Why Every Photographer Should Try a 360 Drone
- Ryan Fatalla
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
When I first picked up the DJI Avata 360, I thought it would simply be another drone.
I was wrong.
As a landscape photographer, I've spent years carefully composing every frame before pressing the shutter. Traditional drones work the same way—you point the camera, hope you've framed everything correctly, and fly.
The Avata 360 completely changes that process.
Instead of worrying about where the camera is pointing, it records everything around you. The creative decisions happen later during editing.
For someone who enjoys photography, that's a surprisingly liberating experience.
Never Miss the Shot
The biggest advantage isn't necessarily image quality or speed.
It's confidence.
With a traditional drone, you constantly think about whether you've captured the right angle.
Did I tilt down enough?
Was the subject centered?
Should I have flown a little higher?
With a 360 drone, those questions disappear.
Since the camera captures the entire scene, you can choose your composition afterwards. During editing, you simply keyframe the movement you want and create multiple perspectives from a single flight.
That means one flight can produce several completely different videos.
Captured with the DJI Avata 360 in Northland, New Zealand. The ability to reframe footage in post-production completely changed my creative workflow. Flown this along side with a kaitiaki and approved by Ngāti Tāranga.
A Different Way of Filming
The more I flew the Avata 360, the more I realised I wasn't flying for a single shot anymore.
I was flying to capture an entire environment.
Whether I'm flying through forest roads, following winding rivers, or exploring the coastline here in Northland, I can concentrate on flying safely while knowing the camera has already captured every direction.
Later, I can decide whether I want:
A cinematic forward flight
A dramatic reveal
A smooth orbit
A low fly-through
Or a completely different angle I hadn't even considered while flying
It's a workflow that feels much closer to photography than traditional videography.
Perfect for Creative Storytelling
As photographers, we're always searching for new ways to tell a story.
The DJI Avata 360 opens creative possibilities that simply weren't practical before.
Instead of planning every camera move perfectly in advance, you can experiment during editing.
Missed a composition?
You probably didn't.
Want a completely different camera angle?
Just create another keyframe.
One flight can become several unique edits for YouTube, Instagram Reels, or short-form content.
Flying Responsibly Matters
One thing I quickly learned while testing the drone is that owning a drone doesn't automatically mean you can fly anywhere.
In New Zealand, drone operations are governed by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules, and additional permissions may be required depending on where you're flying.
For example, flying over Department of Conservation (DOC) land requires DOC approval, while flights over private land require the landowner's permission.
Before every flight, I make sure I understand the local rules and obtain permission where necessary. Flying responsibly helps protect both our natural environments and the future of drone flying in New Zealand.
A Closer Look
I’ve put together a video where I talk through this shift in more detail and how it affects real-world photography:
Final Thoughts
The DJI Avata 360 isn't just another FPV drone.
For me, it's become another creative tool alongside my camera.
It changes how I think about filming, removes the pressure of getting every angle perfect in the moment, and lets creativity happen later during editing.
That's something I never expected to enjoy as much as I do.
If you're a photographer looking to expand into video—or simply want a new way to tell stories—this might be one of the most exciting drones to try.
Because sometimes the best shot...
...is the one you didn't even know you had.
Thinking About Your Own Shoot?
If you’re drawn to photography that feels natural, relaxed, and story-driven, that’s the approach I focus on in my work.
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