7 Cutting-Edge Aerial Photography Books to Watch in 2025

Drawing from his extensive experience flying drones professionally since 2014 and collaborating with clients like National Geographic Arabia and Canon Europe, Fergus Kennedy developed this book as a creative catalyst for aerial photographers. You’ll find 52 weekly assignments designed to stretch your imagination while honing technical skills, from composing landscape vistas to mastering waypoint shots at different times of day. The book doubles as a personalized journal, inviting you to track your progress and ideas, making it ideal for those wanting to deepen their craft with fresh concepts. If you’re serious about elevating your drone photography beyond basics, this structured yet flexible approach offers a year-long creative journey.

What sets this collection apart is its focus on Chicago's aerial vistas captured through diverse weather and seasons, offering you more than typical cityscapes. Edited by Sam Landers and Michelle Fitzgerald, the book gathers perspectives from multiple photographers, each highlighting different facets of the city's architecture, shoreline, and streets from above. You’ll discover detailed portrayals of landmarks like Willis Tower and Navy Pier alongside less familiar urban corners, all framed by the atmospheric conditions that lend each shot distinct character. Whether you’re a Chicago enthusiast or someone fascinated by urban aerial photography, this book provides a fresh visual vocabulary to appreciate the city’s scale and personality.

This tailored book explores the latest breakthroughs and creative approaches shaping aerial photography in 2025. It covers emerging drone technologies, innovative composition techniques, and fresh artistic perspectives that redefine capturing images from above. By focusing on your specific interests and background, this personalized guide delves into cutting-edge developments that match your skill level and goals, ensuring an engaging and relevant learning experience. The book examines new tools and trends that open up novel possibilities for storytelling and visual expression in aerial imagery. Readers will discover how to harness recent advancements and explore creative strategies to elevate their aerial photography work.

Derrick Wiles draws on years of experience pushing drone capabilities to craft a guide that dives into the nuts and bolts of aerial photography. You’ll learn everything from piloting your drone confidently to mastering composition and lighting unique to aerial shots. The book’s 52 pages move quickly through essential skills, like controlling your drone’s camera angles and understanding how altitude affects image quality, making it a solid primer for enthusiasts wanting to elevate their visuals. If you’re curious about turning ordinary landscapes into extraordinary aerial scenes, this book lays out the core techniques without overcomplicating the process.

Roy Horton's extensive experience training over 4,000 drone pilots and working in TV, sports, and film informs this focused guide on drone photography. You learn precise control of DJI drone camera settings tailored for various lighting and landscapes, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and composition essentials. Chapter examples walk you through practical shooting techniques and post-production tips, such as dynamic range optimization and image formats. If you're eager to move beyond basic flying and capture striking aerial photos with technical confidence, this concise 94-page manual offers a clear path, especially valuable for those using DJI drones.

Unlike most aerial photography guides that focus solely on technical drone operation, Riley Stevens zeroes in on the wedding industry, blending creative and business insights tailored to this niche. You’ll learn not just how to capture striking aerial shots—chapters detail equipment choices, composition, and lighting specifically for weddings—but also how to market your drone services effectively and build client relationships that boost profitability. This book suits photographers ready to expand their skill set and grow their wedding business using drones. If your goal is to stand out in a crowded market by offering unique aerial images, this book lays out the practical pathways without unnecessary fluff.

This tailored book explores the evolving world of urban aerial photography in 2025, focusing on capturing cityscapes from innovative new heights and perspectives. It examines the latest technological advancements and creative approaches that define contemporary aerial city photography. By matching your background and specific interests, it offers a personalized journey through emerging techniques and discoveries, helping you master fresh aerial insights for compelling urban compositions. The content delves into how to interpret urban environments dynamically, guiding you through composition, lighting, and aerial storytelling adapted to your goals. This personalized guide reveals how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field of cityscape imagery.

When Jeffrey Milstein, a photographer, architect, and pilot, captures London from the air, he brings a rare combination of technical skill and artistic perspective to aerial photography. Using the latest high-resolution cameras, Milstein shoots from helicopters, offering you breathtaking views that reveal London’s iconic landmarks and urban patterns in unprecedented detail. You'll gain insight into how architectural forms and city planning intersect when seen from above, with chapters highlighting sites like Buckingham Palace and Canary Wharf. This book suits anyone fascinated by urban landscapes, architectural photography, or the challenges of aerial imaging, delivering a fresh perspective rather than a technical manual.

After analyzing emerging trends in drone technology and real estate marketing, Riley Stevens developed a targeted guide that focuses on turning drone photography skills into a profitable business. You’ll learn how to capture compelling aerial images tailored for property showcases, master editing techniques that enhance visual appeal, and understand pricing and client relationship strategies essential for success in the real estate market. The book zeroes in on practical applications, such as marketing your services effectively and anticipating future opportunities with cutting-edge drones. If you’re aiming to break into or expand within the niche of real estate drone photography, this book offers specific insights that go beyond general drone usage.