Aerial Photography

Aerial Photography -- Nolan Kresnak


In recent years there has been a drastic increase in the use of drones in photography and videography applications.  Drones are radio controlled, propeller driven vehicles that often come equipped with high definition cameras.  Once, a device that could only be operated by a skilled professional, drones have evolved into user friendly flying machines, with smaller plastic models being marketed as toys. Flight technology, GPS locating, automated flying, and camera picture quality have improved to the point that consumers now have easy access to these drones, and as a result, there has been a surge in aerial photography and videography.  Now, in 2016, it seems that most smaller productions will at least consider using a drone to capture aerial footage for use in anything from music videos to nature documentaries.  But why?  Why has drone use exploded in today's film industry?

  
Postcards from Pripyat, Chernobyl from Danny Cooke on Vimeo.

According to Lackoff and Johnson, "Having control or force is up" (15).  By releasing cameras into the sky, photographers and videographers are able to gain a greater control over their subject.  They can reveal the essence of an object, a place, or an event from previously undiscovered perspectives. Drone footage allows the viewer to see an image that is just outside of their reach.  These images exist in a realm that is usually lower than familiar helicopter footage but higher than any crane or camera jib can reach.

Lackoff and Johnson also write that "Conscious is up" (15).  These new, higher perspectives provide a deeper consciousness or awareness to the subjects.  Patterns are revealed in architecture and nature. Scale and magnitude are presented in a new way.  Seeing from these new vantage points allows humans to gain a better understanding of the world, and the world is infinitely more fascinating from the sky.