Dronescape
In my previous project Upstream I explored some of the upper reaches of Cornish rivers and creeks by kayak, intrigued by spaces that are often hidden from view and inaccessible by road or on foot. My continuing desire to find new viewpoints has led to the acquisition of a drone and the development of a new body of work based around drone photography.
Drone-based imaging offers entirely new perspectives on place. The long history of landscape photography has provided every conceivable viewpoint and compositional variation that can be captured from the ground. We are also familiar with aerial photography, typically taken from at least 1000 feet and satellite imaging taken from space. Drone photography, captured from low altitude with the ability to fly through environments inaccessible to aircraft or helicopters, exists in a previously inaccessible space. No other imaging device is capable of taking such pictures, offering exciting creative possibilities and the potential to further expand the language of photography.
In its early stages this initial body of work has been based around following the courses of the East and West Looe rivers. Having explored these environments from the water I have been interested to revisit them from the air - studying forms, textures, colours, the topography of the land and the development of habitation as the rivers lead to the sea. I have an interest in visual aesthetics and the beauty of the landscape and wish to explore how drone photography might offer new perspectives on the Romantic notions of the picturesque.
The images were taken using a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone fitted with a FC300X camera. The fixed aperture and small sensor size, equivalent to a mobile phone camera, limits the resolution of the imagery, but provides some insight into the potential of the new medium. Post-production on the raw files is limited to basic exposure, contrast and colour correction, revealing the true colours of the landscape and the qualities of the light.
