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I bought a drone… I know, those annoying buzzy things that plague the skies of every beauty spot, and here I am adding to the problem! I’m hoping I won’t annoy too many people though, as I’m far too embarrassed to fly a drone where people can hear it. So I’ll keep it for quiet places or moments (which suits my photograph anyway).
But why now? Nearly all drones have had one big problem, for me at least, and that’s the focal length. The norm seems to be a focal length in the order of 24mm, and whilst I don’t have a problem with wide-angle views, they aren’t my primary focal length, and when I do take views from a distance, like with a drone, I’m predominantly using a mid to long focal length.
But this is where things have recently changed. Just like the way phones have an increasing number of lenses (well, actually cameras), the new Mavic 3 Pro now has a gimbal with three focal length options. And, unlike phones, these tend to the longer focal lengths instead of wider ones.
The main lens has the usual very high quality 24mm, but the drone now has a pretty good quality 70mm and a quite reasonable quality 166mm. For me, this ups the drone from a single trick pony to something I can see myself getting creative with.
It has yet to arrive, but I’ll be documenting my efforts using it over the next few weeks.
Tim Parkin
Issue 279
Click here to download issue 279 (high quality, 125Mb) Click here to download issue 279 (smaller download, 62Mb) more
End frame: Dancing in the Moonlight by Wim Vooijs
While they are not mirror images, they are beautifully balanced. The reflection is like an echo of the moon. more
Theo Bosboom – Back to Iceland
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Jim Becia – Portrait of a Photographer
I think my main takeaway from studying Jim’s work and his approach to making images is that we should all give ourselves permission to focus on things that bring us joy instead of chasing what has become popular. more
Landscape Narratives
‘Landscape Narratives’ is a series of visual conversations taking place between colour, shape and texture. All three of these elements can be found in landscapes from the broad flatlands or rolling gentle hills to mountainous regions and anywhere in between. more
Michael Faint
The light is utterly absorbing, especially the late evening light of autumn and spring, and never ceases to amaze. In recognition, I titled my website An Solas Òir, ‘The Golden Light’ in Gaelic. more
No more rose-coloured glasses, but still a love affair
I think it is safe to say that Iceland changed my life, both professionally and personally. The possibility to go to Iceland more frequently played a big role in my decision to quit my job as a lawyer and to become a fully time professional photographer in 2013. more
In a Different Light
In the dark, on your own, in the dead of night, trying to transform the darkness into light. Trying to become sensitised again, to my imagery, to the landscape. more