Tom Knol — aerial cinematographer

I approach drone work the same way I approach any other camera — with attention to movement, composition, light and how the shot fits into the wider film.

Sometimes that means a slow, controlled architectural move. Sometimes it means tracking a car at speed. The drone is the tool — the shot always comes first.

I regularly work alongside directors, DPs and production crews, but can also handle aerial productions independently from planning through delivery.

Good aerial work also depends on what happens before take-off. Airspace, location, permissions, weather, safety and timing are considered during pre-production so the aerial work fits naturally into the shooting day.

For larger productions I can coordinate directly with production, location management and the camera department.

I've worked as a filmmaker across commercials, branded content, documentaries and live productions, which is also how I approach aerial cinematography.

Rather than treating drone footage as a separate element, I look at how aerial shots connect with the rest of the camera work — matching movement, light and pacing wherever possible.

Depending on the production, I work independently as an aerial cinematographer or as part of a larger camera crew.