Kim Delos Reyes: Turning aerial dreams into cinematic reality

Kim Delos Reyes is a professional drone photographer who currently serves as the Director of Photography at CHiNOY TV. As a certified drone pilot with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Kim has honed his expertise in aerial cinematography, mastering both long-form and short-form editing to craft compelling visual stories.

In this interview, the ViewPoints team connects with the #DecadeWithDJI finalist to delve into his journey as a drone photographer. We explore his insights on responsible drone use, tips for capturing the perfect shot, and his advice for aspiring photographers eager to take to the skies. 

Can you share how your early aspirations of becoming a pilot evolved into a career in drone photography?

My love for flight started when I was 9 years old, crafting paper planes with my classmates and watching them soar across the school field. My dad, who is an engineer, would help me design many planes with different characteristics. This inspired me to dream of flying planes and even becoming an astronaut. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I did not pursue a flying career and took up Information Technology instead, where I was exposed to my first ever DJI product: the NAZA flight system. It was a moment that reignited my passion for flight in a whole new way.

My first encounter with drones was a DIY model that unfortunately crashed, but then I received a DJI Phantom 3 Standard from my godfather–my first ever ready-to-fly drone. Shout out to him for helping me kickstart my career in drone photography and videography.

What drew you to drone photography specifically, and how did you get started in this field?

During my college days, I was active in photography and videography. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. I represented my school in various competitions, honing my skills along the way. After graduating, I chose to follow my heart and pursue a career in the multimedia world. I began as a photographer, and gradually transitioned into videography.

Back then, drones were still an emerging technology, known as quads or quadcopters. When the first generation of the DJI Phantom series was released, it opened up a world of new opportunities. I started with the Phantom 3 Standard, and as my expertise grew, I upgraded to the Advanced and Professional versions, using them to capture stunning aerial shots for films, weddings, and various events.

What is your approach to aerial cinematography, and what are your tips for capturing the perfect shot?

It is important to acknowledge that aerial cinematography is a very complicated task for any drone pilot. I always say that “anyone can buy a drone, but not anyone can use it properly”. There is no doubt that I put my heart and soul into capturing every photo and recording every video with care. In fact, I always ensure that every clip will be used. Before I even take off, I already know what sequences I plan to capture. This planning helps me conserve my battery and maximize flight time.

Drone etiquette is crucial, especially when it comes to safety and privacy. How do you ensure responsible drone usage in your work?

Having a UAV license is a privilege, not a right. As a licensed drone operator in the Philippines, I follow every guideline laid down by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Such guidelines include assessing weather conditions before a flight, even days before any filming will be done. Before any shoot, I check everything from the wind, to the chance of precipitation, to where the sun will rise and set, so I can plan my shots accordingly.

On the day of filming, I always minimize my presence by choosing less crowded areas for takeoff, ensuring not only my safety but also the privacy and peace of those around me. Distractions are not a good thing when you are flying a quadcopter or drone.

What advice would you give to aspiring drone photographers? 

My advice would be to embrace patience, planning, and passion:

1. Don’t rush into things. Flying fast might be fun, but sometimes, it’s the slow, deliberate movements that are key to capturing the perfect moment.
   
   
2. Plan meticulously. On some occasions, I only carry 3 batteries for a day’s work. Planning your shots saves time and avoids unnecessary retakes. Checking the weather before a flight can save your drone from a sudden downpour. I also always allocate 1 battery for scouting the area for any obstacles so I can avoid them during my creative scenes.
   
   
3. Put your heart into it. Passion is the main source of energy that powers my work. Without it, I would never have come this far with my creative shots. If you truly love what you are doing, it shows in your work, making it an extension of who you are.

To learn more about Kim, visit his Instagram account.