Early Morning at Santa Monica Pier
Join me as I capture the beauty of Santa Monica Pier on a calm, sunny morning during my recent trip to Los Angeles with my brother, Cyril. From cinematic shots of the Ferris wheel, vibrant beach areas, and iconic lifeguard booths to the graceful patterns of morning bird flocks, this video showcases Santa Monica’s charm from a unique aerial perspective. Special thanks to Steve Monroe of DroneProLA (https://droneprola.com) for sharing his expertise and helping me enhance my skills. Watch to experience the pier and California coast like never before!
11/5/20241 min read

There's something magical about waking up before dawn, especially when you know you're about to embark on an adventure. On the last morning of my recent trip to Los Angeles with my brother, I decided to seize the moment to capture stunning drone footage at the iconic Santa Monica Pier and beach. As the sky transitioned from a deep navy blue to lighter hues, I was filled with excitement to create some beautiful video. Once at the pier, I quickly got my drone ready for takeoff, feeling a bit of trepidation as I cautiously flew to near a flock of birds, which you can see in the first seconds of the video.
As I flew the drone around the Santa Monica Pier, capturing sweeping views of the breathtaking Ferris Wheel and the vibrant roller coaster, I couldn't help but appreciate the sheer beauty of the locale. The colors of the rides contrasted beautifully against the backdrop of the ocean, and the early morning light made everything glow. Each shot felt like a postcard moment, and I couldn't wait to share the experience through my video.
When it came time for post-production, I dove into the editing process with enthusiasm. Adding transitions between clips was a fun challenge as I tried to sync the music with the visuals. I experimented with speed changes and different transitions. This hands-on approach made me realize how much I enjoy crafting videos. It's not just about capturing the moment; it's about telling a story through my lens.
Ultimately, my early morning drone video shoot at Santa Monica Pier was more than just capturing beautiful footage; it was about enjoying the experience with my brother and creating memories that will last a lifetime. If you're ever in LA, I highly recommend setting your alarm early for a unique perspective on this iconic location. Who knows what magic awaits when you catch the sunrise at the pier!