UK Laws On Flying Drones

After fiasco at Gatwick Airport, where all flights were suspended five days before Christmas after staff saw drones flying close to the airfield, Drones will now have to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if they weigh 250g and upwards.

The issue with drones

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular and cheaper. However, new laws came into force in July 2018; which banned drones flying anywhere in the UK above 400ft and flying within 1km of airport boundaries, there has been multiple cases of them illegally coming close to aircraft. Last year, the Department for Transport (DfT) found that a drone weighing 400g could smash a helicopter, while a drone weighing 2kg could critically damage a passenger aircraft’s windscreen.

Drone manufacturers have attempted to combat this issue. Commercial drones, used in drone wedding photography, have a GPS which sends an alert if the device breaches those limits and stops it functioning. However, many people make their own drones which will not have these systems fitted, as well as shop-bought devices being hacked so the limits can be breached.

Should drones be banned?

In 2018, there were 117 near-misses between planes and drones. In October, a drone reportedly put 130 lives at risk after nearly hitting an aircraft approaching Gatwick. While drones won’t be banned, the DfT are considering introducing an age restriction to ban children owning drones weighing more than 250g.

Advice for drone enthusiasts?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and air traffic control body - National Air Traffic Service, have developed the Drone Assist app to help individuals understand their responsibilities. In light of recent events, The CAA has also issued the following advice:

- Always keep your drone in sight

- Always keep your drone within the legal limit of 400ft

- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

- Keep a safe distance from people and poverty

- Stay away from aircraft, airports and airfields

- Ensure images do not break privacy laws

Here at Abraxas, Bedfordshire wedding photographer and videographer, drone safety is at the heart of all of our projects. If having a drone is important to your wedding photography package, we advise you to leave it to the professionals to ensure you are in compliance with aviation law. For more information about our drone wedding video or photography, get in touch with our expert team today.

Drones at Weddings

Unless you had the budget to hire a helicopter it was impossible to get the dramatic views that wedding drones are able to capture. A qualified drone operator is much cheaper than a helicopter and less intrusive!

With the recent security issues at Gatwick and Heathrow Airports we're all so much more aware of the safety and legal aspects of flying a drone and when it comes to weddings, it really is important for you to do things right if you're thinking of using a drone at your wedding.

Drone capture amazing video and photos on your wedding day

Firstly lets get the obvious things out of the way, never use a family member or friend to bring a drone to use at your wedding no matter how good they may be with it. In most cases wedding venues won't allow drones without prior agreement by qualified companies.

Not all photographers and videographers are licensed to fly drones, so you have to check they are qualified and insured.

Make sure the company you use for drone filming are fully licensed and insured

Some unqualified drone operators legally try and get around the law by not charging for drone filming but for 'delivery', we don't know who thought of this and doubt it has legal standing.

If you would like a drone to capture photos and video on your wedding day check the company you are using have everything in place, some venues insist on £10m Public Liability insurance, Method Statements and Risk Assessments so there can be paperwork involved at times.

Drones have changed the way weddings can now be filmed

Drones are a great visual at a wedding, guests love them, they're a great talking point

and add that extra special dimension to your wedding video.

If you have any questions about our drones service at weddings we're happy to have a chat and explain the drones we use and how we use them.

Five Wedding Trends For 2019

With two royal weddings taking place last year, 2018 really felt like the year of weddings. There has never been so much inspiration when planning a wedding and for your day to stand out, you’ll need to look ahead. Now 2019 is fully underway, here are five trends predicted to make your big day that extra bit special.

Simple and Classic Wedding Dresses

Gone are the days of big, bold and statement-making wedding gowns. Thanks to Meghan Markle and her strikingly simple dress, 2019 celebrates the return of classic styles and simple designs. Minimalist styles often mean finding the right silhouette and tailoring to suit your shape. Nail this and you’ll be on your way to looking every inch a princess in no time.

Videography

Wedding cinematography is key to remembering your special day. When it comes to your wedding, you’ll want those memories to last forever in your own unique way. Couples now want more than a standard wedding video, requesting custom details such as pre-wedding love stories and a highlights reel. Luckily, our wedding video package can be completely customized to fit your dreams

Statement Greenery

For 2019 weddings, it's all about the natural, whimsical look. Couples are found to be opting for greenery as a classic go-to shade, with flowers, green leaves and foliage becoming central to modern-day weddings. This insta-loving trend is fantastic for those who love the rustic look or want beautiful arrangements without breaking the bank. Our professional photographers will help to make those green backdrops pop!

Alternative Engagement Rings

It seems not all girls want a diamond as a best friend. 2018 saw a rise in alternative engagement rings, with colourful stones proving popular among budding brides; including Princess Eugenie with her blush-pink sapphire engagement ring. This unconventional trend is especially popular among younger women who prefer diamond alternatives and fancy something much more personal.

Drone Technology

Weddings in 2019 will make sure no new technology isn’t present and that includes drones! Drones can be very non-obtrusive, capturing key moments of the day without disturbing the bride and groom. Our drones do all the work and can take some breathtaking images along the way. To find out more about our drone wedding photography or to speak to our wedding photographer in Bedford, get in touch today!