Photography has evolved rapidly with technological advancements, and one of its most transformative areas is aerial photography. Freelance photographer James Roh, based in Utah, exemplifies the modern approach to capturing the vast and enduring landscapes of the American West. In a recent assignment for The Washington Post, Roh had to document Utah’s sprawling public lands, a task that required more than the traditional methods he once relied on.
“Earlier in my career, before drones, I would hunt for elevated viewpoints like hills and buildings to get the right perspective,” Roh explains. “Now, with drones and small aircraft, I can quickly capture panoramic scenes. It’s particularly useful for environmental stories that focus on landscape details.”
The Regulatory Landscape: Drone Licensing
To operate drones commercially,摄影师s must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, this is known as the FAA Part 107 certificate, which outlines the necessary regulations and safety protocols.
Roh provides insight into this process: “The test itself costs around $200, but the real investment is in the time spent preparing. The exam is extensive and requires knowledge of navigation charts and flight regulations.” His advice is to invest in a comprehensive online course to thoroughly understand the material.
The Part 107 certification serves as a testament to the photographer’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Roh, who frequently works in remote and challenging environments, prefers drones that are lightweight and compact. His current choice is the DJI Air 2S, valued for its balance of image quality, portability, and ease of packing.
“I’m planning to upgrade to a model with dual lenses to capture multiple angles and compress imagery effectively,” he notes.
For aerial photography from small planes, Roh opts for a Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S lens mounted on a Nikon Z8. This versatile lens allows him to transition effortlessly between wide landscapes and detailed close-ups.
The Limitations of Drones
While drones offer unprecedented access to previously inaccessible vistas, they have operational restrictions. Drones with built-in cameras are typically limited to flying within 400 feet above ground level. This height restriction often requires the use of small planes or helicopters to capture broader perspectives.
“Sometimes, even wide-angle lenses on drones aren’t sufficient to encompass the full landscape,” Roh says. “For those big-picture shots, you need a plane or a helicopter.”
Leveraging Lighting Conditions
The quality of aerial imagery is significantly influenced by lighting. Roh has discovered that harsh overhead lighting can sometimes aid in drone photography, creating dramatic effects that are not possible on the ground.
“For aerials, it takes a bit of experimentation to find the right light,” Roh says. “Sunlight, for instance, can cast strong shadows that add depth and texture to the landscape.”
When working from within an aircraft, Roh must also contend with reflections and distortions from the airplane’s windows. Testing different lighting conditions and adjusting positions can help mitigate these issues.
