Get an aerial-style shot without an aerial vehicle.

A. What It Creates

Elevated, sweeping shots that read as drone footage, shot from a pole or high ground.

Settings Readout

01Use an extension pole (3m+) or shoot from genuinely elevated ground - a balcony, hill, or rooftop.
02The Ultra Wide lens mod's 177 degree FOV is what sells the 'aerial' read - the standard lens doesn't capture enough scene.
03Move slowly and horizontally, like a drone gliding rather than a person swinging a pole.
04Tilt down 15-30 degrees from level - straight-ahead framing reads as a tall person, not an aircraft.

Environment

Open spaces with a clear elevated vantage - beaches, fields, rooftops, hillsides.

Camera Movement

Slow lateral glide or slow push-forward, held as level as possible.

Timing

Golden hour exaggerates the aerial illusion with long shadows and warm light.

Lighting

Works in most conditions; avoid midday flat light if possible.

Beach approach

Walk toward the water slowly, pole extended and tilted down slightly.

Hillside reveal

Walk along a ridge line so the horizon stays in frame.

Expected Output

Wide, elevated, slow-moving footage that reads as aerial at a glance.

Common Mistakes

— Holding the pole at arm height instead of fully extended - undercuts the elevation illusion.
— Fast or jerky pole movement - drones move slowly and smoothly; matching that pace is essential.

Demonstration video pending — sourcing a verified example for this preset.

— A monopod with a small bend at the top mimics a slight gimbal tilt drones naturally have.

Crop slightly in post to remove any pole or hand visible at frame edges.