Exploring Higher Dynamic Range with Drone Multiple Exposure Techniques Using DJI Mini 4 Pro

Capturing images with a higher dynamic range can transform ordinary scenes into stunning photographs that reveal details in both shadows and highlights. While multiple exposure photography is common with handheld cameras, using this technique with a drone is less explored. Today, I took my DJI Mini 4 Pro out to shoot a series of five multiple exposure images and merged them into one to create a unique look. This approach can be tricky due to drone movement, but calm weather made it possible. Here’s what I learned and how you can try it yourself.

Talacre Wales

Why Use Multiple Exposure with a Drone?

Multiple exposure photography involves taking several shots at different exposures and combining them to capture a wider range of light. This technique helps preserve details in bright skies and dark shadows, which a single exposure often cannot achieve.

Using a drone for this adds a new dimension. You get aerial perspectives that are hard to replicate from the ground. However, drones are prone to slight movements caused by wind or air currents, which can make aligning multiple exposures challenging. When conditions are still, like on the day I shot, it becomes easier to capture consistent frames for merging.

Preparing for Multiple Exposure Shots with DJI Mini 4 Pro

Before heading out, I set the drone to manual exposure mode to control the settings precisely. Here are some key steps to prepare:

• Choose a stable day with minimal wind to reduce drone movement.

• Set the camera to shoot in RAW format for better post-processing flexibility.

• Plan your exposure bracket: I chose five exposures ranging from underexposed to overexposed.

• Use a tripod mode or hover in place to keep the drone steady during the sequence.

• Enable interval shooting to capture the bracketed shots quickly.

  
  

The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s gimbal stabilization helped maintain steady framing, but I still kept the drone as still as possible.

Shooting and Merging Multiple Exposures

Once in position, I triggered the five exposures in quick succession. The sequence included:

• Two underexposed shots to preserve highlight details

• One correctly exposed shot for midtones

• Two overexposed shots to bring out shadow details

  
  

After the shoot, I imported the images into photo editing software to merge them into a single high dynamic range (HDR) image. The software aligned the images and blended the exposures, revealing details that a single shot would have missed.

Merged drone multiple exposure image with balanced light and detailed landscape

Challenges and Tips for Drone Multiple Exposure Photography

Shooting multiple exposures with a drone comes with unique challenges:

• Drone movement can cause misalignment between shots. Calm weather and stable hovering reduce this risk.

• Changing light conditions during the bracket sequence can affect consistency. Shoot quickly to minimize changes.

• Battery life limits the number of shots you can take, so plan your sequences carefully.

• Post-processing skills are essential to merge and tone map the images effectively.

  
  

To improve results:

• Practice hovering in place and use GPS stabilization.

• Use a remote controller with manual camera controls.

• Experiment with different exposure brackets depending on the scene’s contrast.

• Use software like Adobe Photoshop or dedicated HDR tools for merging.

  
  

Creative Possibilities with Drone Multiple Exposure

This technique opens new creative doors. You can capture:

• Cityscapes with bright skies and dark streets balanced perfectly.

• Natural scenes where shadows and highlights reveal textures and colors.

• Sunrise or sunset shots with rich color gradients and detail.

  
  

The final image have a different look than typical drone photos, offering a fresh perspective.

Drone capturing sunset over mountain range with multiple exposures