Capturing Sandton City After Sunset with Virtual Planit
Sandton City completely transforms once the sun starts to dip.
Glass towers reflect the last bit of daylight, the lights flicker on, and the whole area turns from business hub to urban landmark. That’s exactly the moment we set out to capture.
I recently partnered with Virtual Planit to shoot aerial photos of Sandton City just after sunset. The goal was simple: capture the atmosphere and structure of this iconic part of Johannesburg, and support Virtual Planit’s work in architectural visualisation.
Who Is Virtual Planit?
Virtual Planit is a visualisation studio that works closely with architects, planners, and developers. Their focus is on the built environment — everything from large-scale infrastructure to city parks and commercial buildings.
They create CGI, verified views, and immersive VR content that shows how future spaces might look and feel. Our aerial photos were part of their broader process — providing real-world context for their digital visualisation tools.
The Shoot: Aerial Photos Over Sandton
For this project, I used the DJI Inspire 3, a high-end drone that handles low-light conditions exceptionally well. I had a tight window to work with — that short period just after sunset, when the sky still holds some light and the city begins to glow.
We planned the flight to highlight the architectural detail of Sandton City, while keeping the shots clean, symmetrical, and ready for use across formats like marketing decks, CGI overlays, and planning visuals.
Why Twilight Works So Well
Twilight brings out textures and depth in urban environments. The lighting is soft, the shadows are long, and the glow from streetlights and windows adds a natural sense of warmth. It’s one of the best times to shoot aerials in the city.
And unlike midday shots, these images feel more grounded and atmospheric — which fits perfectly with the type of storytelling Virtual Planit brings into their work.
Flying in Busy Airspace
While Sandton isn’t in controlled airspace, it is one of Johannesburg’s busiest and most congested areas, both on the ground and in the air. That meant careful planning and responsible flight operations were essential.
As a licensed and insured drone operator flying under an ROC, I made sure all safety protocols were in place. I also coordinated with site security to ensure everything went smoothly during the shoot.
How the Photos Are Used
The images from this shoot weren’t just for show. Virtual Planit can use them to:
Build real-world context into CGI and 3D visualisations
Enhance planning and presentation documents
Add depth and credibility to marketing material
Support architectural proposals and public consultations
High-quality aerial photography helps clients and stakeholders better understand a site’s surroundings, scale, and potential.
A Straightforward, Effective Collaboration
This shoot came together the way every job should — clear direction, proper planning, and a shared understanding of what the visuals needed to do. Working with Virtual Planit, who know how to get the most out of visual content, made the process simple and focused.
It’s always rewarding when your work becomes part of a larger vision, not just a standalone image.
Final Word
If you’re working on a development, urban design, or architectural project and need accurate, impactful aerial photography, I’d be happy to chat.
Whether it’s for planning, visualisation, or marketing, I offer professional drone services that are licensed, experienced, and tailored to your project’s needs.
The Ultimate Guide to Sport Event Drone Videography
Why Sport Event Drone Videography Matters
Capturing the energy and speed of a live sporting event needs more than ground cameras. Whether it's motorsports, athletics, or horse racing, drones bring audiences closer to the action, from every angle, in real time.
Sport event drone videography gives you:
Full coverage over wide, dynamic spaces
Aerial perspectives that can follow motion closely
Broadcast-ready footage for streaming and replays
High-impact visuals for promotion and engagement
It's become a key part of live sports production — not just a nice-to-have.
Real-World Example: Drone Videography for Horse Racing
At Aerial Drone Solutions, we regularly film high-speed horse racing events using the DJI Inspire 3 with a dual-operator setup. This allows one operator to focus entirely on flying while the other controls the camera independently — giving us the precision needed to track horses as they sprint down the track.
Why it works:
Smoother tracking: While one operator keeps the drone stable at speed, the other keeps the camera locked on the action.
More accurate framing: Dynamic angles and cinematic movements are possible, even when the drone is flying flat out.
Reduced risk of missed shots: The camera operator can react independently of the drone’s movements — perfect for fast-paced, unpredictable action.
This kind of setup is ideal not just for horse racing but for any sport where speed and movement are key — like cycling, motorsport, or rugby.
7 Benefits of Using Drones for Sport and Live Events
1. Full Venue Coverage
Whether it's a sprawling track, a golf course, or a stadium, drones can cover it quickly — giving producers more flexibility than fixed-position cameras.
2. Unique Cinematic Angles
High angles, fast fly-bys, and sweeping shots add a layer of excitement that enhances live viewing and highlight reels alike.
3. Live Broadcast Capable
Footage from drones can be streamed live into broadcasting systems — great for big screens at the event and online audiences.
