Today we have a great interview with the Best Drone Photographer of 2019, Konrad Paruch (Instagram: thedronelad) by the British Photography Awards. This talented photographer travels all over the world to take stunning drone photos.
Read more about his experiences as a aerial photographer, which photographers inspired him and the gear he is using.
Photography gear
– DJI Phantom 4 Pro with FOV 84°, 8.8mm f/2.8 – f/11
– DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad FOV 77° f/2.8–f/11
– Sony a7R III with Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Photography accessories
– ND filters with polarizers (PolarPro)
– DJI Ronin S handheld gimbal.
Post-processing software
– Lightroom and in some cases Photoshop
Can you tell a bit more yourself and how you started with photography?
My photography career started about a 3 years ago when I bought my first drone (DJI Phantom 3 Pro). As someone who is an early adopter of a new technology, I bought the drone purely out of excitement to fly a quadcopter rather than for any other reason, once I mastered the piloting aspect of the drone, I turned my attention to the photography aspect. This has quickly turned from a light hobby into sheer passion and something I started to dedicate majority of my time to.
You like cityscape photography, when did you figure out cityscape photography was the type of photography you like most?
I would say as soon as I figured out the fact that you can find so much awesome symmetry and geometry in the city, I found it very appealing and rewarding to shoot cityscapes.
What is the most difficult part of cityscape photography for you?
I don’t really find it too difficult, I would say that timing is very important, i.e. if you don’t want people in your shots, pick a good time of the day. Also, when it comes to aerial photography in the city, different restrictions apply which may make it hard or impossible for me to shoot the desired subject.
How do you find out about the local rules of flying a drone?
I research local civil aviation laws/restrictions prior to visiting the location I intend to fly at.
Do you also fly without permission or do you always apply for a permit?
90% of locations where I fly do not require permissions so it’s all about following the local rules. On rare occasion I found myself applying for a permission to fly. In some places like Switzerland it can be as easy as making a phone call.
Through the years every photographer is learning. Which photography tip/insight was most valuable for you?
It may sound very basic (though some of the aspiring photographers will sure find it useful), I will have to say, shooting in the right light, ideally golden hour whether it’s sunrise or a sunset. Ensuring I shoot at those times of the day helped take my photography to another level.
Is there something you want learn more about so you can improve your photos?
Oh definitely, we learn all the time, one of my near term learning focuses is applying a slightly more consistent look and feel to my photos.
Research is often named as a very important part to take great photos. Can you describe your way of finding nice locations?
As an aerial photographer I like to showcase how things look from above, I spend hours on Google Satellite researching spots and locations, I also work with other photographers and we share locations with each other.
Do you have a favorite location to shoot?
Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt it has to be Hong Kong, it’s a dream city for any kind of photographer.
Can you describe your style of photography / post-processing?
The main objective in my photography is to showcase my subjects from a unique angle ideally never seen before. I focus on 3 key things once I have identified my subject, namely, light, colour and composition. Symmetry and geometry also play a big role in defining my style. In post processing I try to express my shots with vibrance of colours as well as framing that catch the eye of the viewer.
Can you name one or more photographers that inspired you most?
Certainly, people like JP & Mike of @abstractaerialart, Demas Rusli @demas, Bachir Moukarzel @bachir_photo_phactory and many others have been a huge inspiration to me.
Follow the thedronelad at Instagram and enjoy his photos
Don’t forget to follow @thedronelad so you can see his latest work.
Hi Mark,
The article was very interesting. I find it very much helpful and useful for photographers. Thanks for sharing this experience.