1. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, information representing a selected pattern comprising a plurality of points, the points representing positions that define a bounded volumetric shape in a three dimensional space, the shape having a subject therewithin; positioning, by the processor, at least one of a plurality of moveable, controllable, flying vehicles at each of the plurality of points in the selected pattern in the space proximate to the subject, each of the plurality of vehicles comprising a lighting component and at least a selected number of the vehicles comprising an imaging component and being positioned relative to the subject while at the points in the selected pattern; selectively activating, by the processor, at least one subset of the lighting components of the moveable vehicles at the points of the selected pattern to form a light stage by emitting light, the emitted light illuminating the subject within the shape; and collecting, by the processor, imaging data from the illuminated subject from imaging components of selected ones of the plurality of moveable vehicles during the emission of light.