4. Fast Setup and Repositioning
Unlike cranes or scaffolding, drones can be airborne in minutes and adjusted between races or matches.
5. Increased Safety
No need for camera operators to be close to fast-moving players or vehicles. Drones can operate safely from above or the sidelines.
6. Lower Production Costs
Compared to hiring helicopters or building platforms, drones offer major cost savings for aerial shots.
7. Post-Event Content Options
Drone footage is perfect for slow-motion replays, branded highlight clips, or social content that keeps your event in the spotlight after it’s done.
What to Look For in a Drone Filming Team
When hiring for a sport or live event, make sure your drone team has:
Proper licenses and airspace permissions
Experience with dual-operator systems for dynamic tracking
Broadcast-capable drones like the DJI Inspire 3
A background in sport aerial photography or videography
Public liability insurance and strong safety protocols
Ideal Events for Drone Filming
Event TypeHow Drones Add ValueHorse RacingTrack each race from start to finish with fluid motion shotsMotorsportsFast-follow shots and overhead viewsMarathons & CyclingTrack athletes over long distancesRugby & Field SportsDynamic replays and crowd shotsExtreme SportsCapture hard-to-reach angles in rugged terrain
FAQs
How much does sport event drone videography cost?
Pricing depends on the location, length of the event, and the number of drones or operators required.
Can drone footage be used for live broadcasting?
Yes, with the right equipment and permissions. We regularly integrate drone footage into live event streams.
Are drones allowed at horse racing tracks or stadiums?
With the right aviation approvals and risk assessments in place, yes. We handle all necessary compliance for safe and legal operation.
What’s the advantage of dual-operator setups?
They improve tracking and framing during fast-moving events by allowing one pilot to focus on flight and the other on camera angles.
Final Word
Sport event drone videography has changed how events are filmed and watched. From horse racing to live stadium events, drones like the DJI Inspire 3 give organisers and production companies powerful new ways to capture the action. If you want angles your audience hasn’t seen before — this is how you get them.
📩 Need a drone team for your next event? Contact Aerial Drone Solutions to book a licensed drone pilot and camera operator for live or recorded coverage.
Revolutionising Industries with Drone Photography
Introduction: Why Drone Photography Is Changing the Game
Drone photography has redefined the way we see the world—literally. From jaw-dropping aerial shots in tourism campaigns to precision mapping for construction sites, it’s no longer a gimmick—it’s a game-changing tool.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into what drone photography is, why it matters, and how you can harness its power in your industry.
What Is Drone Photography?
Drone photography involves capturing images or video using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras. It offers a bird’s-eye view that’s impossible to achieve with ground-based equipment—ideal for showcasing large properties, tracking construction progress, or creating cinematic marketing content.
Benefits of Drone Photography Across Industries
Let’s break down the value by sector:
🏢 Commercial Real Estate
Show full property layouts and surroundings in a single frame
Highlight accessibility, parking, and proximity to landmarks
Attract more interest with dynamic, high-quality visuals
🏗️ Construction
Monitor site progress efficiently
Conduct aerial inspections without risking worker safety
Create before-and-after comparisons for clients and investors
🧳 Tourism & Hospitality
Showcase scenic destinations from stunning new angles
Elevate marketing campaigns with cinematic views
Create unforgettable social media content
🔍 Inspection & Logistics
Perform routine inspections safely and quickly
Reduce costs and downtime with remote access to hard-to-reach areas
Track delivery routes or facility layouts with ease
Why You Need a Professional Drone Photographer
Hiring a certified drone photographer ensures:
Compliance with local aviation laws (like South Africa’s SACAA regulations)
Insurance and safety protocols are in place
Superior image quality with high-end UAV equipment
Professional editing and post-production services
Inexperienced pilots may offer lower rates, but lack of skill or legal compliance could end up costing you more in the long run.
What Makes a Great Aerial Photographer?
When choosing an aerial photography provider, look for:
Licensed and insured operations
Portfolio of previous work in your industry
Strong understanding of framing, lighting, and movement
Knowledge of post-processing tools and storytelling through visuals
How to Use Drone Photography to Maximize Your ROI
Marketing Campaigns – Use captivating aerial footage in ads, websites, and brochures.
Sales Tools – Send virtual property tours or progress updates to clients.
Documentation & Reports – Visually track project development or conduct site evaluations.
Event Coverage – Capture outdoor events from the air for unforgettable recaps.
FAQs
What is drone photography used for?
It’s used in real estate, construction, tourism, agriculture, inspections, and marketing to provide high-impact aerial visuals and data collection.
How much does drone photography cost?
