landscape & outdoor photographer
Slow motion video of running water shot at 240fps on the DJI Mavic Air 2. DJI’s latest drone is packed full of new and exciting features, not least slow notion video at 120fps and 240fps at 1080p. The effect is impressive and adds a new dimension to aerial videography.
One of my drone landscape images was used on the cover of the 13 February issue of Photography Week magazine. The cover illustrates an article inside I created covering essential information and techniques for photographers considering adding drones to their photography. The image was taken in the Lake District in early autumn as the foliage on trees began to turn which created an interesting patchwork of colour when shot from above. See below for the original image and a larger version of the cover.
The Mavic 2 Zoom is a consumer-level drone featuring an optical zoom lens with a full-frame/35mm equivalent focal range of 24-48mm. The sensor itself is smaller sensor than that of the Mavic 2 Pro, but this means that aerial photographers can get closer to their subjects safety and legally while maintaining the minimum required separation from people and buildings. See below for example images shot on the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom.
A flyover of the largest island on Rydal Water in the Lake District shot on a DJI Mavic 2 Pro on a misty autumn morning. The video, which is a single 30 second shot is longer than most footage of its type but it works because the result almost looks like a moving still image where more interest is revealed the longer you watch it. Scroll down to view the video.
Drone photography is something I’ve shied away from until this year when I was first loaned a DJI Mavic air from DJI, and then bought my own drone – a DJI Mavic 2 Pro. So, in April this year, I completed the two-day PfCO course with Pro Drone Academy in Ely, which I’m happy to say I passed. And after applying for my Permissions for Commercial Operations from the Civil Aviation Authority, I received my PfCO at the end of May. I’m now a CAA approved drone pilot, so in addition to my standard photography services I can now provide aerial stills and video to clients.
Finding the best hard case for your Mavic 2 Pro or Mavic 2 Zoom can be something of a minefield. Despite there being many options out there ranging from dedicated cases with cut outs specifically for the drone and other accessories, to more general hard cases with a padded insert that can securely hold a much wider variety of kit, the big question is which is best for you?