I was doing some digital spring cleaning (read reviewing Lightroom and the website) and I discovered a series of photographs that sit outside of my usual street photography genre.
These related to long exposure, drone, architecture and the odd landscape.
These were my preferred shooting stills before I moved to Brighton in 2014, and decided to concentrate more on Street Photography.
I had a DJI Mavic Pro Drone, for a little over a year. I bought it for the family holiday to Florida, but inevitably, when an adult gets more joy out of the device (me) than the kids, I thought it was time to sell it to another (adult) suitor in 2018. At a cost of £1300 it was a little too steep an investment, not getting used regularly.
I do miss the drone, the unique perspective it gave, but the constant fear of losing the signal to the drone was a little unsettling. I never quite had the bravado to fly around Brighton pier, seagulls actively attack drones. Coastal wind was also a nightmare. The above shot at Beachy Downs (white cliffs), was quite scary, whilst it was a sunny day, the change in wind conditions was an issue, as it would pull the drone off course.
What I did find a comparable breeze (pardon the pun), was using the drone in the sunshine state of Florida. The near still wind conditions, meant that you could really push its capabilities.
In Florida, the challenge in some urban areas, was the signal splitters that hotels had, as they had helipads, this made them designated no drone fly zones, so if you were stupid enough to try (I wasn’t / didn’t), the drone would disconnect from the handset and fly off.
The highway shot above was taken on the overseas highway on the unforgettable drive down to Key West. Simply magnificent. I was able to get a video of the stunning vistas, which are here.
I noticed that a new model has come out, the DJI Air 2s, with a reduced price and increased functionality…………
I have always enjoyed taking long exposures, not sure why I have drifted away from this genre. I think its maybe because it is a little pastiche?
I really enjoyed the zen like relaxation in setting up the shots. The victorian lighthouse above is at Dovercourt Bay in Essex, its a splendid piece of architecture.
The shot across the River Thames at Westminster Bridge of the Houses of Parliament, is a particular favourite of mine.
Visiting Berlin in 2015, I found the only way to evidence the magnitude of the Jewish Memorial Museum, was an abstract long exposure. A spectacular piece of architecture.
Architectural photography has also inspired me, living so near to London, I am very spoilt with the diverse, exceptional buildings for consumption.
1 More Place in London, is an inspiring location, providing the snapper with plenty of abstract opportunities to picture the buildings.
The second image of Battersea Power Station, was captured a few years before the development works have transformed the site.
The seaside rugged coastline, was taken in Cornwall, breathtaking landscapes. I must get back to Cornwall soon.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the Gondolas are from Oxford, at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.
Anyway after consideration, I have decided to offer a selection of the above images for sale at my Etsy shop, if any of these take you fancy, you can review the listings.
Until next time, keep snapping.
A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.