this past week peta pixel published the best drone photos of 2017. this was a entry contest with a panel of judges. There was a very strong theme running through all of the winners; the same vertical angle was used in all but one image. (vertical in land based photography describes a format or ratio while in aerial photography, it is an angle taken straight down.) and it’s a very good angle, we have galleries of stunning verticals including abstracts  but there are so many other ways to make a great aerial image.

it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and shoot the same style or subject without experimenting. we are able to create a multitude of angles mainly because we have a 2 person set up when doing drone projects; pilot and camera operator. the DJI inspire series also allows us free-camera movement so we can look out to the horizon, play with the angle of the sun, incorporate clouds and shadows and close-up abstracts. for our clients, we take a wide variety of angles. always the ones they request but often several more that are interesting to us or complete the story of the project.

for those choosing images (editors, jurors, marketers) mix it up. choose various angles, involve others in your selection process. stay out of the vertical rut….unless it’s a key shot.