Prices vary depending on flight time, post-production, and location. Commercial packages usually start from R3,000–R10,000+ in South Africa.
Do I need a license to do drone photography?
Yes, in South Africa you need to be licensed by SACAA for commercial drone operations.
Is drone photography legal in South Africa?
Yes, but it’s regulated. Licensed drone operators must follow airspace, privacy, and safety laws.
Final Thoughts
Drone photography is more than just stunning visuals—it's a practical tool with measurable benefits across a range of industries. Whether you're selling commercial property, documenting a construction project, or promoting a tourist destination, aerial imagery can take your results to new heights.
📸 Book Your Free Consultation Today
Want to see how drone photography can work for your business? Aerial Drone Solutions offers a free, no-obligation consultation to help you explore your options.
✅ Get expert advice from a licensed professional
✅ See examples relevant to your industry
✅ Discover the best package for your needs
📧 Email: info@aerialdronesolutions.co.za
📞 Phone: +27 72 049 6035
🌐 www.aerialdronesolutions.co.za
The Ultimate Guide to Drone Surveying in South Africa
🚁 What Is Drone Surveying?
Drone surveying uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution cameras and positioning systems to collect geospatial data from above. This data is processed into detailed maps, models, and analytics for land measurement, infrastructure planning, and monitoring.
Unlike traditional methods, drone surveys are:
Faster
More affordable
Less invasive
Highly scalable
It’s an ideal solution for industries that rely on precise terrain data.
🛰️ What Does Drone Surveying Deliver?
With the use of photogrammetry, drones capture overlapping images to produce:
Orthomosaics: Accurate 2D stitched aerial maps
Point Clouds: Dense 3D datasets for modelling and volume calculations
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs): Elevation maps for terrain analysis
Contour Lines: For planning, grading, and hydrological studies
Volumetric Measurements: Track stockpiles and earthworks with precision
🧠 Benefits of Aerial Surveying
BenefitImpactSpeedComplete surveys in hours, not daysAccuracyAchieve 2–5 cm precision with RTK and GCP workflowsCost EfficiencyReduce manpower, time, and equipment overheadSafetyNo need for workers in hazardous or hard-to-reach areasScalabilitySurvey small plots or massive industrial zones
📍 Who Should Use Drone Surveying?
Drone surveying offers measurable benefits for:
🏗️ Construction Companies
Pre-site assessments
Earthworks progress tracking
Site layout verification
⛏️ Mining & Quarrying Operations
Stockpile volume tracking
Blast planning
Pit and slope analysis
🧱 Engineering & Infrastructure Firms
Road and bridge corridor mapping
Utility route planning
Cut-and-fill analysis
📐 Land Surveyors
Faster topographic surveys
Reliable 3D outputs
High-resolution data for CAD and GIS platforms
🧰 Why Photogrammetry Is a Game-Changer
Photogrammetry is the process of turning 2D images into 3D spatial data. It allows drones to map large areas with accuracy and consistency, enabling detailed measurements without physical contact.
When paired with tools like RTK GPS, ground control points, and precision cameras, photogrammetry becomes one of the most powerful tools in the modern surveyor’s kit.
🔄 Typical Workflow
Project Planning – Define objectives and flight paths
Data Collection – Conduct flights with appropriate overlaps
Photogrammetry Processing – Generate maps, models, and metrics
Quality Checks – Ensure accuracy using ground control points
Deliverables – Export final outputs to CAD, GIS, or PDF formats
❓ FAQs About Drone Surveying
How accurate is drone surveying?
With the right equipment and control points, accuracy can be as tight as 2–5 cm.
Can drones survey small and large sites?
Yes. Whether it’s a single plot or a multi-hectare mine, drone surveying scales to your needs.
Is it legal in South Africa?
Absolutely. All drone surveying must be done by licensed operators under SACAA regulations.
How quickly can I get the results?
Most projects are processed and delivered within 2–4 working days.
Do you offer recurring site surveys?
Yes. We offer retainer packages and custom schedules for regular data collection.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Drone surveying is more than just a new technology—it’s a smarter way to gather data for critical projects. Whether you need detailed terrain models, volumetric calculations, or fast turnaround mapping, aerial surveying helps you work faster, safer, and with more confidence.
📞 Book a Drone Survey Today
At Aerial Drone Solutions, we deliver professional drone surveying services tailored to your needs. We are fully SACAA-licensed and serve clients across South Africa in construction, mining, engineering, and land development.
📧 Email: info@aerialdronesolutions.co.za
📞 Phone: +27 72 049 6035
🌐 Website: www.aerialdronesolutions.co.za
👉 Request a quote or book a free consultation today.