Exploring Marblehead’s Coastal Charm: An Early Morning Drone Adventure
Experience the charm of Marblehead through my early morning drone adventure with the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Starting at dawn to capture the area’s coastal beauty before the crowds, I flew over iconic spots like Crocker Park, the Boston Yacht Club, and Fort Sewall. With stunning shots of Gerry Island and Marblehead's unique coastline, I experimented with cinematic techniques to create a vibrant, rhythmic video using the LightCut app. Check out the final footage for a fresh perspective on this quintessential New England gem!
11/1/20242 min read
There's something magical about waking up early, especially on a gorgeous Sunday in the summer when the world is still quiet and calm. For this adventure, I set out at dawn with my DJI Mini 4 Pro, hoping to capture Marblehead's stunning beauty before people arrived. I love the peace of flying my drone solo all the while trying to avoid disturbing anyone out for their own quiet morning. Having been to Marblehead before, particularly to Crocker Park and the Boston Yacht Club, I knew this spot would be incredible— the cove filled with the hundreds of boats and sailboats that fill the area.
To add a creative element, I’d just learned that having a focal point or bright color in a shot helps draw viewers in, adding to the cinematic feel. So, I put on my new bright red jacket, thinking it would give a pop of color against the coastal scenery and catch the viewer’s eye. I stationed myself on the dock at Crocker Park and launched my drone, capturing the serene morning with the cove’s boats gently anchored and the picturesque coastline in the background.
After my first battery ran out, I decided to move to Fort Sewall for a new perspective. Climbing down onto the rocks there, I launched my Mini 4 Pro to capture Gerry Island and Jack Rock—whose shape, from above, reminded me of a dragon straight out of House of Dragons! The rugged landscape was the perfect backdrop, giving each shot that authentic New England feel, with gentle waves breaking against the rocks and the vast ocean stretching out beyond.
This was the ideal opportunity to practice my drone videography techniques, so I put my Mini 4 Pro through a series of maneuvers I’d been learning: lateral dollies, backward gimbal lifts, top-down twists, orbits, vertical rises, background reveals, and fast, low passes over the water. I was thoroughly enjoying each new angle and maneuver, seeing Marblehead’s beauty unfold from these fresh perspectives. With the numerous white sailing boats dotting the dark blue water, the scene was quintessentially New England, almost like stepping into a postcard.
As the morning went on, I realized I’d flown longer than I ever had before, filling my memory card with some truly amazing footage. Marblehead is a place I’d recommend to anyone visiting Boston or the North Shore; its charm, historic spots, and stunning coastal views make it a must-see.
After returning home, I eagerly loaded my footage into the LightCut app. This time, I experimented with a fast-paced template that matched the beat of the music to quick cuts, creating an energetic scenic effect. With so much footage, the template helped me splice short, three-second bursts, giving the final video a vibrant, rhythmic feel.
Here’s the video that came out of this morning’s adventure—one that captures Marblehead’s timeless beauty and the peaceful energy of an early summer day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed filming it.
