I’ve had lots of questions about my drone—what model I have and what I did to learn to fly it safely—so I thought I’d share the process for anyone thinking of trying this hobby. I love photography, and aerial photos and videos add a whole new creative angle. I got the drone as a birthday present from my husband and children and I’m really grateful.
I have the DJI Mavic Mini, bought as the Combo with the Care Refresh plan. The Combo includes three batteries, propeller guards, spare propellers and screws, and a handy carry case. Despite its small size, it’s powerful: a 12MP camera that shoots 2.7K Quad HD video and a 3-axis gimbal—perfect for a beginner who wants to capture family moments.
One big advantage is its light weight: it’s about 249 g. Because it’s under 250 g, different rules apply compared with heavier drones, which makes it easier to fly in some places. I also bought DJI Care Refresh, which covers up to two replacements (including water damage) for about £34.99 a year—worth it for peace of mind.
Setup was really intuitive. The instructions explain how to connect your phone and to download the DJI Fly app. The app walks you through your first flight and has quick-access tutorials for features like Dronie and Rocket shots. I spent a couple of hours reading the FAQs and watching DJI’s videos, which helped me feel confident about using the drone.
In the UK you must have a Flyer ID to fly a drone or model aircraft, and operators need an Operator ID as well. You register on the CAA website, read the drone code, and take a 40-question multiple-choice test to get your Flyer ID—this is free. The Operator ID currently costs £9. Only certain drones require the Operator ID, depending on weight and how they’re used, so check your situation carefully. I learned that adding propeller guards can change the drone’s weight enough to affect the rules, so I made sure I understood when I needed both IDs.
Once you have your Operator ID, you must write it on the drone—either with a professional sticker or simply with a marker, which is what I did.
To avoid flying over people or houses, I usually take the drone to local fields where it’s just our family. When restrictions allow, I can also use it at the beach or on walks in places like the Peak District. I’m excited to get out more, improve my skills, and hopefully inspire others to try aerial photography.
For my first test flight I walked beyond the housing estate to a spot with few people and was over 500 metres from the houses. I flew without the prop guards so the drone stayed under 250 g. I posted the footage to Instagram and loved how it turned out.
I’ll be sharing more of my drone journey on the blog and Instagram in the photography section. If you have any questions or want to chat about drones, I’d love to hear from you on Instagram.
