Vitarė Vaišnoraitė (you might know her as Vee FPV) is a Lithuanian FPV drone pilot and competitive drone racer based in Vilnius. She studied graphic design in college, and now her work has built a reputation for its immersive, high-energy aerial cinematography.
Her portfolio spans massive live arena concerts (including Armin van Buuren, SEL and other known local artists), high-concept image videos for the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and athletic events. A former member of the Lithuanian national team at the World Drone Racing Championship, Vitarė balances the technical discipline of race-level flight with the artistic eye of a visual storyteller.
Check out one of her recent videos here:
She also does drone racing commentary, organizes drone race events, broadcasts with drones and offers drone training (she’s even done training for the military). We connected online, where we chatted about her experience and what she’s looking forward to next.
Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Do you know an awesome drone girl I should profile? Contact me here.
The Drone Girl: How does your background in visual art and motion design influence the way you frame shots and plan flight paths in the air?
Vitarė Vaišnoraitė: I believe the basics of composition lessons helps to understand how to properly frame a shot. But I believe most of the stuff is inspired by the others on social media and from my past hobby of inline skating and filming.
TDG: What advice do you have for aspiring pilots who want to build muscle memory without destroying their gear early on?
VV: My opinion is the same as all of the other pilots would say – a proper controller + simulator = many hours of practice in the game. Later, fly a lot with Tiny Whoops. From there, it’s a must to get into drone racing or finding the favorite style in freestyle.
TDG: You’ve flown FPV for massive arena shows and outdoor festival crowds. How do you handle the unique challenges of flying around live production lighting, signal interference, and massive crowds while staying safe?
VV: Many many practices, lessons and conclusions from each flight. All details should be considered, from special effects like pyro, to the position for safe take-off and landing. Of course, not forgetting the proper camera settings, backup gear and a spotter.
TDG: I also imagine shooting a sports event is completely different from filming an elegant promo for the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. How do you adjust your flight style, setup, and pacing when moving between high-speed action and fine art?
VV: I listen to the client request, suggest my options and if we’re good to go – we work together. Some projects are not worth doing because sometimes it’s not a drone job. Having various drones helps to choose the best option for each situation. That’s why I bring several drones for different filmings.
TDG: And if it is a drone job?
VV: Every shoot requires creativity, so if they say they need drone shots, well, I don’t do basic ‘drone shots’. I deliver a feeling.
TDG: The fact that you don’t do basic shots is why everyone loves you!
VV: My clients must trust me and my style. If they don’t — as I won’t fake shots that aren’t my style — then the client better look for another person who will do the basic stuff.
TDG: How would you describe your filming style?
VV: My background in drone racing and freestyle inspires my filming style. Some movements I manage to do are mindblowing even for myself, but it’s a personal style and the reason companies hire me.
TDG: What type of gigs are your favorite?
VV: I love the most unique and creative projects. That’s what I’m looking for.
TDG: And how do you land these gigs?
VV: Previously I tried to email, it took too much effort and very little result.
Later on I just did what I liked the most – just being myself and looking for my style. From there, all of these gigs just landed at me by the recommendations. It’s not easy though, I still look for opportunities and worry about ‘what’s next?’.
TDG: Ah, the classic ‘be yourself’ advice. But it’s true!
VV: It sounds easy, but it’s a pure work I did for four years almost every day.
TDG: Right, there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes. It takes time (as you mentioned four years of commercial flying) and you have to do a lot of work to promote yourself.
VV: Self promoting is just like being a salesperson in any company. As a freelance drone pilot, I have to do everything – promote myself, sell myself, be myself, edit, film, fix my drones, connect to the clients, choose the best locations and setups. I’ve had so many experiences, from crashes, fails and stand-ups.
TDG: I love how you shed light on how it’s not easy. Everyone wants the easy route, but that’s not where true success is!
VV: I just don’t know what else I can do other than this. It’s my whole life. It’s my hobby and my work, and it all gives me the ability to eat and sleep safe.
TDG: As one of the most prominent female FPV pilots in Eastern Europe, what changes or growth do you hope to see in the drone industry over the next few years?
VV: I think that some people still don’t trust girls who work in this industry, but I’m not sure if it is like this. I heard a lot of rumors that I get a lot of reach just because I am a girl, but I believe it’s not true.
TDG: Hey, I also think I stand out from the crowd purely by having “girl” in my name. It’s a name that stands out from all the other drone companies that have some derivation of “sky” in their name but all end up sounding so similar.
VV: But the thing is that I don’t need to show my naked body to get this attention. So I’m in here together with the boys and trying to survive like the rest of us – The drone pilots.
TDG: Right, and I think that just goes back to being yourself!
VV: Another thing I just hope is that professional pilots get more reach by their specific polished skills. And by saying ‘professionals’ doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly – fly, edit, film, colorgrade, audio fx, tune the drone and do it all perfectly. I really recommend to each of the pilots to find a niche and deep dive in it!
TDG: Hey, well, you do! And that’s why you’re such a star. You do it all!
Follow Vitarė Vaišnoraitė on Instagram, YouTube or Facebook, or check out her portfolio. Get in touch with her here.
Do you know an awesome drone girl I should profile? Contact me here.
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