Page 15 - Australian Photography Dec 2020

STRAIGHT SHOOTER
objects to act as a point of reference as well – for example, a tiny boat floating in the ocean surrounded by blue can look very dramatic.
One of my first flights with the new toy was from my backyard at Hervey Bay to capture the images you see here. I cannot fly to the left as it is an airport zone, which the app warns you about. But straight out from my place just happens to be one of my favourite fishing locations. I sent it out at 60m altitude about 2km offshore. Wow! In my boat the view is great, but the bird’s eye view is so different. I did not realise the patterns were there and I could also see turtles, sharks and so much more – all things that would be hard to spot from ground level.
Some days I do not think of the drone. Then I suddenly get an idea, or see an opportunity. After doing my check list, the drone is out and the photo adventure begins. I’m already inspiring myself to fly this afternoon. Can’t wait! ❂
OPPOSITE: This is from the first group of images I shot
with my new Mavic Air 2. At a height of about 80m, I angled the camera down and saw this stunning mix of tones and patterns. I apply the same principles as per my regular photography by visualising the result, rather than just snapping away, and it instantly came to me as a strong B&W image. In Lightroom, I converted to a high contrast B&W, and increased the Contrast, Texture and added a lttle Clarity. Finally, I added Graduated Filters (on an angle) so as to bring the viewer’s eyes to the key patterns in the image. DJI Mavic 2, 24mm f/2.8 lens. 1/50s @ f2.8, ISO 100.
ABOVE: Using auto exposure, I manually moved the drone to shoot three images I could stitch together. Many drones offer auto panorama and stitching, but most only offer the result as a JPEG. By manually shooting for a panorama, I can retain my RAW files for the best quality. From there, Lightroom easily stitches the files together for a RAW panorama. I then processed this file and added Dehaze. This filter was made especially for this use and can give a polarised- type look without using such a filter on the lens. DJI Mavic 2, 24mm f/2.8 lens. 1/730s @ f2.8, ISO 100.
DARRAN LEAL
Darran has been teaching photography since 1981. His company, World Photo Adventures, takes small groups
of photographers on
professionally guided photo tours around the world, including a once-a-year trip with AP in 2021. More
info: worldphotoadventures.com.au
| 15 | DECEMBER 2020 | AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY.COM