First time using the DJI Neo to film a solo shoot - Seven Sisters with the Harman Titan pinhole camera.

My First Flight with the DJI NEO: A New Tool for My YouTube Channel


After years of wanting a drone, I finally took the plunge and bought the DJI NEO—a compact, feature-rich drone that's both affordable and user-friendly. One of its standout features is the ability to automatically follow you without needing a controller, though you can switch to manual mode for more advanced flying. It seemed like the perfect introduction to drones, especially for someone like me who's always out filming content for my YouTube channel.


With both of my GoPros currently out of action, I decided to put the DJI NEO to the test on a solo shoot last Saturday. After a brief practice session the evening before, I set out early the next morning, eager to see what kind of footage I could capture. I chose Cuckmere Haven as my location, aiming to get some stunning shots of the Seven Sisters cliffs.


Setting up the drone was quick and easy, and I played around with a few of its "Follow Me" and "Spotlight" functions. The wind was blowing at around 10-12 mph, with gusts reaching up to 15 mph at times, but the DJI NEO handled it surprisingly well. To be cautious, I kept the drone flying at a relatively low altitude. There was one tense moment, though—while hovering about 3 meters above the ground, I hit the "Return to Home" button, which is designed to bring the drone back to its launch point. The drone shot up to its preset return height of 40 meters (which I didn't expect) and got caught in stronger winds, triggering red warning messages on the screen. Thankfully, it managed to fight its way back and land safely.


Overall, using the DJI NEO for a solo shoot was a game changer. I was able to focus on my camera work while the drone followed me or looped around for dynamic shots. Of course, I was a bit nervous at first, worried that the wind might carry it off into the sea, crash it into a rock pool, or attract a curious flock of seagulls. But with more practice, I’m confident that my comfort level with the drone will grow. I can already tell it’s going to be an incredible addition to my filming setup, especially alongside my GoPro when it’s back in action.



Capturing the Day with My Harman Titan Pinhole Camera

While the DJI NEO captured aerial footage, I was also shooting with my Harman Titan 4x5 pinhole camera, loaded with Fomapan 100 film (rated at 400 ISO). Cuckmere Haven, with its breathtaking view of the Seven Sisters, is a location I’ve photographed countless times, and it's one I never tire of returning to. However, this was my first time photographing the area with the Harman Titan, giving me the perfect excuse to revisit this beloved spot.

Cuckmere Haven, especially during low tide, reveals fascinating rock pools, remnants of old sea defenses, and the mouth of the Cuckmere River stretching out to sea. It’s a place that always offers something new to explore. The slower, more deliberate process of using the pinhole camera contrasted nicely with the ease of the drone’s automated tracking, giving me a well-rounded experience of both old-school and modern photography.


The biggest challenge of the day, however, was the harsh sun. Shooting directly into the sun is never ideal for me, but thankfully, it was a partly cloudy day. I had to time my shots carefully, waiting for those perfect moments when the sun would slip behind the clouds, softening the light just enough to capture the image.

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My first photo from the day captures the river Cuckmere rushing out to sea, with the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs standing majestically on the horizon. It was a moment where everything came together—the drama of the clouds, the movement of the water, and the cliffs in the distance—making for a shot that truly reflects the beauty and timelessness of this special place.



For my second shot, I moved a bit further along the coast to a rocky area. I positioned the camera low, hoping to capture the motion of the water swirling around the exposed rocks. Initially, the rocks were fully visible when I set up the shot, but as I waited for what felt like ages for the sun to dip behind the clouds, the tide gradually crept in. By the time I took the exposure, most of the rocks had been submerged.

Despite the unexpected change in the scene, I’m still pleased with the final result. 
A reminder of how quickly the landscape can transform with the tide. It’s moments like these that make pinhole photography so rewarding—the patience and unpredictability of nature often lead to more organic, surprising outcomes.



After a short walk across the rocky seashore for my third shot, I aimed to capture this section of cliffs, which luckily weren’t facing directly into the sun. Along the way, I stumbled upon several rock pools and realized they would make for a beautiful composition, adding more depth and interest to the final image.


For my third photo, I came across this dead tree nestled among the beach pebbles and scattered foliage. I initially hoped to fill more of the frame with the tree, but it was one of those moments where I misjudged the field of view—still getting used to the Harman Titan’s composition challenges. Though it's a newer camera for me, these learning moments make each shot a rewarding experience.


This is a classic view I can never resist—the Coast Guard cottages with the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs in the background. It’s always been a bit of a challenge for me to capture this scene with a pinhole camera. Over time, I’ve tried various compositions with different pinhole setups, but it remains a tricky shot to perfect. One day, I hope to truly nail it.


For my final shot, I took a short walk along the edge of the cliffs and found the perfect spot—a bench with a breathtaking view. It was the ideal place to pause and take in the stunning scenery.



Overall, my first outing with the DJI NEO and the Harman Titan was a rewarding experience, combining the precision of modern technology with the timeless charm of film photography. While the drone captured dynamic aerial footage, the pinhole camera as always pushed me to slow down and embrace the unpredictable beauty of the landscape. Cuckmere Haven, with its ever-changing tides, dramatic cliffs, and hidden rock pools, once again proved to be an inspiring location.

Though there were challenges—from managing harsh sunlight to learning the quirks of my new camera—each shot felt like a small step forward in refining my skills. I'm excited to keep pushing the boundaries with both the DJI NEO and my pinhole photography, and I can’t wait to see how these tools enhance my future projects. As always, there’s plenty more to explore and capture, and I’m eager to return to the cliffs, camera in hand, to continue the adventure.


Buy a DJI Neo Amazon.co.uk - https://amzn.to/4fesyA3





 




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