Pedestal shot
Also known as: pedestal, drone rise, boom up, vertical rise
A camera move that rises or descends vertically while keeping the same direction, often with a tilt to hold the subject, revealing or concealing the scene.
Updated
What it means
In film, a pedestal move raises or lowers the camera on a stand without tilting or panning it. With drones, the term covers a straight vertical climb or descent, often combined with a gimbal tilt to keep the subject in frame. Rising from a close shot of a rider to a wide view of the valley is a classic example.
The move is simple but effective. Rising reveals context and scale, while descending brings the viewer into a scene. Combined with a tilt down, it can end in a top-down view.
It is one of the easiest moves to fly smoothly, which makes it ideal for beginners.
How it works in practice
Start low, close to the subject, and push the throttle up slowly and steadily. Tilt the camera down gradually if you want to keep the subject centered as you climb. Cine mode keeps the climb rate gentle and smooth.
For a reveal, begin with the camera facing a wall, a tree line or a rock, then rise above it to show the landscape behind. For an ending, rise slowly away from a group of riders as the music fades out.
Vertical moves also work well in vertical orientation, since the movement runs along the tall axis of the frame.
What to watch out for
Climbing into branches, wires or overhangs is a real risk, especially when you watch the screen. Check overhead before starting and keep the drone clear of obstacles above.
Very fast climbs look jerky and can be hard to stop smoothly. A slow, steady climb with an ease-out at the end looks most professional, and many drones offer an ease setting for exactly this.
Altitude limits and rules apply, especially near airports and in restricted zones. Check the maximum allowed height for your location, and remember that wind is often much stronger a hundred meters up than at the launch spot.
How RawClip handles it
A slow rise makes a natural opening or closing shot in a highlight. Upload your pedestal clips with the rest of your footage, and RawClip uses the best moments to frame your highlight.