June 18, 2025
Do you remember the 2020 Tokyo Olympics? Drones created a mesmerizing aerial light show featuring 1,824 synchronized drones forming a rotating globe in the sky. That’s more than just photography—it’s an entire visual experience that wouldn’t have been possible a decade ago.
Drones are now accessible for all kinds of productions, not just big-budget ones. From weddings and music festivals to corporate conferences and sports events, they’re changing the way we capture moments, tell stories, and even manage logistics.
With the push of a button, event organizers and photographers can get jaw-dropping aerial views that add depth, drama, and an undeniable “wow” factor. So, how exactly are drones shaping modern events? Let’s take a closer look.
Back in 1858, a French photographer named Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, affectionately known as "Nadar," snapped the first-ever aerial photograph from a hot air balloon floating above Paris. Imagine lugging a bulky camera into a balloon basket and developing photos mid-air—talk about dedication.
Not long after, in 1860, James Wallace Black captured a bird's-eye view of Boston from a balloon, marking the oldest surviving aerial photo. Innovators didn't stop there; they experimented with kites, and even pigeons equipped with tiny cameras to get those elusive overhead shots.
With the advent of airplanes in the early 20th century, aerial photography soared to new heights. Photographers could now cover vast areas and capture dynamic images from the sky. This method became especially valuable during World War I for reconnaissance, helping armies map terrains and monitor enemy movements.
The global drone market is expected to grow to $57.8 billion by 2030 because of better camera technology and more use in areas like event photography.
(Source: Global News Wire)
Fast forward to today, and drones have completely transformed aerial photography, especially in event coverage. These nimble devices offer unique perspectives that were once costly and logistically challenging.
Drones have now become the must-have tool to capture events in a way that leaves everyone in awe.
Imagine saying your vows as a drone quietly soars above, capturing the entire scene—the lush surroundings, the smiling guests, and that perfect sunset.
Drones provide stunning aerial shots that showcase the beauty and scale of your special day, offering perspectives that ground-level photography simply can't match.
Beyond photos, drones bring a cinematic flair to wedding videos. Picture a sweeping aerial view of the ceremony, seamlessly transitioning to intimate moments on the ground. This dynamic storytelling adds depth and emotion, turning your wedding video into a mini-movie you'll cherish forever.
The demand for drone photography in weddings has increased by 40% over the past five years.
(Source: Mark Wide Research)
This shows that couples are becoming more interested in aerial shots—photos and videos taken from above—to make their wedding memories look more unique and visually impressive.
Corporate events often aim to impress, and what better way than with aerial footage capturing the full scope of the venue, the bustling crowd, and prominent branding? Drones can highlight the energy and scale of the event, providing compelling visuals for stakeholders and attendees alike.
In the competitive world of business, standing out is key. Incorporating drone footage into promotional materials adds a modern and innovative touch, showcasing your company's forward-thinking approach. Aerial shots of product launches, team-building activities, or large-scale conferences can make your marketing content more engaging and shareable.
Sports events are all about action and excitement. Drones capture dynamic overhead shots of the game, providing fans with perspectives they've never seen before. Whether it's a marathon, a football match, or a surfing competition, aerial footage brings viewers closer to the thrill.
Drone technology improves live broadcasts, with 68% of viewers saying they feel more immersed when aerial footage is used.
(Source: Statista)
For live broadcasts, drones offer smooth, sweeping visuals that traditional cameras can't achieve. They can follow the action from above, glide over cheering crowds, and provide context to the event's location, making the viewing experience more immersive and engaging
Drones have revolutionized photography, offering unique advantages over traditional methods. Here's why they're becoming the go-to choice for many.
Capturing aerial imagery once required hiring helicopters or planes, which was expensive and often out of reach for many projects. Drones have changed the game by providing high-quality aerial shots at a fraction of the cost. After the initial investment, drones are significantly more affordable than chartering traditional aircraft.
The global drone surveying market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.3% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033.
(Source: Globe News Wire)
That means more and more people and companies will be using drones for things like mapping, land surveys, and construction planning.
Drones allow photographers to capture images from angles and heights that are simply not possible with standard cameras. This capability enables overhead shots, bird's-eye views, and stunning panoramas, adding depth and interest to photos.
The global drone market, including consumer and commercial drones, is projected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2029.
(Source: Consumer and commercial drones - statistics and facts)
That’s a big deal. As the market grows, we’ll likely see more drone services around us—better drone tech, more creative uses, and maybe even lower prices because of more competition. It's also a great time for businesses to get into drone-related work.
Setting up for aerial photography with traditional methods involves extensive planning and coordination. In contrast, drones can be deployed swiftly, allowing photographers to capture fleeting moments with ease. Their compact size and maneuverability enable seamless movement between locations, ensuring no shot is missed. This flexibility is particularly valuable in dynamic environments like weddings or live events.
Drones have already transformed event photography, but the horizon holds even more exciting developments.
Imagine drones that can autonomously follow the main event, adjusting angles and framing without human intervention. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making this a reality. These smart drones can track subjects, anticipate movements, and capture key moments seamlessly, reducing the need for manual control and allowing photographers to focus on creativity.
48% of drone manufacturers are integrating AI for autonomous navigation, improving tracking and obstacle avoidance.
(Source: Consumer and commercial drones - statistics and facts)
For example, if you're using a drone for a wedding shoot or a building inspection, it can follow the subject automatically and avoid crashing into things—making the whole job faster and more professional.
One common concern with drones at events is the noise they produce, which can be distracting. Innovators are addressing this by developing quieter drones. For instance, some models utilize ion propulsion technology to minimize sound, making them ideal for capturing footage without disrupting the event's ambiance.
Drones are becoming more compatible with various media tools, streamlining the workflow for event coverage. They can now integrate with live streaming platforms, allowing real-time aerial footage to be broadcast directly to audiences worldwide. Additionally, advancements in software enable easier editing and sharing of drone-captured content, enhancing collaboration among media professionals.
Over 80% of drone manufacturers plan to incorporate AI-driven analytics into their platforms, enhancing real-time data processing and media compatibility.
(Source: Consumer and commercial drones - statistics and facts)
This is a big step for anyone using drones for work, like in events, agriculture, security, or construction. It means faster decisions, smarter footage, and less time spent editing or sorting data. For example, a drone could instantly highlight the best clips from an event or flag a damaged area in a building inspection.
Drones have undeniably transformed event photography, offering unique perspectives and dynamic visuals that were once out of reach. As we've explored, their cost-effectiveness, creative capabilities, and seamless integration into various events make them an invaluable asset.
When it comes to harnessing the full potential of drone technology for your events, DXG stands out as a premier partner. With a team of seasoned audiovisual professionals, we offer comprehensive services that go beyond just drone photography. We know how much heart and effort you put into your event and we’re here to match that energy. From hands-on production oversight to the latest in audiovisual tech, we’ve got you covered. With engaging visuals, smooth execution, and thoughtful design, we’ll help bring your vision to life and make sure your event leaves a lasting impression.
When you choose DXG, you gain a dedicated partner who is committed to turning your vision into an unforgettable experience. Our expertise in photography and videography captures the essence of your event, preserving those special moments with stunning visuals and high-definition videos. Reach out to us today. Do you have any proposals to share? We'd love to hear it.