Desert Aerial Abstract Photography

ANGLES AND COMPOSITION

The single most important element of a great fine art image to me is the composition. It does not matter how sharp the image is or how well you can bring the image to life in post-processing if the image is boring and poorly composed. For that reason, when I am out in the field to capture an image, I try several different compositions and tweak the composition to my liking in a myriad of different ways. Sometimes I get low to the ground, sometimes I raise the tripod to maximum height, albeit not that often with the latter.

So needless to say, when I discovered that there were flying cameras with the ability to produce an even wider array of compositions with top end quality and sharpness, I immediately wanted to acquire a drone!

Drones provide landscape photographers with the ability to capture perspectives and compositions that are otherwise difficult to achieve from ground level, such as aerial and elevated shots. They facilitate access to remote or hard-to-reach areas, allowing for a wider range of photographic opportunities.

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES

Getting A Bird's-eye view from straight overhead.

Mounds of Color (2023) The striking painted red hills located in a remote wilderness area of northwestern New Mexico offer a unique and captivating overhead perspective, showcasing the vivid color and intricate texture of this truly breathtaking landscape.

Drones can record landscapes from directly above, highlighting patterns, textures, and shapes that are not seen from the ground. The canyons and magnificent hills, spires and cacti of the southwest look completely different when you staring straight down at them. The same holds true with forests and valleys, as treetops, rivers and streams a lot of times provide exceptional abstracts from directly overhead that you are unable to capture from ground level.

Elevated Views Provide Endless Opportunities.

Rise (2024) Sunrise exposes the rugged landscape of the badlands of southern Utah as they stretch toward Factory Butte.

Drones enable photographers to take images from higher vantage points, offering additional depth and context. This is especially true in the deserts and in places such as the vast aspen forests of southwestern Colorado. These perspectives allow a wider array of elevations, providing exceptional options for angles and creative looks.

Ripples of Time (2024) The badlands of southern Utah, when viewed from above, reveal intricate abstractions and striking patterns offering a glimpse into the ancient natural forces that shaped this alien-like landscape.

Remote and Inaccessible Areas:

Drones can traverse challenging terrain, hover over water, and reach high altitudes, making it possible to photograph locations that are otherwise difficult to access. Drones can also overcome obstructions such as trees, buildings or other structures, providing clear and more expansive views of the landscape. The creative options again are endless.

Sonoran Fire (2024) The setting sun casts a fiery glow on the Superstition Mountains amidst a dramatic sunset sky.

Conclusion:

If you are inspired to try aerial photography with a drone, I encourage you to look into options that provide a suitable camera to deliver sharp and quality photos. I still have a Mavic Pro 2 from DJI that I use extensively. It has a built-in Hasselblad camera that captures exceptional images.

The better options are typically going to require a larger investment, but think of it in those terms: an investment. Once you learn the fundamentals of operating the drone and its capabilities, you will be glad you made the investment!

Cracks In The Surface (2024) The badlands of southern Utah, when viewed from above, showcase striking textures and contours reminiscent of the surface of an alien planet.