What PatR says is good. But don't let all this put you off...just keep all this info in mind when you are doing your flight. For example, if you are a pilot that looks to land at 14.4v, then when doing a negative altitude flight think 14.6v or better. Keep it a bit closer to you. Start with the low stuff early in the flight and return it to 'normal' altitude as soon as you've got what you want (don't hang around for that extra minute of video footage, you can get that on your next battery).
I've done lots of negative altitude flights. Best to use more batteries than look to get that bit extra out of an individual battery. I think there is another thread current about negative altitude flights. Take a look at that and the issue of perspective: It is harder to judge distances from above...you may be closer to the ground than you realize so think about taking a spotter with you.
More importantly, if you doubt your ability to conduct a negative altitude flight then don't rush it: have a practice from a small hill over land that you have assessed by walking it.