Intensive Drone Flying Workshop for Beginners – Learn with Confidence and Control
A red 6K drone in flight during golden hour — one of the tools used during my Drone Workshops in the Azores
Flying a drone for the first time can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With so many settings, rules, flight modes and technical details to understand, many new pilots never reach the full potential of their drone.
That’s exactly why I created the Intensive Drone Flying Workshop for Beginners — a 7-hour, in-person, hands-on experience designed to help you fly with confidence, understand your equipment, and capture cinematic images in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Azores.
Why São Miguel Is the Perfect Place to Learn?
If you're visiting the Azores — especially São Miguel island — and you’d love to understand your drone better while capturing the best possible images of volcanic lakes, cliffs and waterfalls, then this workshop is absolutely made for you.
And here’s something truly unique:
You’ll be learning with a local!
I’m not just a drone pilot — I am a São Miguel local and a certified local guide, Photographer, Videographer and even a Marine Biologist ( I know, it’s strange right? ahah). I’m someone who knows the landscapes, the microclimates, the hidden viewpoints, the safe flying areas, dominante winds and the places where you can practice without stress.
Many international trainers visit the islands without truly knowing the terrain but I will teach you in the exact real-world conditions that only a local experiences daily. Specially in the Azores Islands, where the weather keeps changing in different parts of the island at the same time.
A Workshop Taught in the Field — Right in the Heart of Nature
Instead of sitting in a closed and boring classroom, we go outdoors.
You’ll learn in the middle of the action, standing in the landscapes. You’ll be filming:
volcanic calderas & lakes
stunning coastlines
lush green valleys
dramatic viewpoints with real wind, real light and real challenges
It’s the best — and the most authentic — way to learn.
Panoramic drone view over São Miguel Island — one of the landscapes explored during my hands-on Drone Workshop in the Azores, where students learn to fly and capture cinematic images
Pricing — starting at 325 € (price per person, private workshop - pickup & drop-off included)
What Makes This Workshop Different?
1. Learn to fly with total confidence
I teach you how to control the drone smoothly, safely, and without fear — even in more challenging environments.
2. Unlock the full potential of your drone
Exposure, sensors, HDR, safety settings, flight modes, ND filters…
I simplify everything that seems complicated.
3. Master essential safety rules — for you, others, and your drone
You’ll understand no-fly zones, legal requirements, privacy considerations, and how to keep your drone safe and reliable.
4. Learn cinematic movements that make your footage stand out
Including:
orbit shots
reveal shots
push-in / pull-out
top-down movements
creative transitions
Dolly cam
These are the techniques I use on professional productions.
A 7-Hour Practical Workshop in Stunning Locations
This workshop is fully immersive:
real flying time
real conditions
real feedback
immediate improvements
And throughout the entire experience, you can ask every question you have — from the basics to more advanced techniques.
A stunning aerial view of Lagoa do Fogo — one of the locations where I teach students to fly confidently during my Drone Workshop in São Miguel, Azores.
Become a Complete Creator: Editing Included
Flying is only half of what makes a drone pilot truly stand out — the other half is knowing how to edit your photos and videos so they look polished, cinematic and professional.
That’s why this workshop also includes an online editing session, scheduled after our flying day.
This allows you to practice with your own footage at home and return with real questions — making the learning much more effective.
Online Video Editing Session
During the online call, you’ll learn how to:
Select your strongest clips
Apply basic color correction to make your footage pop
Create smooth visual flow for storytelling
Export with maximum quality for YouTube, Instagram or client work
Software: Final Cut Pro XI or Da Vinci Resolve
Online Photo Editing
You’ll also learn how to transform your raw drone photos into beautiful, vibrant and balanced images through:
Exposure and contrast adjustments
Color refinement
Selective edits for depth
Exporting for web and print
Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic
This online component ensures that your learning doesn’t end in the field — you get guided practice while working on your own real-world material.
Who Is This Workshop Perfect For?
New drone owners
Visitors who want to capture São Miguel at its best
Content creators
Travel enthusiasts
Beginners who want to learn quickly
Anyone who prefers personal guidance from a local expert
The Goal
You leave the workshop flying confidently, understanding your drone, and capturing cinematic content you’re truly proud of.
Pricing — starting at 325 € (price per person, private workshop - pickup & drop-off included)p & drop-off included)
FAQs — Intensive Drone Workshop in the Azores
1. Do I need to have experience flying a drone?
No. This workshop is designed specifically for beginners.
I will guide you step-by-step, starting from the very basics and building up to smooth cinematic movements.
2. Can I join the workshop if I’m visiting São Miguel for only a few days?
Yes!
The workshop is perfect for travellers who want to learn quickly and capture amazing images during their stay.
We can schedule the 6-hour session according to your travel itinerary.
3. Is the editing part included on the same day?
No — and that’s intentional.
The editing session is online and happens after the flying day.
This allows you to practice, review your footage, and come back with real questions, making the editing session far more effective.
4. What equipment do I need?
You only need your own drone and battery set.
Any brand is welcome (DJI, Autel, etc.).
If you’re unsure whether your drone qualifies, just ask.
5. What if I’ve never used manual camera settings before?
No problem.
I break down ISO, shutter speed, white balance, frame rates and color profiles into simple, practical explanations.
You will learn exactly when and why to use each setting.
6. Where does the workshop take place?
We fly in stunning and safe locations across São Miguel Island, such as volcanic lakes, coastal cliffs and valleys.
As a local and certified guide, I select the best places depending on weather, safety, and what will help you learn faster.
7. Is it safe to fly in the Azores?
Absolutely — when you know the rules.
Before we start flying, you’ll learn all essential safety guidelines, legal requirements, no-fly zones, and drone etiquette to protect yourself, others, and your equipment.
8. What happens if the weather is bad?
We adjust.
São Miguel has fast-changing microclimates, and as a local, I know alternative spots where weather conditions tend to be more stable.
If the entire day is unsafe for flying, we reschedule at no extra cost.
9. How long is the workshop?
The in-person practical session lasts 7 hours with a 1 hour lunch break (not included)
The online editing class is held separately and usually lasts around 1 hour.
10. Is the workshop private or in group?
It is 100% private — just you (or your small group) and me.
This guarantees personalized guidance and faster progress.
11. Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, companions are allowed and very wellcome.
If they also want to learn and fly, there is a small additional fee.
12. Do you offer certification?
This is a practical, skills-focused workshop.
It does not replace the EU A1/A3 or A2 certification, but it prepares you extremely well to fly confidently and safely.
13. How do I book the workshop?
Simply click “Book Your Drone Workshop” (or the CTA you choose).
I’ll confirm availability and send the final details for your chosen date.
14. “How much does the workshop cost?”
The workshop starts at 325 € per person and includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Airbnb for your convinience. Or we can meet at a location. Final pricing may vary depending on the number of participants
